Eric Suguitan, a CARA senior volunteer often called to help with rescues, shares one of his most unforgettable rescue story. He got a desperate plea for help in retrieving an aspin dog with striking blue eyes from the QC Pound. The reporter had been feeding the dog and had been intending to foster it when the dog catchers came. Read Eric’s account of the rescue.
Ene and I went to the QC Pound today to save a dog from certain death. Tomorrow was supposed to be his execution. There were over 40 other dogs and cats on death row and even though we wanted to save each and every one of them, it was simply impossible. The following week and every Friday thereafter, about two dozen dogs and cats will be killed. Why so many, you may ask? It’s mainly because of irresponsible pet owners who abandon these once-loved creatures when they no longer serve a purpose. Please save a life. Adopt, don’t shop. If you can’t, you may foster, donate, volunteer, or educate. (24 July 2014)
It’s been more than three weeks since Chok was saved from the guillotine at the QC Pound. The image remains burned into my very soul. On the eve of their execution, about three dozen dogs packed into almost every nook and cranny of a kennel that seemed like it was made for just a fraction of that number. Every dog looked like the next, with each one not knowing that the end was nigh. Ene and I wanted badly to save all of them but could only take one with us. When his name was called, Chok emerged from the stinking, tangled mass of brown, black, and dirty-white fur and walked to the gate. He then looked at us with those piercing blue eyes. We took him to the warm inviting arms of adopter, Beng Fontejon and family. He now enjoys the good life, away from hunger and the elements, no longer unwanted but loved dearly. He is home.
If only people were more responsible, far fewer dogs and cats would be abandoned on the streets, where they don’t know when or where their next meal would come. If only more people would open their hearts and minds to adoption, then more of these creatures would be saved. If only… (17 August 2014)
We hope that this story will make it clear to readers that if they surrender their pets to the pound, they are in effect killing their dogs. Most pounds in the Philippines euthanize dogs regularly. The living conditions of the dogs at the pounds are often horrendous. We at CARA and other animal welfare volunteers are often faced with the unimaginable situation of having to save only the dog that we set out to save and leave the other dogs to their fates.
Please be responsible pet owners. Spay or neuter your dogs so they will not multiply and leave you with more pets than you can handle. The CARA Clinic offers low-cost spaying and neutering services. Click here for the rates.
If you cannot treat your dog as an integral member of your family, then don’t get a dog at all. Our dogs consider us as family. Abandoning them is the ultimate act of betrayal to a living creature. Be compassionate. Adopt, don’t shop.