Thank God it's 'Spay Day'
MANILA, Philippines - “Spay Day” is the Humane Society of the United States’ and Humane Society International’s annual event which is held to inspire people to save animals’ lives by spaying or neutering dogs and cats. “Spay Day” takes place on the last Tuesday of February.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) held its 16th annual “Spay Day” last Feb. 23.
This year’s “Spay Day” was very successful as there were 65 animals spayed and neutered. The four veterinarians who offered their services for free were Dr. Wilford Almoro (shelter vet), Dr. Nielsen Donato, Dr. Aris Hapatinga, and Dr. Maripi Diaz.
People waited the whole day — even late into the night — just to have their animals neutered for free.
Volunteers assisting veterinarians in restraining animals, carrying animals to and from the surgery room, agreed that the hardest task fell on the shoulders of those who had to entertain the public and answer their gazillion questions on pet care.
It was the first time that many of the humans had had a pet spayed or neutered. So it was quite understandable that they were nervous about the procedure.
“The procedure had to be explained fully to all,” said Anna Cabrera, PAWS program director. “I told the humans that the procedure is fairly a routine one. Just like giving anti-rabies vaccinations.”
The “Spay Day” ended at PARC at midnight. Volunteers were tired, but happy to help, knowing that they prevented at least more than 200 unwanted puppies or kittens from coming into this world.
