S.P.A. Dog Training Program

The S.P.A. facility in San Miguel de Allende conducts a wonderful training program - the brainchild of Kathi Hamblet.
-Kathi doles out the chicken bits-

S.P.A. TRAINING PROGRAM - PROGRAMA DE ENTRENAMIENTO

During these sessions, led by Tomas, the students learn training methods.
The shelter's dogs learn proper behaviour and socialization. This helps the dogs become more adoptable.

On this day a youthful group were completing a twelve week course of dog training. Usually restricted to students between 13 and 18 years this special session was held due to the overwhelming enthusiasm on the part of those registered.

For complete details on the S.P.A. TRAINING PROGRAM
- PROGRAMA DE ENTRENAMIENTO-
and how you can sponsor a student..
CLICK HERE.

The final task each session is to walk the cages.
This is an exercise of immense value.
All staff and volunteers are trained that when approaching a kennel to ignore the dog unless they sit and remain quiet.This is to reinforce behaviour that will work in the dog's favour
when any potential new caregiver comes to visits.

Good dog !!

Community outreach ...

On Tuesdays at 5:00 pm locals gather for an open training session in Parque Juarez.
Drop by and say "hola".

This is an excellent opportunity to meet Tomas and become familiar with his training methods... ... just like Skeeter did.

We had a stray, with a bout of mange, drop by to improve his people skills.

If you would like a consult...
email Tomas

Cycle4Strays - Mexico

Here he goes again !!!

Davide departed the Best Friends sanctuary on January 26.
His journey will take him from Kanab, Utah (departure video) to Costa Rica where he will be greeted by the McKee Project.

The stars truly aligned for this meet. With Davide cycling through Mexico and us being in Patzcuaro for the month of February - Morelia was only 57km (35miles).

This was the first time Davide and I have met.
We have been in email contact regarding a cooperative effort - putting a Cycle4Stray Ride together in Cuba.

This initial meeting was great.
The dogs of the world have a true advocate in Davide and his work.
Mexican animal welfare groups will benefit with increased publicity as a result of this ride.
The fact that Aliac (Archivio Latinoamericano de Identificacion Animal) requested he remain in Guadalajara for several days is a testament to the interest this ride is garnering.

After conspiring on some canine adventures and enjoying espressos and tea we hit the streets.
We took Davide to visit a mobile/stationary spay neuter clinic located in Plaza del Carmen near the Museo de la Mascara.

Our timing was poor as it had closed for the day.
I look forward to providing more info on this outreach program.

Davide hit the road this morning for Mexico City.
Looks like there will be quite a reception upon arrival.

Follow the ride on..
TWITTER

Buen Viaje Davide.

This program is Skeeter approved!
DONATE !

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.