The month that was - Lynn Weisberg , General Director

S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S P A G E 1

October, 2014

Paws & Claws

Adoptions

September saw us put another good performance together with our “shelter-mates” - 14 adop-tions isn’t too shabby! Though we’re not resting on our laurels. Plus we strutted our stuff — well others also joined in at Z Club. We kept our presence up front and center at the Organic Market, Plaza Civica etc—you can’t say that we’re not trying.

Dogs Cats

Sep 9 5

YTD 61 92

September brought the usual Independence Day festivities to San

Miguel, and the S.P.A. added to that with our own fabulous party at Z

Club.

We had a great turnout and the evening was a blast, with incredible

performances by Gravity Works, a rockin’ fashion show by Darla

with models posing and strutting down the runway, some terrific raf-

fle prizes, and a crowd that started dancing before dessert! It was

great fun and the setting was gorgeous and simply perfect for this

event.

Many thanks to Darla (of Darla’s clothing shop), and all of her mod-

els, Ann King (Z club owner) and Angel, her manager, Nisha

(Gravity Works) and her troupe, all of the volunteers who helped put

this together and sold tickets. A special thanks to Barbara Laden who

jumped in and did a bit of everything, from selling tickets to sewing

curtains, and keeping everyone from becoming nervous wrecks!

We are delighted that two of our dogs, one fairly new puppy and one

dog that has been with us 2012 are traveling far and wide to new

homes this month!

The puppy is going to Orcas Island, off the coast of Seattle, and Jake,

a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is going to beautiful Blue Mountains,

Ontario. The latter is a four seasons resort area, and I may just have to

make home visits to check on them!

Lynn

What’s inside...

Page 1 - Now that was one heck of

a busy month...

Pages 2 & 3 - The latest on some

of our four-leggeds during the

month...

Pages 4 and 5 - did we see YOU

there??

Page 6 - Dr Rox gives us some-

thing to think about...

Page 7 - get inspired and come

lend a gentle hand...

Page 8 and beyond - is ALL too

good NOT to be read.

Los Pinos 7, Colonia Linda Vista

San Miguel de Allende,

Gto Mexico 37700

Ph; 415.152.6124

www: www.spasanmiguel.org

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/spasanmiguel

US Mailing address:

S.P.A., PMB No. 18

220 N. Zapata Hwy. #11,

Laredo, Texas

78043-4464 U.S.A.

Clinic/Office Hours:

Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am - 3pm

Tue, Sat (Discount Days) 9am - 4pm

Adoptions, Visits, Volunteers Hours:

Mon - Sat 11am - 2pm

S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S P a g e 2

Dogs of the Month - two pets very much in harmony!

Dog Adoption for September - a fast learner in her new home!

“Sonny” and “Cher”

by Lynn Weisberg photos by Harry Burrus

Brother/sister Sonny and Cher arrived at the S.P.A. in February, 2014 at 2 months

of age. Medium-sized and still growing, they are stunning German Short-Haired

Pointer mixes.

Cher, with a slightly longer coat than her brother’s, is playful, inquisitive, friendly

and eager for exercise.

Sonny is a bit shyer and takes a while to get to know new people, but then

becomes a devoted friend.

These dogs need exercise and like to be taught new things. Both are smart, get

along well with other dogs, and would be excellent family pets. They are good

with children, but since they are strong, especially Sonny, older kids would be

best.

Adopt (350 pesos) any of these Pets of the Month during October and receive a free adoption kit. Preview all our

available animals at www.spasanmiguel.org and meet them at Los Pinos #7, 152-6124, Monday-Saturday be-

tween 11 and 2. Comment on our Facebook page w.facebook.com/spasanmiguel

and enjoy our success stories albums.

“Canela” Story by Lynn Weisberg

photo by Harry Burrus

We have a very special lady as our “adoption of the month” dog this month- !

