The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) opened the gates of the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC) last February 24 to indigent pet owners for Free Spay-Neuter Day 2012.
A total of 82 cats and dogs were registered by families concerned about their companion animals’ health and welfare. Each animal was carefully tagged and, with their owners, ushered to the multi-purpose hall so both owner and pet could comfortably wait for their turn at the clinic.
PAWS veterinarian, Dr. Maripi Diaz, performed the initial health check-ups and administered sedatives and anesthesia to the ones who passed her careful scrutiny. Those unfit for surgery were given medication prescriptions and an appointment to return upon their pet’s recovery so that they may continue with the operation.
PAWS Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Wilford Almoro led the team of volunteer veterinarians in performing the surgeries. 72 cats and dogs were found fit for surgery with 65 of them receiving the procedure under the skilled hands of Dr. Almoro, Dr. Dan Hiceta, Dr. Marga Carpio and Dr. Nick Carpio.
The remaining animals were lined up for surgery the next day, and volunteers fed them and gave their owners instructions to return for them the following evening.
With PAWS constantly campaigning for better animal welfare awareness, the day came with a sense of satisfaction as one particular owner caught the attention and touched the hearts of many volunteers.
Ms. Sarah Cawayan, a resident of Marikina who sells snacks, juice and various other palamig at the market, brought 17 of her cats for Spay Day.
“Meron pa sa bahay,” (There are others left at home) she said, except the ones she brought were the only ones that fit the minimum 6-month age cut-off. She told volunteers that because of her immense love for these cats, she strives to set aside money to have the operation performed on all her rescues, nearly all of which she picked up off the street as kittens. She had already brought 3 cats for neutering the year before.
“Maawain talaga ako sa mga hayop,” she stated. “Mga kamag-anak ko din sa probinsya maraming alaga.”(I’m compassionate to animals. “My family in the province also has many pets.)
If you wish to help us reach out to more pet owners like Ms. Cawayan, please consider donating to our Spay & Neuter Fund “HOPE FOR TOMORROW” by clicking on this link: BE A PAWS SUPPORTING MEMBER
Your support will also allow us to campaign for more government-subsidized spay-neuter projects in the future.
