Let's just PAWS

Pet lovers and their pets flocked to “Pose for PAWS” at Bonifacio High Street held over the holiday break. “Pose for PAWS” has become a regular event for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as a way of raising funds for the PAWS animal shelter.

Really, what better way is there to get pet lovers all giggly and gaga than having a photo session with their loving pets? High-tech pet lovers in the group can post their photos on Facebook or whatever site they are on, faster than fast.

Through the years of attending the event I have noticed how the number of people who come and participate has grown. Blame it on the need to have a better photo of humans with their pet companions for this year’s holiday cards.

This year, over 150 humans and pets lined up at the photo booths to have their holiday portraits taken. PAWS volunteers were on hand to assist the guardians with doggie treats and squeaky toys to make sure that the pets were looking at the camera before the photographers clicked away. 

A group of Siberian Husky owners came all the way from Pampanga just to participate in the event. Theirs was a particularly challenging shot because it took three PAWS volunteers coaxing six energetic dogs with treats just to get them all, or at least most of them, to look at the camera while the guardians kept their smiles in place to capture the once-in-a-lifetime moment.

“The organizers kept saying that Amber was a natural in front of the camera,” Siberian Husky owner Tina Alejandro remarked. “They had absolutely no trouble making her pose. I’m glad I came with the group for this event!”

A few cat owners turned up at the dog-dominated event. Among them was Veronica Sison who came with Persian cat Drizella, whose purple scarf was perfectly coordinated with her purple blouse.  The Cabalza family also came with two native cats. “One of them was adopted from PAWS,” said 12-year-old Anton who was a recipient of PAWS’ outstanding volunteer award last year.

The group 92AD serenaded the afternoon crowd with classic Christmas carols and one observer on hand could have sworn that the dogs were also listening and enjoying the music like their humans. 

The dogs’ favorite part of the event was when baker Angela Colet demonstrated how to make simple holiday pet treats.

After the onstage demo, PAWS volunteers came out carrying trays of free samples to the delight of the furry audience. Tails were indeed wagging endlessly as the pets sampled the freshly baked gotta-love-‘em biscuits, squash dumplings and honey-peanut butter balls.

Pet owners walked away from the event admiring their treasured snapshots and promised to return next year for yet another memorable Christmas bonding activity with their pets.

“Pose for PAWS” was made possible through the generous support of Bonifacio High Street. Special thanks to Hobbes and Landes, McDonald’s, Heartgard, Merial Philippines, Samson & Mom, Geronimo Photographico, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Mike Miranda and Philippine STAR Pet Life Section.

Honey-Peanut Butter Balls

1 tbsp. honey 

1 tsp. peanut butter 

3/4 cup flour 

1/4  cup  shortening 

1 egg 

1  tsp. baking soda 

1/4  cup rolled oats 

1/2  tsp.vanilla 

Heat honey and peanut butter in microwave until peanut butter is melted (about 20 seconds). 

Add remaining ingredients  and mix well.

Drop 1/2 teaspoonful of the mixture onto cookie sheet.

Bake at 350ºF for 8 to 10 minutes.