I Ain’t afraid of no pets

It was a spooky, funny, crazy and even a cute Halloween weekend for us pet lovers last Sunday. Humans and their loving pets came dressed as their favorite characters for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society "Scaredy Cats and Dogs" Halloween event. It has become a tradition for PAWS to schedule its events in the months of October, November and December to raise funds for its animal shelter in Marikina.

It is hard to say which PAWS event is the most popular, but I am sure that the Halloween event wins hands down when it comes to the kids. It is amazing to witness how people go to great lengths to dress their pets in costumes, in the hopes of going home with a goodie bag – and in the process making a P100 donation to the shelter, for the care of rescued and abandoned pets. Fantastic.

"It is always an experience to see how many people come out with their pets on Halloween," said Anna Cabrera, PAWS director. "This year we have 46 participants. I am so happy because this translates to P4,600 for the shelter."

Indeed.

It really just takes people working together to make life more meaningful for abandoned dogs and cats.

The winners of the pet costume awards this year are:

Crypt-keeper’s Choice or the most original costume went to Babsi, an English Bulldog dressed as a peacock. Babsi was with her human Maan Ramos.

Casper’s Choice or the cutest in costume were Macy, Mae-Mae and Milly, three Chihuahuas in Hawaiian grass skirts. The dogs are owned by Marcia, Mindy and Maria Tom.

Phantom’s Pick or the most creative costume went to Nuvo, an English Bulldog, who came as a mummy. He is owned by Nina Crishelle.

Hali-meow Award or best native cat in costume went to Kisha dressed as Lara Croft. She is owned by Marian Barola.

Best Ghoulish Partners or best pet and owner tandem in costume were Poncho the Chihuahua and his owner Edsel Banaag. They came as fairies.

Transylvanian Star or best Halloween costume was Rafael the Sharpei who came as a devil. He is owned by Marie Curie Purisima.

Pumpkin Patch Awardees were Sachi the Golden Retriever dressed as a bellboy with his owner Ana Pua; Chuckie the Chow Chow dressed as a clown with his owner Joanne Duque, and Akio the Akita was Superman/dog with his owner is Miguel Andrade.

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The PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC) is home to dozens of abandoned and abused dogs and cats and it is in urgent need of supplies because of a recent outbreak of distemper in the shelter. Because of the outbreak PAWS has had to dispose many of the shelter’s doggie bowls.

"We are asking donations of food and water bowls, preferably the stainless steel type because these can be disinfected," said Anna.

If you would like to help PARC here is a list of other stuff it needs:

Toilet cleansers, cleaning agents, anti-bacterial liquid soap, brooms (walis-tingting), toilet brush, dustpan, basins and pails, towels, cleaning rags / mop heads, Lysol disinfectant spray, garbage bags, energy-saving daylight bulbs and old newspapers

For more information, call 482-7695

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This is the last week for Native Dog auditions for the native dog beauty pageant of PAWS, which will be held on Nov. 18 at SM Megamall, Atrium. Interested parties may contact Anna at 0917-8315970 or Tin at 0922-8815600.