Almost two years ago, he saw a pup with soulful eyes and fell in love.
Avery Paraiso, known to many as Khalil in the TV show Encantadia and a commercial model, brought donations to the rummage sale of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) with his mom Holly and sister Ariel in August 2015 to help raise funds for injured and sick animals.
He went home hopeful that the pup will eventually be their family’s pup.
His mom, Holly, remembers asking Save ALL officers then if they had a pup for adoption. Two asong Pinoy (aspin) pups—Kani and Sunshine—were just found abandoned on a vacant lot in a subdivision in Quezon City, thus, admin Maricel Mondejar accompanied them to the shelter nearby.
Avery found himself drawn to Kani. “Those soulful eyes melted his heart,” Holly recalls.
After the screening, which included an interview and home visit, Save ALL approved the adoption and the Paraiso family welcomed its new member. They waited for two months as Kani also had to finish the series of vaccination. But for Avery and the rest of the family, it was worth it.
At first, Kani was fearful. He and Sunshine were abandoned at 6 weeks old. Who would not be anxious and fearful when left to fend for one’s self at such a young age?
Knowing Kani’s history, Avery was more than willing to give Kani the attention he needed and wanted. This, despite his busy schedule then as a finalist of GMA’s Star Struck Season 6 where he got the award for best in acting.
Avery would even bring Kani to his room and let him sleep with him after a tiring day.
Kani slowly warmed up to all the members of the family as he was (and still is) showered with love.
Holly says, “Now, he is so joyful to greet us in the morning and asks for attention.”
Kani’s love story with Avery continues to this day. He is one of seven other dogs who freely roam in the Paraiso’s home.
Another beautiful love story between a pet and a human started 10 years ago.
Leslie Carlos, a former commercial model, welcomed mix breed Amanda into her life then and their love story continues to bring wonderful moments to this day.
All moments are treasures for Leslie who says she cannot say one moment with Amanda is more memorable than the other.
She says, “All moments with her are memorable.”
She adds that Amanda taught her that “getting a pet is like getting a child. It’s not easy. You have to be committed to taking care of a pet. I don’t go on long layovers because I don’t like leaving her for too long. Parang baby talaga. “
Leslie advises new furparents to “prioritize quality time.”
“Go on walks if you can because it’s a great way to bond with your pet,“ she says.
She also warns against giving table food.
“There are so many ingredients in our food that are not good for dogs. If they’re not used to getting table food, they won’t bother you for it,” Leslie says.
Leslie also stresses the importance of giving dogs a complete check-up yearly “even if they seem healthy.” Since Amanda is a senior dog, Leslie has her checked twice a year.
She is glad she does this as Amanda’s comprehensive blood test showed she has elevated liver enzymes. She had no symptoms of a liver ailment at all.
“I wouldn’t have guessed. She looks great,” Leslie says.
Because her condition was detected early, Amanda is now being treated so that her liver will regenerate. Leslie hopes to spend more awesome moments with her adorable Amanda.
KANI AND AVERY.
AMANDA AND LESLIE.
These are just two of the many inspiring and beautiful love stories I have come across.
There are other love stories waiting to be told: Stories of how a dog taught a child about kindness and compassion, how a dog tried to warn an owner of an illness way before the illness was detected, how a cat filled a single woman’s life with love, among others.
Pet owners, adopters, fosters, rescuers, DO TELL US YOUR STORY.
Do share with us lessons learned, memorable experiences, funny moments, among others. You can also write your story in Filipino.
Please email your love story (3-5 paragraphs) with two clear colored photos to daycarlos28@yahoo.com.
My co-animal lovers, your love stories will hopefully inspire others to be more kind, loving and compassionate towards ALL animals and help create another love story.
We will feature at least one story every Sunday starting in October.
Have a blessed day, everyone! Namaste!
