Triple A - A Wonderful Organization to Help Animals!
Prior to 1992, the year that the shelter was opened, there were no laws in Spain to protect animals. In November 2003 the Animal Protection Law was passed (see under Useful Information ). However, even now in 2008, there are still many people who do not know that the law exists and that they are obliged to keep and respect this law. Consequently, this makes the work of Triple A more difficult but even though it is ongoing they find it very encouraging and rewarding. Not only do they give abandoned and maltreated animals refuge and protection, their aim is to rehabilitate and re-home them. At Triple A, they also strive to re-educate both young and older people into the joys of caring for animals which, in turn, brings love and mutual respect.
Not only do dogs and cats come to our shelter but they also have such diverse creatures as ferrets, owls, goats, iguanas, pigeons, a piglet and even a young wild boar whose mother was killed during a hunt. They try and return these to their natural habitat as quickly as possible, and even look for caring homes for non- protected species such as goats.
Usually though the animals that come to the shelter have been found wandering the streets after their owners have abandoned them. As soon as they come in they are checked to see if there is a microchip. If so they are quickly repatriated with their very grateful owners, who are delighted to see their lost pet and to know it has been saved by Triple A. Those that do not have a microchip are identified, registered, given a number and a photograph is taken so that they can be advertised on the website and put up for adoption. Their vet also checks their health, gives treatment if necessary and vaccinates them. Meanwhile they observe character and behaviour so that they can house them with compatible animals. Then begins the process of finding them a new home. A photograph and brief resume of character and history is put on the Triple A website and then they wait for a friend to come along and give the animal a caring home which all living creatures deserve.
They also have a wonderful team of volunteers who give freely of their time to walk, groom and socialise with these animals, some of whom have never had human contact. It’s very rewarding for them to see how these animals and humans begin to inter-react and enjoy each other’s company. Some animals are re-homed in Germany and other European countries and the feedback they they get is very heart-warming. These have usually been picked out on their website which is written in various languages.
When a new owner comes along, their vet installs a microchip in the pet, it is given a health check and a certificate of good health and then off it goes to a new and loving home. This is a very proud moment for them and if they can get a photograph, after a few months, of the owner and pet to put in the Happy Endings section on their website they can truly believe they are helping and being richly rewarded for their work.
Adapted from the original article published by Triple A
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