WHAT I LEARNED FROM ANIMALS

Animals, like us humans, have basic needs such as food that suit their physical make up, clean water, and shelter to protect them from the dangers of the outside world.  Dogs and cats have become domesticated animals and owners would consider them pets that are part of the family.

I grew up in a home where dogs and cats (they were all aspins and domestic shorthair or puspins) were always part of the scenario. So growing up I became aware of the importance of extending kindness to these voiceless and helpless creatures knowing that they can’t even say or express what they need and feel.

But what happens when these cats and dogs are neglected and abandoned? Sadly, there are those who just choose to leave them because they don’t want to take care of them anymore or would consider them as nuisance. Other dogs and cats  would repeatedly multiply because they are not spayed or neutered and when this happens the offspring would also become strays.

HOW PAWSSION PROJECT BEGAN

I first heard about PAWSsion Project when a news report was aired about a lady named Ms. Malou Perez, who at that time was helping stray dogs along Lacson Street (a long stretch and one of the main roads in Bacolod City) when the pandemic started and the city when on lockdown. The post went viral on social media until it was aired in the news.  Even the netizens were delighted and inspired by the story that they asked how they could donate for the dogs’ needs.

Little did I know that the same lady feeding the dogs along the streets of Bacolod was also the founder of PAWSsion Project.

What is this endeavor all about? PAWSsion Project is a non-profit organization which started on October 11, 2018 after it’s founder, Ms. Malou Perez, was tagged on a Facebook post about 50 unwanted dogs that were in death row at the local pound with a mass grave already prepared for them. “I really grew up as a dog lover, not as an animal advocate for that matter, but then one time I was tagged by a post about these dogs on death row. And just like everyone else, I shared the post too but I didn’t do much else because of course where am I gonna put the 50 dogs?” says Malou in a narrated video about PAWSsion Project’s humble beginnings.

Luckily, Malou’s friend, Ms. Jen Coscolluela, owns a place where they were supposed to put up an Air B&B business. Her friend also saw the post and since they didn’t have any concrete plans yet for their business at that time, they thought the place was just right for the dogs to be accommodated in.  And that’s how it all started.

Malou was honest enough to say that she has zero experience on how a shelter is being run, but because of her dedication, commitment and love for animals– everything fell into place.

BE AWARE THAT STRAYS MATTER

I also have cats and two of them are stray rescues. I can truly relate to what Malou mentioned that rescues really accept and embrace what we can offer them and they have their own way of showing gratitude.  She was on point in saying that people just need to be educated and aware that these cats and dogs are not harmful. They are not dirty animals.

Well, it’s understandable that people are afraid of rabies and getting bitten, who isn’t?

But if we can only get them vaccinated or like have regular government funded programs for anti-rabies and deworming shots plus of course spay and neuter programs, then we can protect them from rabies and control their growing population.

As Malou said, it’s never easy to run a shelter especially in this time of pandemic where people are also tightening their budget. PAWSsion Project is just so blessed that when it first introduced their shelter, volunteers and donations came in for all the 50 dogs. Days after, more rescued cats and dogs were brought to the Victorias/Bacolod shelters.

ADOPT, DON’T SHOP

PAWSsion Project’s main goal is to promote adoption of local strays and rescues, help them to have responsible owners and give the strays a second chance at life.

For those who can’t adopt/own one, you can donate to the shelter and join the sponsor a cat or dog  program.

As I watched the videos of PAWSsion Project, I cannot really understand how some people can hurt these dogs and cats. How others just neglect them and ignore them. At the same time, I am amazed at how donations come in and warm hearts embrace these animals.

Through this, I am one with PAWSsion Project’s advocacy in spreading love, compassion and information about animal rights and their welfare. We are one in hoping for a better life for the voiceless and helpless creatures of God.

For more information about Pawssion Project, you may visit their website at www.pawssionproject.ph/

Facebook Page: PAWSsion Project

Instagram: @pawssionproject