And homes for all

Rainy days, Mondays, Sundays, Saturdays and all the other days when I get to spend more quality time with my two Toy Poodles Gorby and Tasha and our senior Miniature Schnauzer Boris are the best times in the world.

We don’t do much to change the world. We play "catch me if you can." Go for short walks. Eat. The doggies get to run in the garden (for as long as they please) – and then some more. They love to chase cats, birds and lizards, too. And then finally, when they are pooped out, they come to my room and check on what I am doing. We love to lie in bed and let the day go by – no hassles, just peace and quiet.

All pets need homes.

And, if I could, I would provide a home for all animals.

* * *

When I last saw Anna Cabrera of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) she told me about how PAWS’ Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC) was doing. "There is so much more we need to do," said Anna. "It is not easy keeping the shelter up and running."

Indeed.

PARC stays in operation because there are people who continually help with its upkeep and maintenance. Pet food companies give food donations for the pets. Vets offer their time and services to make sure that the pets are ready for adoption. And the dedicated volunteers keep the animals in the shelter company.

It is no easy task. But PAWS continues to work for the future of the animals it has rescued, in the hope that one day these animals will be adopted into caring homes.

Every year, PAWS sponsors events so that it can raise funds for the shelter. And they also take the opportunity to advertise the dogs and cats they have up for adoption.

Two weekends ago PAWS was at it again. If you weren’t able to catch their dog and cat show, here’s a list of pets they have for adoption. Maybe this year will be the one you decide to adopt a dog or cat. Give it some thought.

Hanny – He’s the "dog with sad eyes." He was abandoned by his owners at PARC last year. Owners told the shelter caretaker that they’d be back for him because they had to pick up something from a nearby establishment – they never came back. Despite the "sad eyes," Hanny will make a good, loyal companion – he is oh-so-gentle, doesn’t tug on his leash – the perfect partner for those nice, quiet long walks.

Kate – Her front right leg had to be amputated because it was badly crushed when a PAWS volunteer found her. When Kate came to us, she was just a wee bit of a kitten – and now she’s an adolescent, fully adjusted to being a differently-abled, three-legged cat and waiting eagerly for someone to adopt her!

Mario – Four years old and very, very shy. Mario is gentle but will warm up to you only after you’ve been walking buddies for quite some time. Mario has been in the shelter the longest. He needs loving patience and gentle coaxing for him to reveal his true self: a perfect canine friend and companion!

Mokka – She was rescued and brought to the shelter when she was pregnant. All three of her puppies have gone to good homes. But Mokka is still at PARC. Everyone wants puppies, but it takes someone special to fully appreciate the good-natured, easygoing doggie who has already been spayed and is rarin’ to go to a loving home.

Scruff – A bit on the chubby side, loves to eat. If you need some laughter and sunshine in your life, go for Scruff – our resident comedian who never fails to amuse with his begging antics.

Ash – He’s been at PARC for three years. Always short-listed but not yet adopted. Ash is five years old – almost but not quite a senior dog yet – but she is very energetic and always ready to play. Really, we don’t know why this "puppy at heart" has not yet found her forever-home.

Tala – She’s one of the animal residents of PARC with a well-balanced temperament. She’s at the top of everyone’s must-find-home lists. Another volunteer told me that she thinks Tala’s developing some sort of inferiority complex as a consequence of all the failed adoption attempts. It would be heartbreaking if that were true.

* * *

All animals up for adoption have been neutered/spayed, dewormed and given rabies shots. Also, the human that adopts the pet has the option to avail of free consultation with a PARC vet (by appointment) for life and free basic dog training.

 Here’s how the adoption process works:

1. Fill out an adoption application form found on http://www.paws.org.ph. There are also forms available at the PARC shelter, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

2. Set up an appointment with shelter manager or PAWS’  volunteer adoption counselor by calling 475-1688 or e-mailing philpaws@yahoo.com.

3. Bring the completed form to the shelter.

4. Meet the dogs/cats up for adoption.

5. Get interviewed.

6. Meet the dog or cat for a "bonding" session.

7. Pay the adoption fee (not really a fee but a donation to keep the adoption and rehabilitation program running): P1,000 for a dog and P300 for a cat.

8.  Depending on the results of your interview and the medical records of the animal, the chosen dog /cat may or may not be brought home on the same day, i.e., if chosen animal still has to complete shots or treatment, adoptive parent will be asked to come back at a scheduled time.