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Friday, March 29, 2024

A love-filled day with rescued dogs and cats

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I have always been drawn to animals even though a dog bit me when I was  three or four years old.  

The incident left scars on my face but it did not make me afraid of dogs. I guess that dog gave me a love potion instead of rabies because I feel it actually opened my heart more to animals.

I have always wanted to have a dog. But my parents would not allow me to have one because of the incident and we lived in an apartment.

To satisfy my desire to be with animals, I would pet other people’s dogs  and go to wildlife sanctuaries. My boyfriend, Dexter Goyala, would look for such places for us to visit.

A love-filled day  with rescued dogs and cats
Author Katherine (in blue shirt) and partner Dexter play with rescued cats. She donated food for the rescues on her birthday which were received by Save ALL admins Maricel Mondejar (second from right) and Joanne Zamora (far right). 

Three years ago, I decided to bring home a dog without the consent of my parents and it was the best decision I ever made.

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I was too exhausted, confused and tired at my previous work at that time. When Xedrick, my dog, came into my life, he made me feel so full of love. Having him around felt like I was being healed  mentally, emotionally and physically. Our home became a happier and lively place too.

It is because of him that I became more compassionate  towards animals. Xedrick  taught me not only to love him but to spread my love to others specially to the unfortunate ones

I usually have packs of dog food in my bag when I go out of the house so that I can feed stray dogs.

On my 28th birthday two weeks ago, Dexter and I  visited  one of the foster homes of  Save ALL Inc.- Save Animals of Love and Light in Quezon City.

I did not really plan on visiting a foster home or shelter.  I usually donate cash or items to shelters  in my list as my way of thanking God for giving me another productive year.

Visiting a shelter was the last thing on my mind because even if I have a soft spot for animals, I did not wish to see the rescues in a bad state or to hear their sad stories first hand.

But Dexter told me, “Why not try to spend some time with the rescues. Let them feel human compassion for a time.“

I thought  about my dog who is very happy when he is around me and when I give him food. I thought:  Why not make rescued dogs feel loved too?

A love-filled day  with rescued dogs and cats
Katherine and Dexter also met the rescued dogs.

Dexter and I were both in awe during the visit. It was not what we were expecting to see.

The foster home is clean. We even have to be “disinfected” before we can enter the home and play with the rescues. They have kind caretakers and admins/officers  who were so accommodating that we did not  feel we were  strangers.

We even ate merienda (snacks) with them which made me feel like I had a birthday celebration.

And the rescues?  You won’t even notice they were  strays or were sick prior to their rescue. They are well taken care of (it was very evident), and loved by the  people around them.  

The humans  know the rescues by their names, and the stories behind their rescue. The rescues are so lucky to have these caregivers/admins.  They obviously not only have a good home and good food but they also get lots of kisses, rubs, and I love you’s from the admins and caretakers .

Just a warning to those who will visit the foster home: Once you look into their eyes, it is hard to look away and do nothing. As you roam around the facility, you won’t be able to refrain yourself from trying to touch the rescues.  

It felt like my goal there was to befriend all of them. I would bring my hand near a cage and my heart would go “Yes!” when a dog licked my hand.  

As for the cats, it felt weird that they were  all friendly and would try to reach for your hand or rub their backs on the cage or  against your legs to welcome you.

I felt loved by them, honestly.

We have cats where I work and I can’t even get near them even though I always give them food.  They are so snobbish.

I can not  forget Rafa.  He is such a beauty!! He licked my hand and even brushed his back on the cage and allowed me to pet him.

It was my best day so far. My heart was so full.

One thing is for sure:  this will not be the last time I will visit a foster home/shelter and we do hope this will open more opportunities for us to do more, to be more vocal and involved in helping the voiceless. We do hope our friends will do the same.

About the Author: Katherine N. Lomboy graduated magna cum laude at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines  with a  degree in Bachelor in Cooperatives major in Financial Management and Accounting. She now works with the Apex Cooperative of the Philippine Cooperative Movement- Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) after  five years in the banking industry. 

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