Spa -San Miguel

¡Ayúdeme!

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales (SPA) is the only animal shelter in San Miguel de Allende. It houses up to one hundred animals and is staffed 24/7. The shelter is self funded and relies on donations and income from the low cost veterinary clinic within.
During my first week in San Miguel I had a serendipitous event.
Kathi, a volunteer at SPA was my neighbour. At the time Kathi was fostering a puppy named Mercedez (Miche). Part of the fostering program requires the pet to be brought to SPA for vaccinations and regular check ups. Miche was due for some shots so we went to SPA and I was given a tour.

We left Miche in the capable hands of Dr.Vanessa and began our tour.

.
The first stop on the tour was a lesson for me.
Workers and volunteers are trained that when they approach a cage they are to ignore the dogs until they sit and remain quiet.
This "good" behaviour is reinforced with a treat reward.
This training is done so that when a prospective adopter approaches a cage the dogs are not all barking and jumping.
No doubt you have been a witness to "crazy" dogs in shelters.

SPA has the capacity for about 100 animals.
Above you will see some of the older kennels.
These are at a low end of the property which poses a problem during heavy rains.
New kennels, as in the photo of Kathi with the two dogs, will soon be the facility standard.

This is a no kill facility. No animal in SPA's care will be killed for lack of a speedy adoption.
This policy has saved the life of Silky. She has been at the facility for over four years.
No one can quite figure out why she has not been adopted.
It sure would be great if some of you in San Miguel could consider Silky as a new companion.


One of the great stress relievers for the "inmates" is the new dog park that has been opened as part of the facility.

Improvements at SPA are ongoing.
Every animal gets the greatest of care.
Every animals is spayed/neutered before adoption.
Help contribute to the betterment of San Miguel's furry denizens.

¡Help Me!

Blessings

Upon our arrival in San Miguel de Allende we discovered a few events that were of much interest.

On January 17th, St.Anthony the Abbot Day, the blessing of the animals was held.

This event took place at a few locations around town. We attended the fourth annual “Blessing of the Poodles” held in front of the Oratorio de San Felipe Nari.

Locals and “Gringos” waited patiently for the event to begin.

Despite the event being called “Blessing of the Poodles” critters of all sort were brought forward.

Some of which were less than impressed with the goings on. Check out this little feline.

The Padre and his crew waited until all that wanted to be part of this blessed event came forward before calling it a day.

This day also allowed us to make some new friend.

Big or small ...

... share some love.

Austin "Pets Alive"

During our drive south we took the opportunity to visit with friends.
Jayne, whom we met recently on a trip to Morocco, took us in for a night. To Skeeter’s amazement we spent that night in the company of cats that Jane fosters. I must say the cats handled this socialization much better than Skeeter.

For a number of years Jayne has be working with “Austin Pets Alive !” (APA!).
In providing foster care Jayne is assisting APA! in it's goal of making Austin TX a no kill city.

Austin has a unique trailer culture. It seems there is an over abundance of Airstreams.
Some of these have been converted, in many cases, into eateries.
Other even "mobile" vet clinics and welfare shelter / adoption centers.


Pets Alive has a spay / neuter / clinic trailer in the parking lot of an
Austin's Pizza.Pets alive also has a trailer located at Gibson and South Congress.
This location is know as the Baby Bottle Trailer. In addition to feeding puppies and kittens
this location serves as an adoption center.


In the Austin trailer tradition this location is shared with
Crepes Mille.

So, if you find yourself in Austin Texas drop by one of the Pets Alive locations and help the cause.
If you can't make it to Austin you can make a donation online.

Skeeter's Got Bling ....

... and is headin' for the border !!!

All shot up and certified free of parasites.

Only 3522 kms to go.

Rafael Oliver Diaz

As we enter this new year I would like to reflect upon a loss in the previous.

If you have visited the Spanky Project website you most likely have read about my first encounter with

Rafael Oliver Diaz.

Oliver was born in Havana, May 20th, 1915. As an Agricultural Engineer he held different positions in that field until his retirement. Oliver was also a professor at the University of Havana, where he taught Biological Sciences and microbiology.

Rafael Oliver Diaz was founder of the Cuban Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (ANIPLANT). On the 19th of February, 1987 the group was formed with the aim to protect animals and plants.

Plans are in the works for a fitting memorial marker to be located at Oliver's place of rest, which is the Colon Cemetery in Havana.

Goodbye dear friend.
I'm sure you had a warm welcome at the Rainbow Bridge.

The announcement of Oliver's passing was reported September 2nd by
Radio Guantanamo.

It's better to give ...

Having been a rescue myself I know what it's like to be held in a shelter.
We count the hours, days and even months until someone -- hopefully-- comes to take us home.
With hope we wait.

What can help pass the time is a new toy.
I know!!
Especially if I can help it make lots of noise.

Recently my pack went through the closet and to our surprise (not) there was an abundance of brand new toys ...
some of which could make a joyous noise.

Knowing that my shelter friends would appreciate these, we went for a drive.
After all, how many toys does one mutt need?

The
Quinte Humane Society
was our destination.
Located in Belleville, Ontario, this is the shelter from where my pack adopted Spanky.

My Mom made the delivery for me.


I would have done it myself but there was an outbreak of kennel cough.
It was best I stay in the car as I have a big road trip coming up.
MEXICO !!!!

As the new year approaches extend a paw and aid your local furry friends.

by
Ms. Skeeter Mudhen

Cycle 4 Strays

A few months ago I was contacted by a gentleman named Davide Ulivieri of
Cycle 4 Strays.
Davide was interested in the work of the Spanky Project in Cuba.

Cycle 4 Strays Mission Statement:
A non competitive fund raising event, Cycle 4 Strays is dedicated to advancing the rights of homeless companion animals in developing nations.
By pedaling with no support vehicles, we wish to duplicate the hardships that strays experience on a daily basis throughout their lives, educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the need to be compassionate towards unwanted animals.
Our outreach programs refute violent methods of dog and cat population control, promoting spay and neuter instead as the only viable, long term solution to the tragedy of homeless pets.

The idea of Cycle4Strays was spawned in early 2009.
Click hear to read of the genesis.

Upon further discussion Davide asked if there would be interest in a Cycle4Strays event being held in Cuba. More on this later.

In January 2010 Davide will be cycling from Kanab,Utah to San Jose, Costa Rica in support of the McKee Project and our furry friends.
Read about 2010 ride.

I urge you to support Davide on his ride in support of our furry friends and the
McKee Foundation.

Donations are accepted at First Giving.