Canela is an older dog, with arthritis and a hernia, and she has been with us

since Jan.2011. We were so delighted and astonished that one of our very

own, newer volunteers, fell in love with her and wanted her to have a home!

Virginia, her new owner, first spent hours in Canela’s cage letting Canela get

to know her. She then bought Canela a brand new bed, which Canela was ex-

tremely protective of-no sharing allowed! Once bed and dog went home with

Virginia, it took a little while for Canela to learn that she had to share the love

with two other dogs, but she is now getting used to that and as long as she has

her very own toys and bed (still no sharing) she is one happy camper. We

couldn’t be more thrilled that Canela will live out her life in comfort, with her new favorite person. Thank you,

Virginia; give Canela a kiss for us!

September adoptions were: Mati, Canela, Luna, Fergie, Mateo, Kelly, Jake, Tramp and Sara.

S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S P a g e 3

Cat Adoption of the month - a purrfect pair by Joan DiPiero

“Molly” & “Kiara”

Molly was brought to the S.P.A. after being found hiding under a car, emaciated, with her fur covered in an oily substance. Scared and fragile, she needed lots of care and attention from us, and her rescuer, before de-parting San Miguel, e-mailed everyone she knew to try to find a home for this sweet cat. After several weeks, with Molly's weight gain going slowly and her coat still not looking quite right, one of these friends, Dulce, came for a visit with her husband James.. It was love at first sight for Dulce, and James fell in love, too, but with a different cat, a small cream kitten named Kiara. The perfect solution? Take both home, of

course.

Fast forward a few months and Kiara has grown into a lovely teen-ager and Molly, who we were so worried about, has just about dou-bled her weight and has a thick glossy coat. What a difference time

and a loving home provide. Thank you, Dulce and James.

September adoptions were: Sassafras, Savannah, Felipe, Lilah, and Suzy

“Harry” & “Benito”

Story by Joan DiPiero photos by Helen Dickson

Harry arrived at the S.P.A. with seemingly not a worry in the world. This

8-month-old handsome boy settled in immediately, comfortable with both cats and

people. A happy-go-lucky affectionate orange and white charmer, he makes us

smile. Playful and always willing to share a lap, maybe he's the right cat for you.

Benito was brought to us after becoming homeless due to a family crisis. In one

home since he was a baby, much loved, this disruption in his life was unexpected.

At two years old, puzzled by this sudden change in life, he is still frightened by the

other cats, but is very loving and responsive to people. A Chocolate Siamese-type

with intense blue eyes, he is simply stunning and should win hearts.

Adopt (350 pesos) any of these Pets of the Month during October and receive a free adoption kit. Preview all

our available animals at www.spasanmiguel.org and meet them at Los Pinos #7, 152-6124, Monday-Saturday

between 11 and 2. Comment on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/spasanmiguel and enjoy our success

stories albums.

Cats of the Month - Love would be the answer for this pair!

S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S P a g e 4

THE EVENT that should NOT have been missed!

This was just sooooo

much fun!!!

S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S P a g e 5

Liza Minnelli's "Liza with a Z" concert in NYC was truly a memorable event…in its day…

Even Liza would have to concur though that "Darla at the Z" has now taken top billing. San Miguel's

own Fashionista, Darla, held a Fashion ExtravaganZa to benefit the S.P.A. in the most posh of San

Miguel's nightspots, the Z Club! Z Club is located at Lupita #6 (behind Immigracion).

Darla's fashion ExtravaganZa wasn't your average runway show. The models were dancing to the

most current international sounds! And anyone wondering if they’d seen these fashions in New York

or Miami were assured, this is "Definitely Darla’s," one-of-a-kind creations! Following dinner and the

show, attendees danced the night away.

Attendees were drawn in to the exotic atmosphere of Z Club. A bar fashioned after the lobby bar at

the "W" Hotel in Mexico City along with private, curtained, cabanas for mingling ‘a la Delano Beach

Club in South Beach, were only the beginning! The former vacant warehouse space sports an all-

white palette offset by spectacular lighting and towering artwork. You can always "expect the unex-

pected" at Z Club.

