Written by Arcen Gabriel Nacorda

Stray dogs and cats are still greatly misjudged and mistreated by a lot of people in today’s society. Statements like “Huwag mong hawakan yan, madumi yan!” or “Baka kagatin ka niyan, may rabies yan!” are uttered against these innocent creatures. Some even go as far as to kick or violently throw objects towards them. These are painful manifestations of a cruel society filled with misinformed individuals. 

With this in mind, many people prefer to look for a furry companion in pet stores or transact with breeders nearby, because they want to buy dogs or cats who have breeds that are perceived as clean and sheltered. Little do they know that some of these pet stores or breeders actually mistreat the animals they have with them. 

In its article 10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt, Don’t Shop, the World Veterinary Service stated that “Many dogs are forced to breed as often as possible and are kept under cruel conditions in puppy farms.” It is saddening and infuriating to think that these breeders and pet store owners view these dogs and cats as mere sources of income and not animals who are looking for a home and a family who will love and take care of them. 

So what can we do?

First, it is important to inform the people that hurting stray animals is punishable by law, and that they should not immediately assume that these innocent creatures are rabid, dirty, and violent. Second, instead of patronizing pet stores and breeders, we should support animal adoption and rescue centers who have the genuine intention to take care of these animals and help them find a home with people who can and will nurture them whole-heartedly. Lastly, we should contribute (in our own ways) to making our communities a better place for these animals to live in by giving them food, sheltering them from the rain, and protecting them from individuals who have ill intentions. By doing so, we are helping them survive and making them feel valued, heard, and understood amidst the poor living conditions that they experience on a daily basis.

Through Aspins (Asong Pinoy) and Puspins (Pusang Pinoy), we can learn and experience the true essence of loyalty. Adopting an Aspin made not only my life, but also my family’s lives a whole lot happier and sweeter. They are the best representations of unconditional love. They will love and embrace you for who you are–regardless of your looks, financial capability, and social status in life. They are shoulders to cry on, genuine listeners, and rays of sunshine in your darkest times. These animals are companions who will stay beside you until their final breath. So please love and accept them, for they are only here in this world for a short time. A single day with you feels like an eternity of happiness to them.

Together, let us all support the Adopt, Don’t Shop Movement!

Reference:

World Veterinary Service. (n.d.). 10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt, Don’t Shop! https://wvs.org.uk/news/10-reasons-why-you-should-adopt-dont-shop/