CARA rescues find forever homes

MANILA, Philippines - The end of September marked another milestone for many of Compassion And Responsibility towards Animals’ (CARA) foster puppies as they have finally found their forever homes. “Adopt-A-Pet” is a regular event hosted by CARA at the Fashion Walk in Greenbelt 5. At the event cats and dogs that have been rescued and fostered are put up for adoption. The rescues were showcased at the event and prospective parents were given the chance to get to know what could be the newest addition to their families.

The adoption event last Sept. 29 was well attended, not only by CARA volunteers and potential adopters, but also by animal welfare advocates and supporters. Mall goers happily took time out from their shopping schedule to have a look at the beautiful pets being offered for adoption.

The kittens and puppies charmed the crowd while the equally endearing older cats and dogs also knew how to captivate their audience. Thirteen friendly felines became stars of the event — MK, Ashley, Bridge, Brandy, Whiskers, Monching, Spider, Snowflake, Domino, Chowie, Dona, Mako, Bolin, Korra, Tampopo, Ily, Picasso, Blanca, Mimi, Tomy, Becca, Riky, Patty, Bruce, Lily, Nala, and Prince.

There were five adorable puppies looking for their new families: Kang, Muffin, Boris, Andy, and Polka Dot.

Other doggies like Aya, Sandy, and Butters were scene-stealers! They wore scarves (pink for Aya and Sandy and blue for Butters) that said “Adopt Me” and walked around the area, enchanting mall passersby and inspiring attendees to adopt. Aya and Sandy, who were once abandoned, have grown to become beautiful and affectionate dogs that happily posed for pictures and nuzzled against anyone who petted them. CARA’s dog meat trade survivor Butters was definitely a crowd favorite that day.

A total of seven cats were adopted. Among them were MK, Dona, Korra, Ashley and Bruce, and Blanca and Prince. Black beauty Kang and the mesmerizingly sweet Aya likewise found new parents from the event.

All throughout the event, sighs of “I wish I could adopt!” could be heard. Many of the event’s participants could not bring home a new baby because of residential policies, while some of them are already parents to several cats and dogs and, sadly, have no more room for new additions.

Fortunately, however, they were still able to reach out and help the plight of rescued animals by donating. Another cause which they have shown support to is the Laguna Pit Bulls Rehabilitation Project. CARA surprised them with various gift items (from cute ceramic cats to gorgeous T-shirts dedicated to the Laguna Pit Bulls) as a token of gratitude for their generosity.

The adoption event ran from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The people who graced the venue were able, even if only for a short period of time, were able to see the difference one’s compassion and responsibility for animals can make. CARA provided information, through reading materials and AVPs, about the Animal Welfare Act, the T/N/R (Trap-Neuter-Return) program, and the Laguna Pi Bulls rehabilitation project. Photo albums of the pets currently for adoption as well as the Laguna Pit Bulls were also shared with the public.