Ann King’s “Ann'Z Gourmet Catering” provided the spectacular sit-down dinner that accompanied the

fashion show. Some of Ann's recent clients include Donald Trump and she will be doing a James Beard

Foundation dinner in Palm Beach this January, so the food alone was an event to remember. For starters,

sushi served in black lacquer sushi boats and beautifully presented Caesar salads in edible parmesan

baskets.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, entertainment during the cocktail hour was provided by SMA’s own

“Gravity Works”. Their awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics and infectious energy were a perfect way to

kick off the festivities! And let’s not forget a surprise visit by Juan Pablo Perro de la Calle (Juan Pablo

Street Dog). While he wasn’t adopted that evening, there is hope for him once he masters the house-

breaking issue!

For over thirty years, the S.P.A. has been committed to maintaining a refuge for animals who can’t ask

for help themselves. None of this could happen without the financial help we receive from donations

and fundraisers like this one. These events help the S.P.A. continue to provide hope, health, and

homes to needy animals in our community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy our September 13 fundraiser at the Z Club, featuring a

runway fashion show by Darla, entertainment by Gravity Works, a gourmet meal, dancing and a raffle.

The evening was splashy, exciting, and a tremendous success, thanks to Darla Nordstrom, Ann King,

the models, choreographer, and our fabulous volunteers. We appreciate your support. To get a real

sense of what we are doing and what your donations go to support, please check out our new video ac-

cessible in the middle of the home page of our website: www.spasanmiguel.org

The evening wouldn’t have been complete without our fabulous Raffle Donors - Oleo Massage,

Vivoli, No 43 Deli, Luna de Queso, Longhorn Smokehouse, Mario’s, Nail Lounge & Spa, our Dea

Randall, La Frontera, Dragon Chino, Hecho en Mexico, Darla Nordstrom, Mixta, La Mesa

Grande, Pizza Pig, Orquidia Thai Restaurant, Berlin Bar, Paprika Restaurante & Café, Fran-

cesco’s Restaurane and Marcia Webster for the painting that was a much desired object.

THE EVENT that should NOT have been missed! Continued...

Darla at the Z - An ExtravaganZa Benefiting the S.P.A...

S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S P a g e 6

An interesting article by the S.P.A.’s by Dra. Roxanda

I want to share with you now this very interesting article based in scientific research that attracted my attention

as I have experienced some of this attitudes with some adorable animals…

Cute aggression

A recent findings linking cuteness to a behavior most commonly associated with negative societal outcomes –

that of aggression – seems on first pass contradictory.

Specifically, observers were more likely to report wanting to say “grr” and squeeze the cutest of a range of dif-

ferent critters to which they were exposed. They were more also likely to pop bubble wrap - an indicator of ag-

gression - when looking at them.

Despite its initial apparent contradiction with care-giving

behaviours, this link to aggression has at least some intuitive

appeal. Many of us have experienced the desire to almost

literally squeeze the life out of something adorable, even if

only as children.

Those childhood desires to squeeze a kitten tightly and

pluck the eyes off a teddy bear are reflected in adult lan-

guage: “you’re so cute I want to eat you all up.”

So why might cuteness elicit a combination of care-giving

and aggression?

The Yale researchers suggest that aggressive tendencies

manifesting in response to cuteness are a type of distorted

outcome of the intense emotions elicited by cute things.

They speculate that frustration at not being able to satisfy the intense desire to care for the viewed object results

in a type of violent response – a form of care-giving instinct gone feral.

Aggression and care-giving are both linked to neural processes mediating social behaviors. Baby schema acti-

vates the so-called mesocorticolimbic, or

reward system.

It has been suggested the desire to

approach and engage with objects that are

cute is highly rewarding, releasing a

quantity of dopamine into the brain cor-

tex.

