The rescues continue
It is the spirit of giving and compassion that rules after a tragedy occurs. The damage due to flooding caused by typhoon Ondoy has come so close to home for many of us who have relatives and close friends who were also affected.
My canine companions and I continue to pray for the people and animals that have lost their homes because of Ondoy.
Last Sunday I was informed by Rich Ilustre, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) volunteer, about the rescue efforts of PAWS volunteers to save the animals that were left stranded in nearby areas because of Ondoy.
“People started bringing in animals that they rescued as early as Monday morning,” said Rich. “Anna Cabrera, PAWS director, made the decision to open the shelter for these animals.”
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On Tuesday morning, the PAWS rescue team composed of doctor/vets Nielsen Donato, Wilford Almora, David Arceo, Dr. Donnie Villanueva, May Angela Felix and Cha Laxamana went to Provident Village to check on the damage and help rescue the animals left behind.
Anna Cabrera and PAWS volunteer John Tangkengko went to Greenfields Subdivision in Pasig with Dr. Ferds Recio to rescue the animals there.
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Rich reports that among the dogs they were able to rescue was Lyndon, an Aspin (asong Pinoy) left by his owner when the owner evacuated the house. Lyndon was found on the roof looking down excitedly as the rescue team went up to retrieve him. He was very friendly and started licking everyone’s face to show how happy he was that he was finally rescued.
Another dog the PAWS team encountered was a German Shepherd who, neighbors said, swam to the roof when flood waters rose up. He was carefully captured and loaded at the back of the rescue vehicle.
A cat and a red-ear slider turtle were also rescued. All the animals are now in the shelter receiving care from the PAWS vets.
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In the PAWS shelter in Marikina there are a total of 16 animals (who have either been rescued or dropped off at the shelter).
In this connection, the shelter is in need of roofed cages, pet food, pet shampoo, pails, basins, old blankets and towels, multivitamin tablets for dogs, multivitamin syrup for cats, Vibrapet paste, doxycyclin and amoxicillin capsules, silymarin or jetepar capsules, D5W in LRS, D5W in 0.9 NaCL, plain LRS, plain 0.9 NaCL, and microdrip IV lines.
If you want to help, send donations in cash or in kind to the following drop-off points: PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center at Aurora Blvd., Loyola Heights, Katipunan Valley (Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.); 2B Legaspi Street, Philam Homes, QC c/o Rich Ilustre (Mon to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or 360 Media, Rm. 508, 5th Floor Citibank Bldg, Ayala Ave, Makati c/o Marla Nicandro (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
You can also send donations to the PAWS booth during the World Animal Day celebrations on Oct. 3 at Bonifacio High Street and on Oct. 4 at SM Mall of Asia.
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Oct. 4 is World Animal Day, which coincides with the celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
At Eastwood Mall, World Animal Day registration starts at 3 p.m. There will be a procession of humans and pets and then a special mass for the day. The pet blessing is set for 6 p.m.
Humans and pets who come in identical costumes could win prizes if they are chosen as the “best-dressed couple.” Other awards to be given out include Mr./Ms. Congeniality for the friendliest pet and King and Queen of Hearts for the most photogenic pet.
Special guest performers for the event are the UP Madrigal Singers Alumni and The Company.
There will also be a bazaar at the Eastwood Central Plaza, which will open at 11 a.m.
For information, call 709-1893, 709-9888, 709-0888, SMS 0918-8-EWCITY, or visit www.eastwoodcity.com.
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PAWS, in cooperation with SM Mall of Asia and Alpo Chop House, have postponed their celebration of World World Animal Day on Oct. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall due to typhoon Pepeng. Watch out for future announcements.
