The fiance and I had a chance to check out the new LA/SPCA now located in Algiers and I was quite impressed with it. They have only completed one building but it seems to be very modern and state-of-the-art. Romy and I were able to look at the all the dogs and cats and even saw some turtles and a snake.
The LA/SPCA has only finished the first phase of a three phase project off Mardi Gras boulevard. The just completed phase is only the Animal Rescue and Care Center which is the basic function of the center. It will provide space for cruelty investigations and control services.
The second, not-yet-begun, phase will be the Adoption, Education, & Veterinary Care Center. It should be completed in 18 months if funding provides and will be about education and awareness programs.
The third phase will be the Urban Revitalization & Community Outreach Center, which is where the real visionary stuff begins. Check this out from the brochure:
In Phase III we will expand the breadth and depth of our services to bring more members of the public to the campus as well as redefine the concept of animal sheltering. A training facility will be built to meet competitive standards in order to attract agility competitions and other types of animal sports. A Doggie Day Care Boarding Facility will provide socialization and interaction for busy or traveling pet owners. We envision hosting a Farmers Market and developing pet friendly housing lots, a lateral pet walking path and a coffeeshop – pet bakery.
I asked what the competitions were all about and the tour guide said they will be intended to encourage legal competition among pet owners. I took this to mean to discourage dogfighting.
There were tons of great oil paintings of animals on the wall and plenty of real nice folks working there as well.
Among the animals we saw were:
– a 19 year old cat given up by it’s owners who slept the whole time we were there.
– An awesome standard poodle named Kaiser. Who I have just discovered has been adopted.
– A very cool (and big) cat named Panda (pictured above) who Romy and I both adored but just couldn’t take the big guy in. We have three animals already and that may have disqualified us even if we did want to take another in. Good thing the LA/SPCA is given him lots of press in hopes of finding him a home. Here’s what they have to say about him:
I’m Panda, and if you want a cat with flair, I’m him. I am just a fun fellow with a great face and the desire to rub said face all over you in my search for love. I love to be cuddled and doted on, but am good at amusing myself in sunny windows or lazing on the back of a couch. One request-I gotta be an indoor cat, since I’ve been declawed. I’d make a fine apartment cat, or a welcome addition to any home. As long as that home has plenty of loving for me!
Somebody come on over here and adopt Panda.
why do people declaw cats, and why to vets still do it?
Our cat stays inside.. but I wouldn’t dream of having him declawed. It’s just selfish and cruel.. the kind of thing someone who views their animal as something nearer to an accessory than a family member would do.
Oh and for this reason (our large and fully clawed cat) I can’t take a defenseless animal in either right now.
I actually knew a family back home who had their dog’s voicebox removed. Why not just find it a new home ya know?
Ya’all GET IT!! Love me some with-it guys.
Varg, planning to go to the new shelter and pick me up another dog. I miss my Izzy.
Check the Web site. They hav epics and info on adoptable animals.
So glad that you got a chance to check it out – I was most impressed with the two story kitty condos that have fresh air circulated through them! WD and Doris need to go over to the area when they have dog races…I’m betting on WD.
Doris has no endurance. But she does have agility! Hoss would take them both.
Doris is a sprinter… poops out on the long haul.
But he sure is cute.
SHE sure is cute!