Carmel Magazine

108-111 SPCA remodel_Layout 4/26/13 6:41 PM Page 4 Clockwise from top left: Sunlit indoor condos now provide comfortable housing to many species, from bunnies to lizards to mice. 'Get acquainted' rooms offer one-on-one time for pets and hopeful owners. The SPCA rescued six puppies and three dogs abandoned from a Salinas eviction, and they are receiving loving care until they are adoptable. Kitties who get along with others now enjoy colony rooms with many toys, climbing towers, windows to look outside, and room to play. As Monterey and Pacific Grove grew, noise at the David Avenue facili- In recent years, economic instability has impacted people's ability to ty became an issue with neighbors. Supporters provided money that posi- donate. It has also forced more families to give up dogs, cats, horses and tioned SPCA to purchase a nine-acre parcel between Monterey and other pets that they can no longer afford. While under the SPCA's care, Salinas, and additional acres were closed upon soon after. A few years animals receive training, medical checks and other services, and there is no after settling into its new home, donations by local benefactress Claude, cap on how long they will be housed. The SPCA promotes adoptable ani- the Countess of Kinnoull, and the Grover Hermann family helped the mals through its website, social media, in-school animal clubs, local media organization secure an adjacent 197 acres. outlets and other avenues. On average, dogs and cats are adopted within "The countess wanted to be sure that no one was going to complain about barking dogs again," says Tiscornia, "and it's also a fabulous place for releasing wildlife." Maintaining these types of solid community connections is key to about three weeks. Horses, birds and exotic pets sometimes stay for a year or more before being placed in new homes. Still, despite the challenges, SPCA continues to grow, serving more animals each year and strengthening local ties in the process. SPCA's success. The organization employs about 70 people, and draws "The organization is a huge presence in this county," says Dr. Hollister. some funding from service fees and adoption fees. Donations, however, "I consider it one of the very best humane organizations, for its size, in the are a major source of revenue, and that means the SPCA stays focused whole country. I think it's right at the top of the list, given the variety of on the services that local citizens see as important. services it provides and the place in the community that it has and the "We can only provide programs that the community will support. If they don't like what we're doing, they will pull their support and we simply won't be able to accomplish things," Tiscornia says. respect that people have for it." To volunteer for, donate to, or adopt a pet from the SPCA for Monterey County, visit www.spcamc.org or call 831/373-2631. C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013 111

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