High fives for PAWS

Anna Cabrera, the executive director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), wrote a very  touching tribute for the late columnist Neal Cruz in the July 31, 2015 issue of the Inquirer.

As recounted by Ms.  Cabrera, Cruz brought into the national consciousness the plight of stray and rescue animals like street dogs and cats by writing tons of articles on the issue.

Cruz also helped PAWS through donations made by his weekly Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel media forum. He also lent his journalistic weight in stopping greyhound racing in the Philippines and the putting down of strays by carbon monoxide gassing.

A visit at the PAWS shelter at the boundary of Marikina and Quezon City should make it very clear why Neal Cruz had been animated and untiring in his support for this organization of animal-loving volunteers.

At PAWS, dog and cats that had been neglected or subjected to violence (some had been mutilated) get to taste the love and care that had been denied them by their erstwhile human owners. They are fed well, allowed to socialize and given veterinary care.

All of the dogs and cats at PAWS are up for adoption, but not all people who come to PAWS are deemed fit to adopt. We know this because years back, we adopted a bright orange Puspin (pusang Pinoy) from PAWS.

We had to pass a written examination, an interview by an animal welfare volunteer and a final interview by Ms. Cabrera. However, it was well worth it because at the end of the vetting process, we got to take home Peping, an orange tabby cat with his #5 tattoo on one ear.

Peping has passed on, but he sure did live a happy life after being rescued by PAWS and being adopted by a pet-loving family. –End-

Image by: JD