by Shannon Shaffer, volunteer S.P.A.

When Eva finally arrived at the S.P.A., she was hardened by survival. She didn't trust a soul — not people, not other cats. To everything we volunteers tried: soft voices, treats, toys, Eva responded with hisses, swats, and icy glares. She wanted nothing to do with kindness.

When Eva's family moved away, they left her behind. Alone on the street, confused, and heartbroken, for weeks, she waited by the empty house, hoping they'd come back. But they never did.

Yet beneath Eva's anger, we at the S.P.A. saw her pain for what it truly was: grief, not aggression. And we never gave up on her.

For more than two years, Eva received patient love she wasn't yet ready to accept. One volunteer brought her a new blanket every week. Another sat quietly near her side each morning, simply reading aloud. Slowly — almost imperceptibly — Eva began to soften. A blink here, a tiny purr there. One day, she leaned into a hand. Then, as she watched the other cats play, she wanted to join.

Eva had realized what we'd always known: she was safe. She was loved.

Everything changed after that. She became curious, gentle, even affectionate. The once-aloof cat started greeting us at the door, rubbing against the other cats she once avoided, and seeking out laps for cuddles. When the right family finally visited, Eva climbed straight into their arms, as if she had been waiting her whole life.

Now, Eva sleeps on a soft bed in a warm home, her own forever. Her new family calls her "the queen of the couch" and "the heart of the house."

Eva's story reminds us that healing takes time — and that patience and love can transform even the most wounded hearts.

Van Gogh Cat by Ri Anderson
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ARTanimals show is at Galería Blue Moon until July 19.

Buy – or commission – a work of art and feed their dogs and cats.

A Good sleep by Henry Vermillion
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El GuanaGATO by Debra Deutsch Oliver
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Flemish Horse by Ri Anderson
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Good Morning by Henry Vermillion
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Fabric and Lizards by Pablo Szmulewicz
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Fabric and Lizards (detail) by Pablo Szmulewicz
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Studies of Brigitte by Andrew Klein
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The Stretch by Andrew Klein
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At the Sociedad Protectora de Animales de San Miguel de Allende, we see stories like Eva's every day. Founded in 1980, we are the city's oldest no-kill shelter, dedicated to giving every animal a second chance.

Thanks to the tireless dedication of our volunteers and staff, the S.P.A. continues to save lives and build a loving community rooted in the belief that all animals deserve dignity, care, and a home.

If Eva's journey touched your heart, consider visiting us, volunteering, or supporting in any way you can. Together, we can help more animals find the love and safety they deserve.

Contact info@spasanmiguel.org or visit www.spasanmiguel.org.

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Shannon Shaffer is a retired retail executive from Connecticut with a lifelong love of travel and adventure. After first visiting San Miguel in 1990, she was hooked—and finally made the leap to retire here in 2017. These days, she’s happily teaching English at EdCaminos, a free after school program in Col. Independencia, and mentoring bright young minds through Jóvenes Adelante, all while soaking up the magic of her adopted hometown.

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