SPCA Plea to Animal Lovers Janice Gonzalez - SPCA PV
March 14, 2012

The Story of Tomi is a plea to animal lovers in Puerto Vallarta.

Sometimes, when you think that you have seen the worst of cruelty that a dog can endure, a dog like Tomi comes into your life. Please take a moment and meet him.

Tomi is a pure, male cocker-spaniel, not yet two years old. He was purchased as a rust-colored puppy by a family in a nearby village. The only life he has known has been a nightmare.

When rescuers from Sayulitanimals were alerted to his plight, they arrived on the scene to find a totally neglected, abused, tic-covered and emaciated creature who had only managed to stay alive by drinking water from puddles in the dirt and scavenging for food. His eyes were infected with copious amounts of oozing pus. His nose twitched with a constant nervous tic. His jaw was broken. Most of his lower teeth were gone.

The rescue team rushed Tomi to Marcia Alvarez and Gabriel Trejo of Animalove Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Francisco Aguilar, who heads Sabuesos Veterinary Clinic in Puerto Vallarta, joined in the efforts to save him. Exams revealed that Tomi had survived distemper. He had a broken mandible and had lost his teeth as a result of a traumatic blow - most likely a kick to the face or a fierce beating.

The broken jaw has provoked a chronic upper respiratory infection that Tomi's body cannot fight off on its own.  Treatment requires a six-month regimen of antibiotics, probiotics, vitamin supplements and immune-system stimulants.  Thanks to his saviors and a few other kind souls, treatment began this week.

The goal is to help Tomi fight off the current infection and stimulate Tomi's immune system to the point that his natural defenses can be restored. He is not in pain. His tail is wagging. He is eating soft food. He is fighting on. He has an amazing will to survive.

Tomi's rescuers and other animal advocates who are hearing his story want to give him a hand and a chance at a new life. There are no guarantees. If Tomi's defenses do not kick in after treatment, he will not likely make it. But everyone who has met him and seen his incredible valor believes that he has a real shot.  

If he does pull through, he will require soft foods and special care for the rest of his life.

The blunt truth of Tomi's plight is being written because those who know him are completely smitten with this noble dog whose will to live endures despite what he has suffered. Tomi is not ready to give up, and neither are the good samaritans who have come together to rally for a life that he needs and deserves.

We who are his supporters are seeking a special person who would dedicate his or her time and resources to give Tomi a forever home. This would mean continuing the treatment regimen of antibiotics, eye and nose cleansing and his special soft food requirements.

He is cured of distemper and he has no other communicable diseases. He poses no risk of contagion to other dogs. Veterinarian Dr. Aguilar suggests that Tomi would be best suited in a home that has no other dogs because Tomi is vulnerable and he senses it. He is tense around other dogs because he knows that he cannot defend himself. The stress caused by this might be harmful to his recovery.

Tomi needs someone who is willing to give him this boundless love and special care after all of the abuse that has been heaped on him. Please help us find that person. We would also be grateful for contributions on Tomi's behalf. But most importantly, Tomi needs a home and a caregiver who will cherish him forever.
 
If you can help, please contact Sara Briner at sayulitanimals@hotmail.com or Janice at spcapv@gmail.com.

(Special thanks to Linda Yglesias for this article and to Joe Yglesias for all the work he is doing on behalf of Tomi.)

It seems appropriate based on the above article to republish "A Pet's Ten Commandments" (source unknown).

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1.  My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2.  Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3.  Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4.  Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.  You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5.  Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6.  Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7.  Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8.  Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9.  Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

 

They Walk Among Us

Here are your wings Anne! Anne MacNamara is our newest angel. She will be taking four of our rescues up to Calgary soon. Thanks Anne.  

And, the other great part to this story is that one of the dogs being transported is Sandy and she will be going to her forever home with Joy Peacock. Thanks Joy!

Special thanks to Judy Thompson for her $500 U.S. donation and Susan Freedy for her $100 U.S. donation.

Volunteers Needed

We are looking for a volunteer to assume the responsibility of transportation coordinator. If you are interested, please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

We only have a few more months available for transporting our animals to Canada. Soon it will be the summer months and with the change in temperature comes travel restrictions for animals. So please help if you can... we need to get many animals to Canada. For more information or to help, please contact us.

Adoption Locations
 
The SPCA de Puerto Vallarta continues to host adoption events every Saturday at two popular locations:

1) Los Mangos Library: Biblioteca Los Mangos, on Avenida Francisco Villa, just past the Pemex station and around the corner from Costco. Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

2) Old Town Farmers Market: Our booth is now located on Pino Suarez, between V. Carranza and Basilio Badillo along El Jardin de Ninos Emiliano Zapata school. Time: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Everyone is welcome to come and play with the animals, chat with us about them and about the SPCA, and of course, think about adoptions!

To see all the animals available for adoption, visit our website. 
 
Farmers Market

Molly and Cirilo were at the market this week.  The market was as busy as ever.
 
Thanks to our volunteers:  Doreen, Lynnette, Marjorie and Mark.

Los Mangos Library

Patches, Coqueta, Mandy, Spot, Dottie and Cuddles were at the library this week and we got a number of applications submitted. Hopefully, we'll find forever homes for some of these sweethearts.

Maya Lemus Famania donated cat and dog food in honor of her daughter Maya's birthday. Although, Maya, you are only one year old, you made a difference in a cat and dog's life! We thank you very much!

A big thank you to our volunteers: Judy, Debra, Eileen, Sheila, Cara, Angela and Fernando. A goodbye to Eileen as this was her last Saturday. Eileen, thanks for all your help and have a safe trip home!!!!

Currently the SPCA de PV is selling calendars, bumper stickers, tote bags and tee shirts as a way to raise funds. You may buy any of these items at the Library, Farmers Market, or at Cassandra Shaw Jewelry located at 276 Basilio Badillo. (100% of the purchase price supports the SPCA de PV)
 
Contact the SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com if you are interested in adopting any of our animals.

  Learn about SPCA Puerto Vallarta