PCG swamped with calls from dog owners

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is reportedly being flooded with calls of people wanting to donate dogs, both locally-bred and foreign-bred, to be trained and be part of their elite K9 Unit.

PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Arman Balilo said that his office has been receiving calls from people offering to donate their dogs. As of yesterday afternoon the number rose to 27.

Out of the 27 dogs, nine of them are locally-bred dogs, better known as aspins (asong Pinoy), but the rest belong to different breeds, including three Labradors, one Belgian Malinois, two Dobermans, one German Shepherd, one Golden Retriever, a Beagle, two Japanese Spitzes, and a Chihuahua.

“The owners of some of these dogs are reportedly planning to go abroad so they needed someone to look after their pet. There are others who are happy just give their dogs to the PCG,” Balilo said.

The official said while they were pleased with the positive response from the public, he said that they could not accept all the canines.

“The dogs would first have to be examined by the PCG-K9 Unit veterinarian. We also consider the age, it should not be more than two years old. It would be better if it was a puppy,” he said.

The maritime agency’s commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo and the PCG-K9 Unit chief Commander Allen Dalangin have also been getting offers.