That is interesting because many of

the same neural structures activated by

cuteness are also activated when an indi-

vidual is being aggressive. Indeed, it has

been shown that the brain rewards

aggression as it does other types of behaviors.

Perhaps the apparent aggression seen in response to cuteness is actually an exaggerated approach response me-

diated by the motivational aspects of both types of behaviors. If that is so, there should be a difference, at the

neural level, between real and cute aggression.

It may be that cute aggression is, in the same way, the integration of different responses to a single, very moti-

vating, stimulus.

P a g e 7 S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S

Seeing is believing!

By Megan Gabel

So many times, we are told that people don’t want to

come to the S.P.A. because it’s a sad place. People

feel the experience will be such a downer that they

emotionally can’t deal with it. Well, I’m here to tell

you that those naysayers are all wrong! Don’t just

take my word for it. Our new video is enough to

convince even the most skeptical among you!

The video is on our website at

www.spasanmiguel.org – in the middle of the page.

Click on it and get ready to smile your way through

your almost first-hand experience of what it’s like to

visit the S.P.A. and volunteer with the kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs. You

will rapidly recognize that our animals feel safe and secure at the S.P.A.,

receive and enjoy getting attention, exercise, playtime, and

affection, and look forward to their times with volunteers. For those of you

who are so kind as to donate to the S.P.A., but haven’t visited us, the video

will show you where your donation dollars and pesos have gone.

Fortified with this new view of the S.P.A., you might even consider

volunteering! Volunteering for cats and kittens entails sitting with

them, dangling toys to entice them, and holding them on your laps

as your stroke silky fur in exchange for many purrs of contentment.

You can play with puppies in Puppy World. They are always eager

for attention. Or get in shape, burn some calories, and help us walk

dogs! We have about 45 dogs who need daily walks. The more

people our animals get to meet, the better it is for them. It helps

them to become socialized and feel comfortable with strangers – so

important as a precursor to a happy adoption.

Not only would we welcome your help, but as evidenced by those

happy faces in the video, you will enjoy yourselves! Gilda

obviously adores Ace; Virginia is enjoying walking Nube;

Rhea thinks Georgie the cat is as sweet as can be. Like these

wonderful volunteers, you too can discover that volunteering for the S.P.A. is an amazingly delightful and

rewarding way to spend your time.

Volunteer hours are Monday-Saturday from 11-2 at Los Pinos 7, 152-6124. Volunteer information sheets

are on the website in S.P.A.nish and English here: http://www.spasanmiguel.org/how-you-can-

help/volunteer/ If you’re one of those who thinks the S.P.A. is a sad place, you’re in for a surprise!

P a g e 8 S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S

Seen in Cape Town, South Africa...

By Helen Dickson

On a recent trip to Cape Town and while wandering around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area I came across a small S.P.C.A. Area wherethe volunteers were there soliciting Donations - something we at the S.P.A. can relate to!

Although they had no cats or dogs on show with them they were attracting plenty of attention from the locals and tourists. The attraction for the kids was the inflatable animal balloons

they were selling. It was so good to see a similar organisation out in the public

doing their thing.

Hey looking for a PET SITTER...!!!

P a g e 9 S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S

VETERINARIANS -

MVZ RICARDO LOPEZ LANDEROS - Prolongacion Calzada de la Aurora #7 - Ph. 152 6977 Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-2pm; 4pm-7pm Saturday 9am-2pm Consultations – 10%, X-Rays – 10%, Regular Teeth Cleaning – 10%, Vaccinations - 10%

MVZ EDGARDO R. VAZQUEZ OLMOS - Mesones #5 - Local F/B - Centro - Ph. 152 6273 Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-2pm; Saturday 9am-12 noon. Consultations – 10%

