Amigos de Animales







Call it puppy love

by Nancy Snipper

Spading and Neutering Animals in San Miguel is Savior’s mission

San Miguel has an invaluable organization called Amigos de Animals. Its mission is to sterilize cats and dogs so there won’t be massive reproduction and the heart-break of unwanted animals. This community-oriented organization is especially directed towards Mexicans who cannot always afford the cost to go to a vet.


Arno Nauman realized there was a great need for this some 15 years ago, and he singlehandedly formed Amigos de Animales and developed it to grow into the vital entity it is today which now benefits from many volunteers. His grass roots rallying resonated with people and it has paid off: his passion for animal protection led to the creation of new laws related to the matter, including punishment for animal abuse. The fervor of his commitment to promote better lives for animals and their pet owners in reducing the number of unwanted, homeless dogs and the suffering that ensures. He has helped enormously and his legacy will continue to leave its mark as he prepares to retire.
Board member, Maggie Hutchins notes: “One unneutered male or female can produce 100s of unwanted puppies and kittens for their lifetime, and that so often these adorable newborns end up on streets without, food, love or shelter. Maggie is one of 8 board members whose many responsibilities include registering owner and animals for sterilization weekend sessions, called, ‘blitzes.”
The blitzes are held in the San Antonio neighborhood and the Lion’s Club. The intense tagging process involved oversees up to 170 to 200 sessions per weekend. Maggie said it’s a lot of pre and post organizing, and the success of it depends of course on the vets who volunteer to do this. Amigos de Animales pays two fulltime vets and the rest offer their services free.” 
So there are the blitzes, the clinic and the traveling mobile that reaches out to remote areas. The org is busy every day of the week. “Fridays, we set out to travel as far as 20 kilometers to do our work and it is a fully operating clinic run by our two employed vets Vanessa and Omar.” 
Maggie has always loved animals; a voice spoke to her many years ago when she realized so many creatures do not have proper care. Amigos de Animales has a spot-on slogan: “The voice for the voiceless”.


Donations are so appreciated, and tax deductions are given.


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