The best shot

I would not have missed it for a gadgets show. It was a Sunday for my canine companions — one in which they were to take center stage.  “We hope to get at least 50 participants here,” said Anna

Cabrera, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) director. “And, from the way it looks, we might just make that number.”

People started pouring in at 1 p.m. on this cool Sunday afternoon. Three booths were set up with about eight photographers ready to take the shots.

As is the case with most PAWS events, there is always a stand where information about pet adoption is readily available.  But, on this Sunday, Anna thought it wise to take two of the longest staying shelter dogs along — just in case.

Jasmine and Tiger are two aspins (short, P.C. term for “asong Pinoy”) who have been rescued. Jasmine had been at PAWS for three years and Tiger is about seven years old, the oldest dog in the shelter.

“Older dogs are harder to re-home,” added Anna. “Every one wants a cute puppy.”

I guess the god of dogs was looking down kindly that afternoon because both Tiger and Jasmine got adopted.

Jasmine, a white, short-haired aspin, was adopted by Marla Nicandro. “Jasmine will stay in our family farm and resort,” said Marla. “She will be in the company of three or four other dogs. There, she will have plenty of space to run around in.”

For Tiger, PARC’s senior dog, it was Nicole Bulatao who wanted to take him home. Nicole writes for the online Philippine Entertainment Portal.

“I will get Tiger from the shelter next weekend,” said Nicole. “I need to get the house ready for him.” 

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I also brought along a kitten which I had rescued from the village where I live last weekend. I picked up the little black kitten because it followed me and my three canine companions as we walked to the village park.

“I love black cats and kittens, “ said PAWS volunteer Karla Mae Garcia. “I just love the way this kitten looks at me.” 

Karla opted to adopt Jack, the name she gave the kitten an hour after she stayed with him at the PAWS adoption booth. I warned Karla that Jack eats a lot. At least that is all he did when he was in my home for four days.

Thank God for pet lovers and adoptive parents. 

* * *

Going back to Pose for PAWS.

Rich Ilustre, director for the event and PAWS volunteer, was very happy about the turnout of people who came with their pets for the event. By 6 p.m. there were 54 dog owners and six cat owners who had come for the shoot.

“I am so happy that pet owners love their pet companions so much,” quipped Rich. “They really came out to have their photos taken and to help raise funds for the shelter.” 

It was fun to watch the group of volunteer photographers trying to get the best angles of their subjects. The group is known as Atelier Artistique which specializes in mounting photo-taking sessions for a cause. The group is headed by Franz A.D. Morales. I promise to have more for you about the event next week.

* * *

“My pet hotel is doing really well,” said Danish expat Pernille Harboe. “We have expanded so that I can also take in cats.” Pernille is behind the pet accessories line called Samson and Mom.

Pernille told me that she used to make accessories and clothes, like sweaters and raincoats, for her beloved wheelchair-bound pooch, Samson.

Of course, it did not take long before people took notice of her line and then her hobby grew into a business. Pernille is a regular at PAWS events and with her is Merlin. “When the hotel is full the dogs sleep with me on my bed,” said Pernille. “There are no cages in my hotel. The dogs run free.”

So, just what does the pet hotel of Pernille have?

Pernille and her staff of three bathe the dogs once a week, feed them twice daily as well as set aside time to play with and cuddle them.

For the more high-maintenance pooches, special grooming and special meals can be arranged.

For exercise the dogs are taken on daily walks around the village by the staff. For those having trouble with wayward pets and their naughty antics, additional training can be arranged as requested by their owners. A trusted veterinarian will visit on a regular basis to check on the condition of the dogs.

Any kind of dog is welcome at the pet hotel. The only requirement is that the dogs must have updated vaccinations and they be treated for ticks and fleas. This is to guarantee safety and to avoid spreading parasites to the other hapless, furry boarders. Female dogs in heat are not allowed. 

Samson and Mom, Inc. operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of dogs that they can accommodate is limited. 

For more information, contact Samson and Mom, Inc. at telephone numbers 852-5148 or 0916-6172663.