MVZ MICHAEL KRONISH - Salida a Celaya #57 - Ph. 415 185 8185 - 415 109 9957 Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6.30pm; Saturday 9am-2pm. Consultations - 10%, Routine Vaccinations - 5%, Spaying/Neutering - 5%

MVZ ALMA RUTH MIRANDA - Stirling Dickinson #27 - Ph. 152-2341 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm General Surgery - 10%, X-Rays & Ultrasounds 10%, Hospitalisation - 10%, Medications - 10%, Vaccinations - 10%

MVZ RICARDO COLEMAN MERRILL - Salida a Celaya, Calle Manuel Rocha Lasaux #7 Ph. 152- 2901, 152-7712 & 415 101 6606 Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm; Saturday 8am-4pm; Sunday 9am-4pm Regular Teeth Cleaning - 30%, Rabies Vaccine - 40%, Puppy Vaccination Program - 25%

FOOD SUPPLIERS -

ALIMENTOS PARA MASCOTAS - 5 de Mayo #18 - Colonia Allende - Ph. 154- 5766 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm Medications - 5-10%, Beds, furniture and Toys - 5%, Food - 5-10%

EL DESPACHO - Las Moras #13 - Colonia Guadiana - Ph. 154-7195 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm; 5pm-8pm Food - 5-10%

PET GOURMET SMA - Margarito Ledesma #1 - Colonia Guadalupe - Ph. 152-2454 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm Examinations and Medications - 10%, Natural Dog and Cat Food - 20% (This is food she makes herself), Dry Food - 5% Homeopathic Remedies - 10%, Vaccinations and Health Certificates - 10% See the advert on Page 4.

OTHERS -

MEOW MEOW WOOF FURNITURE –Ph. 155-9772 or 415 126 0551 website: www.meowmeowwoof.com Creations for Cats and Dogs - Scratching Posts, Cat Perches, Cat & Dog Beds. Custom made or made to suit your pet's needs using the best quality materials. Free Delivery. Furniture/Scratching Posts - 10%. Furniture/Scratching Posts - 15% when adopting* *Must be ordered within one month of Adoption

DUSTY PUPPIES – Guadiana #17A – Colonia Guadiana – Ph. 154- 4555 Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Diamond Naturals - Dog/Cat Food - 10%, Regular Teeth Cleaning - 20%, SPA Bath Only - No Clipping - By Appointment - 10% Pet Supplies - 10%

Preferred Providers The following is our list of Preferred Providers who offer a range of goods and services at a discount to S.P.A.

members. Just show your current S.P.A. membership card at the time of purchase to receive the discounts specified

below. Please patronize our Preferred Providers as a way of thanking them for their support of the S.P.A.

Being able to take advantage of our Preferred Providers program is just one benefit of becoming a member of the S.P.A. Members receive a 10% discount off the S.P.A. vet consultation fee every day. If you are a member or join at the time you adopt, you will receive 10% off of the 350 pesos adoption fee. Join us! Individual memberships are

$40 US/500 pesos and family memberships (2 person limit) are $50/600 pesos.

Email membershipspa@gmail.com to learn how to join.

P a g e 1 0 S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S

The Remembrance Tree exists in a prominent

position, right at the inside entrance to the S.P.A. It is a permanent, beautiful and impressive eight-foot copper-colored structure with branches containing

leaves for honoring a departed pet.

Volunteer Jane Dill of Jane Dill Design (www.janedill.com) will inscribe on a leaf the pet’s name, the owner’s name, and a personal message, if

desired.

The one-time cost of each permanentleaf is $100 US (or 1200 peso).

To purchase a leaf or learn more, please email: SPARemembrancetree@gmail.com

The S.P.A. Needs YOU! Volunteer NOW!!

If you love cats and dogs and can spare some time, we would love to have you come and

volunteer!

Volunteer hours are Monday-Saturday from 11-2. If you are interested, please come to the

S.P.A. during that time and we’ll welcome you.

The cats and dogs eagerly look forward to your visit.

