Help for the animals, too

MANILA, Philippines - At the height of the flooding brought about Typhoon Maring recently the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was doing all it could in Cavite to help the animals that were affected by the floods.

“Animals are important to many people — as companions, as sources of livelihood,” says May Felix-Razon, PAWS disaster-relief and emergency response team head. “Therefore, it makes sense that animals are included in disaster-relief efforts.”

Last Aug. 21, PAWS volunteers went to the SAWS Animal Shelter in Bacoor, Cavite to give relief to the 50 dogs and 20 cats there. Volunteers also helped clean the said shelter, which was covered in mud after being badly-hit by floods (water that overflowed from the nearby creek) at the height of Typhoon Maring.

PAWS received dog food donations and human relief food items from its celebrity spokespersons like Carla Abellana, Heart Evangelista, Patricia Hizon and Joey Mead and has distributed these donations to both animals and humans in Salinas I, Bacoor, Cavite. 

Even MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino sent one sack of dog food and one sack of cat food for animals affected by disaster.

On the first day of the relief efforts of PAWS 40 families with pets were given assistance. The volunteer group plans to continue its relief-distribution in Cavite, Marikina and Roxas District, Quezon City once they get additional donations of pet food and human relief items.

PAWS is still in need donations of the following:

For animals — dog food, cat food, old towels.

For humans — ready-to-eat food /ulam, old clothes, canned goods (preferably with easy-open top), crackers, bottled water and coffee.

Donations in-kind may be dropped off at PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center, Aurora Boulevard, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. PARC is open Mondays to Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

For information, call 475-1688 or visit www.paws.org.ph. 

Donations in cash may be deposited to The Philippine Animal Welfare Society at Bank of the Philippine Islands Peso Savings Account 3943-0086-11 / Dollar 3944-0021-61

Banco de Oro — Peso Savings Account 6250058159

Philippine National Bank — 378-26380001-2