Safe haven for pets displaced during Ondoy

MANILA, Philippines - We all know the devastation wrought by the fury of typhoon Ondoy two weeks ago. We all had a front row seat to the destruction and damage left in its wake, and only recently have we finally begun to slowly get back on our feet again.

I have to say, despite all the bad things that happened in the past two weeks, what really lifted my spirits and made me feel that things were going to be all right was the instant outpouring of support and help offered to typhoon victims by those that were not as badly hit by the storm. Relief centers and donation drop off points cropped up all over the Philippines and all over the world with people looking for any way that they could help.

Having said that, help was offered to not just our fellow countrymen who badly needed a lifesaver (both literally and figuratively) in this time of crisis, but also to our furry four-legged companions, who — just like us — were stranded in the floodwaters. It’s been a long past couple of weeks and in many instances, I have been in tears watching the news and seeing all the people and pets who died during the storm including the poor animals who were left in their cages as the water level rose leaving them no chance at all for survival. It broke my heart seeing so many of these warm and loving creatures with no hope at all.

That is where the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) comes in. Right after Ondoy they, like the many other disaster relief organizations, mobilized their efforts into providing a safe haven for the many pets and animals displaced during the typhoon and rescuing several others that were still stranded in flood-ridden homes, rooftops, and cages in the cities of Marikina, Pasig, and Rizal, among others.

PAWS opened the doors of their rehabilitation center PARC to the many animals who were separated from their owners or even just left for dead on the streets. Even without electricity for several days PARC served as a halfway house and shelter to many displaced animals and PAWS volunteers and volunteer vets saw several others who were injured and starving due to the recent storm. Like many of our brothers and sister, our furry friends need our help as well!

Pet owners who lost their beloved companions during the typhoon are invited to PARC to search for the furry friends or even to e-mail photos of their lost loved ones to PAWS (philpaws@yahoo.com). At the same time, willing volunteers are invited to PARC to donate their time, money, or effort into caring for the many animals that still need our help. To those who want to help but can’t physically be present, donations are very gratefully accepted as PARC is increasing its pet residency.

If you want to donate, items that can be very useful now include: dog cages with roofs (all kennels are already full), a large tent for temporary shelter for cages of admitted dogs, wet dog and cat food, cleaning materials (chlorox, Lysol, and brushes), old blankets and towels, new or second-hand microwave, multivitamin tablets for dogs and cats, Vibravet paste for cats Doxycycline and amoxicillin (250mg) capsules for the dogs, Silymarin or Jetepar capsules if any pets have leptospirosis, and Sangobion capsules and syrup. In addition, the PAWS staff who tirelessly give of themselves to keep the center running need flashlights, AA batteries, re-chargable lamps, as well as paracetamol and Tylenol.

It is a long road ahead, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for our beloved four-legged friends and for us as well if we all work together!

* * *

Drop off points for PAWS donations include 350 Media, Room 508 Manila Bank Building, Ayala Ave, Makati c/o Marla Licandro; 2-B Legaspi St, Philam Homes, West Ave c/o Rich Ilustre; Vents in Practice c/o Dr. Nick & Marga Carpio, 63 Maysilo Circle cor Boni Ave. Mandaluyong (across Tapa King around the circle) tel no: 531-1581 to 82; Pasay branch: Carveldon Veterinary Center, Cartimar Commercial Center, Pasay, tel no: 5562885Pasig: Animal Care Specialists Pet Village, Tiendesitas 635-6895. Every little bit helps!