Women's T’s are available in Red, White

and Black in sizes Small, Medium Large and X Large.

Men's are available in White and Black in sizes Me-

dium, Large, X Large and XX Large for a donation of

150 pesos.

Caps are available in Red, Black and Khaki for a dona-

tion of 100 pesos.

“Where can we get them?” They’re available at

the Organic Market the first Saturday of every

month, at the S.P.A. itself or Plaza Civica every

Thursday between 11-1.

Check out our new range of T-Shirts & Caps for both Cat and Dog lovers.

P a g e 1 1 S O C I E D A D P R O T E C T O R A D E A N I M A L E S

EDITOR: Paul Dickson If you need or want to contact me for any reason whatever with regards to the publication

— to submit a story , send a photo, just to make a comment etc then just send an email to

me at: pawsnclawsnews@hotmail.com It would be great to hear from you!

We thought now was as good a time as any to include our advertising rates for this fine far reaching publication after we’ve had a couple of enquiries—if you have any questions etc please don’t hesitate to contact me at the above email address.

Preferred Providers should enquire about

our 15% discounted rate!!

*Multiply the $US by 12 to convert to MXN Pesos

Please check our website: www.spasanmiguel.org for our available cats and dogs (photos, biographies, and videos)

(“Adopt Me” pages) and to learn about us and how you can help. Join Facebook (it’s easy!) and follow us at

www.facebook.com/spasanmiguel, make comments, and see our Success Stories albums.

Sign up for our monthly Paws & Claws newsletter by emailing -

pawsnclawsnews@hotmail.com

Keep the following dates firmly etched in the gray matter -

.Every Thursday come to Plaza Civica from 11.00am to 1.00pm - depending on our space being available and the weather - and meet some of the really great volunteers who’ll talk to you non-stop about the S.P.A. “residents” - You can even walk a dog, pet a kitten/cat, and learn about how you can support us.

. Saturday October 4th - at the Organic Market in the grounds of the Rosewood Hotel via the entrance on the Ancha de San Antonio (just up past the Instituto) come and say “Hello” - you’ll discover more friendly volunteers and be-come more acquainted with the great work being done!

.Come to the S.P.A. -- have a look around, sign up to volunteer, walk a dog and get fit at the same time, and cuddle with puppies and kittens. Monday-Saturday, 11am-2pm, at Los Pinos #7, Colonia Lindavista.

Number of Issues Full Page Half Page Quarter Page

1 monthly issue $14* $12* $10*

3 monthly issues $35* $30* $25*

12 monthly issues $120* $100* $90*

Rewarding Memberships:

The SPA not only had a wonderful benefit in September we were also fortunate to get some new members. Please extend a warm hello to Rose Hohenberger (individual) and Pamela Murray (individual), our newest members. Pamela also looks she will be putting another smile on our faces by taking home two of our kittens in

the very near future.

Thank you to our September renewals Liz and Walter Lewis (family) and Brenda Reagan (individual)

For those of you who have not had a chance to renew your memberships yet I will be sending out some gentle reminders in October – even if your membership expired earlier in the year - you are always welcome back. If you get a reminder, please take a moment to send in your renewal. We really need every one of you to continue

your help to the dogs and cats at the SPA.

If you are not a member yet and you have any questions about an S.P.A. membership and its rewards, please visit our link http://www.spasanmiguel.org/how-you-can-help/become-a-member/ or contact me at membership-spa@gmail.com. Your 40 USD/500 Pesos for an individual membership or 50 USD/600 Pesos for a family mem-bership (2 members) can help the S.P.A. continue its wonderful work caring for many of the unwanted cats and dogs of San Miguel while they wait for their forever homes and providing the community with low cost veteri-

nary services.

The month of October will get off to a an explosive start this weekend with Alborada and the Feast of San Mi-

guel – I can only hope that we can end the month with our own explosion of memberships and renewals.

Rhea