You probably know the SPCA of Mariposa offers a wonderful assortment of dogs and cats for adoption. Also, you probably know this SPCA has a very affordable second-hand store offering everything from clothing for children through household goods and more. The second-hand store is almost entirely organized by volunteers.

What you may not know is that the SPCA of Mariposa County shares everything in the second-hand store for free whenever a family has experienced a crisis and does not immediately have money to rebuild what has been lost or when someone is interviewing for a job and needs an outfit.

Jeanette Lozano, shelter manager, and her dedicated, hard-working staff have large hearts and, because of the nature of this non-profit, they regularly put in volunteer non-paid hours above their paid hours per week. This SPCA does far more for the Mariposa community than anyone here would imagine, and we all just take it for granted.

Late last year, I brought a starving, badly mistreated stray dog home. I found her abandoned on a County road. The vet checked her out and vaccinated her for everything. Shortly thereafter, because of minor surgery, I had to board this dog for just a little while. When I brought her back home, it was apparent she was going to have puppies in less than a week. Jeanette, who I now call the ‘Dog Whisperer of Mariposa,’ helped me through the whole activity … she helped me to understand the stray mother dog, how to care for and what to expect with the puppies and the SPCA even found homes for the beautiful puppies.

My letter of appreciation to the SPCA is long overdue. I am writing now because I believe the SPCA should consistently be recognized and supported for going above and beyond its mission and functioning as a very special resource in Mariposa County. You can support the SPCA by donating your time and fund raising ideas. You can offer a lifetime home to a dog or cat in need. You can shop at the second-hand store and find inexpensive treasures to wear, use, decorate with or share. You can donate money, Purina dog food, puppy food, cat food and cleaning supplies. The cleaning supplies are needed because each kennel and litter box is thoroughly cleaned daily. You can donate items to the second-hand store.

For more information, call the SPCA at 966-5275. If you need more insight, please let me know. Particularly because of a difficult economy, the SPCA needs all of us now more than ever. Every individual here can make a difference and each of us can do it by assisting the SPCA.

Tricia O’Neill