A 'Paws' for reflection

Two afternoons during the recent holiday season brought home how we really have to count ourselves super lucky. And that while we can laud and admire how TV programs like the recent CNN Heroes can bring worldwide recognition to deserving individuals like our own Efren Peñaflorida, it’s not like we have to look very hard to find quiet, unsung heroes in our very midst, people who selflessly go about doing their “good work.” Two afternoons that had me stifling back tears of sadness, of outrage, of admiration for the resilience of both man/children and beast, and how my heart would “smile” knowing that there are people out there who have made compassion their mission in life.

Part I: “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” — Charles de Gaulle

Right before Christmas, ABS Cable Channels and Print Media Group (CCPMG) sales director Tootsy Echauz-Angara had arranged for an outreach activity for the sales team at the Bantay Bata Center, nestled in the gentle hills of Bulacan. For those still not familiar with Bantay Bata’s work, they essentially “rescue” abused children, bringing them to a shelter, where education, care and an escape from said life of abuse can be afforded these children. I had wanted to bring my sons with me, but as school had not ended for two of them, it was only Matteo who made it. Seeing the children gathered there was enough to make one’s heart break, having an inkling of their respective histories. Our being there and giving them a Christmas party, replete with magic show, games, giveaways and snacks, was in itself a welcome respite from the regularity of their lives, and would grant them an amount of unsolicited Christmas cheer. After all, if you thought about it, who would they be spending their Christmas night with, other than the other kids and the staff of the center? It’s not like they would have some form of compassionate leave and spend the holidays with their parents!

As we were forewarned when we arranged to go to the center, no pictures would be allowed. Some of the children are still subjects of custody court cases, and it’s not like the parents of these kids had always willingly surrendered their rights. Used as breadwinners — at times, begging in the streets; some of these kids would toil the whole day and be subjected to physical and mental abuse when they’d get “home” (and yes, I use the word “home” with irony). Reflecting with Matteo on the drive back to Manila, we talked about how it was so easy to forget, or deny, that abusive parents exist, and that more often than not, the children have almost no recourse but to run away from home. Despite the abuse, a vicious cycle of dependence and still trying to get their parents’ approval is more often the case. And we remarked about how selfless and dedicated the staff at the center must be. I know I would find it difficult to be super nice, day in and out, to kids who would likely have behavioral issues — especially upon entering the center. To be truly honest, I think patience for one’s own children can already be a test at times, and so imagine how much more difficult it would be if the kids are in numbers, and aren’t even ours! As part of the ABS Foundation that Gina Lopez heads, Bantay Bata is in constant need of financial and qualitative assistance; and Matteo was visibly moved by seeing how this assistance translates into on-ground realities that help those who are less fortunate than us.

Part II: “Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.” — Corey Ford

Another holiday afternoon had me accompanying a friend, Ana Falcon, who had been invited to visit the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Center. Located behind the Ateneo Grade School, off Katipunan, the center is privately funded, completely dependent on the contributions and kind hearts (and pockets) of its supporters. Founded in 1954 by an Englishwoman, Muriel Jay, it was reactivated in the 1980s by one of the original founding members, Nita Hontiveros Lichauco, and admirably, she presides over the center to this day. An animal rehabilitation center (and NOT a mere “shelter”), PAWS is home to over 250 “rescued” cats and dogs. Strays and domestic pets, the cats and dogs have all been subject to extreme abuse or dire neglect, and a call to PAWS, has the staff and volunteers reacting and rescuing said animal. Two vets work regular hours for a minimal fee, and the center thrives on a system of recruiting volunteers, who after proper training, assist in the rehabilitation of the dogs and cats. PAWS even sent a mission to Albay when Mayon began its seismic activity, seeking to help distressed animals such as dogs, carabaos and other farm animals.

As Cha, our guide, showed us around, the stories of how these animals came to the center became poignant reasons as to why the center is a godsend for these animals in distress. One dog had an infected eye that had to be removed, and a jaw that had to be reattached; another had been found on the street and was thought to be dead, a victim of a hit-and-run, until upon picking up the dog, the PAWS rep heard the dog whimper, trying its hardest to breathe. Others had washed up during Ondoy, and some had been voluntarily brought to the center by their owners in the Ondoy aftermath, when said owners had lost their homes. The working principle at the center is to offer up the dogs and cats for “adoption,” finding them new homes. At the PAWS Center, there’s a Wall of Remembrance, where pet owners can create a kind of memorial for the animal who has passed on. You read some of the tombstones, and you appreciate just how much these animals had meant to their owners, how these pets filled their lives, and special bonds were created.

Part III: “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” — Andy Rooney

You may be reading this and think abused children is a world away from abused dogs and cats; but while that may be true, it doesn’t detract from the sad stories I would hear about the animals that would make it to the center. And when you think about it, abuse is abuse, and these animals didn’t deserve what happened to them any more than the children — so it was heartening to find there are people who care, and make the time to have that care mean something beyond good intentions or thoughts. Gina Lopez and Nita Lichauco certainly get our unqualified thanks for being the inspiration and driving force behind these two centers. And to my eye, the people manning Bantay Bata and PAWS are heroic front-liners, they are our everyday “heroes.” Precisely because they do their work on a daily basis, without any fanfare, applause, financial windfall or recognition; they truly deserve our highest admiration.

(Bantay Bata has its163 Hotline. PAWS’ ‘pasaway’ landline is 475-1688, or alternatively, text Anna Cabrera at 0917-8315970 or Rich Ilustre at 0917-8352405, if you want more information, or to actively help.)