Through their eyes
By Christine Foster

Working with animals can be one of the most personally satisfying and rewarding ways of spending time, but there is an ironic side to these good feelings. The truth is that many people in the larger community view animal care and rescue quite differently from those “on the inside.” Shelters are often hidden away in out-of-sight or marginal areas of town. They are often thought of as mere lock-ups for undesirable or emotionally damaged creatures. Some people applaud the work but think it unbearably sad. (“I could never do what you do…I love animals too much” is a frequent response.) Although many are becoming more aware of the importance of animals in our lives, some still dismiss work done for needy animals as being of far less importance than work done for needy people. 

Yet when a new story runs about a long-lost dog finally reunited with her owner, or an animal rescuing a drowning child, or a cat alerting a family to a fire, or making it across the sea in a locked container from Hong Kong and miraculously living to tell the tale, everyone grins and feels, well…good. Just like we do watching similar wonderful animals heal and thrive…every day. 

One such sweet and now thriving creature is Gwyn. He is a slender, white, young adult dog who has known some hard times. One of his legs was broken—probably many months ago—and never received medical attention. It eventually healed by itself and is causing no pain, but Gwyn will never be able to put much weight on it.

Still, he is a dog of great spirit and great heart. He walks on a leash and can run and play with the others. He is our “Tiny Tim,” full of good cheer and not an ounce of self-pity.

We still have lots of kittens, and some amazing adult cats who would fit into almost any lifestyle. Ask one of our cat volunteers to describe their diverse personalities and be prepared to be surprised. There are cuddlers and sophisticates, wallflowers and great soccer players, as well as those who prefer to be appreciated for their more decorative aspects. Some would like to hunt, others, are happy to relax—and help you relax—and spend their time in the sun.

 Come and meet our feline family. We have every color and temperament you can imagine, including beautiful Siamese mixes like the one pictured here. All adults are neutered, vaccinated and ready to become healthy, loving life companions.

A visit to the SPA may come as a surprise, too—a well-kept, clean and welcoming place, a sanctuary, a place of hope, and getting better by the day. We are open for adoptions and volunteers on weekdays 11am–2pm. A donation of 250 pesos for cats and 300 pesos for dogs is requested for adoption and includes sterilization. We are located at Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación. Call 152-6124 or vistit www.spasanmiguel.org to learn more about us and about how to sponsor or adopt an animal.