More adoption stories

Finally, we can move forward — as a country.

It seemed like the country had come to a halt — what with all the jockeying for cabinet posts I was reading about.

I spent the morning of June 30 watching the “show” that was the Presidential inauguration.

I was waiting for President Aquino’s much-awaited speech, which he said had undergone more than nine revisions.

I was hoping to hear the words that the new government would also focus on building a more humane society.

I did not hear it — I guess there are so many more things that need fixing that building a more humane society may not be among the top priorities.

Whatever direction the new government takes in pursuit of its goals of building a better country, I wish it well. I hope that I can do my share in making that a reality.

And, for me, this means working towards building a more humane society.

According to Wikipedia, “A humane society may be a group that aims to stop human or animal suffering due to cruelty or other reasons.”

If I can help stop animal suffering because of cruelty, in whatever way I can, then I know I would have done something good.

* * *

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) director Anna Cabrera participated at the US Animal Care Expo 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.

I did a presentation on PAWS Aspin campaign,” said Anna. “I was amazed at the reactions I got from the people there. They liked what we at PAWS had done for the campaign.”

Anna said that there were over 1,400 participants at the forum and they represented 44 countries. Cabrera was part of the international track. She was asked to present PAWS Aspin campaign which is aimed at uplifting the image of the native dog by showing people that these mongrels can be just as sweet, as loving and just as intelligent as their pure-breed counterparts.

“The groundbreaking campaign was widely applauded,” quipped Anna. “The topic for the day was ‘Marketing Mongrels: Enhancing the Image of Shelter Animals.’”

Anna was overwhelmed by the response she got after her talk. She was approached and congratulated by almost all the people at the forum because of the unique way PAWS has been working to uplift the lives of Aspins.

PAWS has worked tirelessly for this. Matter of fact, it is PAWS that coined the word Aspin (asong Pinoy) to replace our use of the term askal (street dog);

PAWS has held a beauty pageant for native dogs and recently it created an Aspin Club.

The response that PAWS has been getting from the creation of the Aspin Club has been good. The membership continues to grow because there are many young pet lovers who love their doggies definitely beyond breed.

“It was so heart-warming for me to know that the group in the US hailed the unconventional but effective ways we have used for boosting the adoption rates of native dogs,” added Anna. “They were also impressed with PAWS campaigns for promoting better treatment for the oft-discriminated mongrels.”

Anna also told me that many attendees remarked that they have been inspired and will strive to also market their shelter animals aggressively instead of waiting for pity-adoptions that most non-profit groups are used to doing.

Speakers Michael Arm of the Helen Woodward Foundation also had praises for the Philippine presentation. He said it underscored the fact that NGOs should start working smart.

“The animals already have our hearts,” Arm said. “They need our minds. Use your minds, form a marketing strategy.”

“Arm who had made the audience cry several times with his touching animal stories during his presentation praised PAWS,” quipped Anna. “He said, ‘Despite their limited resources, they are able to present their shelter animals in a unique and creative way.’”

Cabrera also got the chance to meet the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Wayne Pacelle. PAWS is one of HSUS first advocacy partners. Former PAWS shelter director, Oscar Lei, was the first from the Philippines to receive a US Shelter internship from the HSUS.

“The PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center is not funded by any international organization,” added Anna. “Although its officers get training and education grants from international organizations.”

* * *

In cooperation with the provincial vet office of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos and the Executive Royale Homeowners of Lipa City, PAWS and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) had a half-day free spay and neutering of pets at Inoslaban, Lipa City, Batangas last June 26.

Thirty cats and dogs were neutered and spayed. Dozens received free rabies vaccinations and de-worming services for their pets.

The participants and organizers were glad that more people came home with information on rabies prevention, the advantages of pet spay and neuter and how every pet owner can be an animal advocate by just being a responsible pet owner and a good example to others.

More Cats For Adoption

Iris — Lean, mean purring machine. This girl is ready to give love to anyone willing to receive it. Iris was neglected for a very long time and didn’t get any veterinary care when she was found sick and suffering on a busy sidewalk until PAWS rescued her.

Eric — Known for his fluffy, long tail, Eric is alert and ready to chase any moving object. Sometimes the object of the chase is his own long, fluffy tail itself.

Adolfo — He was abused by a sadistic kanto-boy. Adolfo is beginning to trust humans again, and will give tentative acknowledgment to a soft, gentle pat after looking warily at each approaching hand and allowing himself to be patted.

Leslie — One of the fattest girl cats in the cattery, Leslie gets teased a lot about her weight. But this gracious big momma doesn’t mind the ribbing at all for as long as she gets to eat ahead of everyone else. Her favorite activities — other than eating — are sleeping and watching the more athletic cats at play.

Leo — It just seems appropriate that a cat that was rescued from a school would display intelligence and loquacity. Leo is a talking kittycat. Try having a conversation with this feline and you will almost always get a meowing reply. Leo was a sick and thin stray cat when he was rescued at a campus.

Sundance — Learn why dance is part of this cat’s name. Take her home and assure her that the cruelties she has endured are all in the past, and that it will all be sunshine and dancing in your life together from now on.

Maggie — The “snuggliest” cat. She will wrap her paws around your face or neck if you bend down to talk to her.

Socks — When he was found, Socks lay huddled on the Katipunan flyover with another cat that had been run over. Both he and his fallen companion had obviously been dumped by a heartless person on that flyover. Socks had to recover from a bone-pin operation on one of his hind legs before he could be fully appreciated for his amazing blue eyes and quirky personality.

Panda — Life started rough for this kitten that was put in a tied-up plastic bag before he was thrown away along with the trash. Panda will give gentle head butts to an outstretched hand. He is hopeful that someone will give him a home where he will be safe and happy forever.

Sam — Sam was lying under a car in a parking lot — suffering from an infection when she was found. Completely recovered now, we feel that she wants to make up for lost time by always jumping on laps and spending quality time with humans.

* * *

For more information about adoption, call PAWS at 475-1688.