Makisig, the long wait is over
Makisig was one of the 50 dogs en route to Baguio for dogmeat trade found alive
Makisig was a dog meat trade rescue and an extremely lucky one.
He seemed to have won the lottery of all lotteries when - on top of being one of the 50 dogs left alive from the total of 200 dogs crammed in a truck en route to Baguio, he was one of the eight (8) picked out by PAWS President Nita Lichauco in 2007 when the organization offered to take in only an original 7 rescuees to be transferred to the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center from their temporary holding area in Manila City Pound. Lack of available kennels at PARC kept this number only at eight even if PAWS wanted to save more.
From among the eight, Makisig proved to be the most challenging to rehabilitate - behavior-wise. He was dominant and very energetic. As a testimony to how hard it was, he holds the record for being the longest-staying shelter dog in the shelter's entire history: Makisig had been at PARC for four years before he had been adopted!
Makisig, a dominant and energetic dog
It was one fine day in June 2011 that Ms.Estelita Acuba dropped by PARC to adopt a dog for her pineapple farm. Even if she passed the adoption interview with flying colors, the adoption counselors had to withhold full approval of the adoption until the Cavite pineapple farm was inspected.
Due to the workload of PAWS volunteers, it took weeks before the ocular inspection could be arranged. But it was worth the long wait..The PAWS inspection team was wowed by Ms. Acuba's farm. It was, in the words of one of the team members, " a heavenly place for a dog".
The Acubas were also a family of dog-lovers and animal advocates. "Perfect," all the inspecting volunteers whispered among themselves.
August 30, 2011 Makisig's send-off was bittersweet. As volunteers waved their goodbyes to PARC's most well-known dog, they cried, they laughed and clapped at the same time. They could not believe his good fortune.
Makisig's "lottery winning" streak did not end with his being adopted: He was adopted with two other shelter dogs - his 'barkadas', Darling and Charles.
Darling and Charles were also adopted along with Makisig
"They have a grand time playing in the farm - all three of them!" Ms. Acuba reports.
All good things come to those who wait, they say. And only those who knew Makisig and how long he had to wait, know how true this adage is.
Everyday, PAWS rescues and rehabilitates dogs like Makisig, Darling and Charles until they are ready to be put up for adoption.
Our life-saving work needs your support. Please donate. It will go a long way in helping homeless dogs and cats hoping for a second chance at a good life.
P 300 or US$ 7 (Staff & Volunteer Support)
will help sustain office and maintenance personnel that keep the shelter running
P 500 or US$ 12 (Utilities & Maintenance)
will help pay the rent, water, communication and electricity bills
P 1,000 or US$ 23 (Immediate Shelter Needs)
will help feed a shelter dog for one month or fully vaccinate a shelter dog or cat against diseases
P 3,000 or US$ 68 (Spay-Neuter Fund)
will help spay a female cat or dog preventing hundreds of unwanted kittens and puppies from being born
P 5,000 or US$ 113 (Medical Fund)
will help in the long-term veterinary treatment of an abused dog or cat, or any other animal in need of special care at our shelter