Dr. Dog Philippines
Reposted from http://www.animalsasia.org/
Since 1997, dogs such as Pakko and Freckles have been delighting everyone they meet during Dr. Dog visits coordinated by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Special talents such as "sleeping on the job" and "balancing cookie on nose" mean that dogs like Frankie and Roo are also favorite visitors at the cancer ward of the Children's Medical Hospital, the Laverna Home for Aging Nuns and with orphaned children.
Withdrawn children speak freely to the dogs during visits and chatter to staff afterwards about their feelings and excitement at seeing the dogs again.
Clearly Dr. Dog in the Philippines is a powerful tool, not only for helping and healing people but also for changing attitudes and school children across the Philippines are pledging to join PAWS in their campaign to teach kindness to animals.
Despite the advances in medical science, our Dr. Dog partners in the Philippines agree that love really still is the best medicine!
Some of the organizations that have benefited from the Dr. Dog program:
- Tahanan Walang Hagdadan (House Without Stairs)
- Bantay Bata Rescue Centre
Dr. Dog Philippines Contact Details:
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Anna Cabrera
Tel/Fax: (632) 475 1688
Email: philpaws@yahoo.com
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Dr dog Manila style
Philippine Animal Welfare Society doing a wonderful job
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has been enriching the lives of people in Manila's schools, hospitals, and other institutions with the Dr Dog Animal Assisted Therapy programme for almost 10 years, under the expert guidance of their long-standing president Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco. Jill Robinson and Mark Jones from Animals Asia were privileged to see the programme in action, at the National Children's Hospital, Quezon City, during a recent visit.
Jill with PAWS CEO Nita Lichauco, Dr. Una and guardian Popi Laudico with a young patient
The hospital treats some very sick children, including those who are fighting leukaemia, some of whom may never leave the hospital. To these brave children, accompanied by family members and hospital staff, the Dr Dog visits are a big highlight in their lives.
Dr Dog visits in Manila are always full of dancing, singing and games for children. Anna Cabrera, Program Director of PAWS, introduced the dogs and their guardians, and led the children in games, and in an enthusiastic rendition of the Dr Dog song, 
along with all the actions! The happiness and excitement this programme brings to the lives of the children was plain to see on their faces. It was wonderful to see first-hand evidence of how the value of Animal Assisted Therapy is slowly being recognised and accepted through Asia, so more and more people can enjoy the benefits.
Some much loved animal therapy for very sick children
Animals Asia is proud to work in partnership with PAWS through sponsorship of the Dr Dog programme in Manila. As well as the Dr Dog programme, PAWS runs the excellent PARC dog and cat shelter and re-homing facility in Quezon City, and actively raises public awareness on animal welfare issues through campaigning, education, investigation and lobbying.
Lyrics of the PAWS Dr. Dog song pasted up for all to sing