Looking After Animal Welfare
Property Company of Friends, Inc. (Profriends) employees recently visited the cattery facility of CARA Welfare Philippines in Mandaluyong City, bringing with them cat and dog food for the institution and other materials needed in maintaining the cleanliness of the facility. “Thank you for choosing us to be a venue of your activity,” said CARA Welfare Philippines Admin Staff, Mary Rose Valdez.
In line with National Pet Day, Profriends employee-volunteers learned responsible pet ownership through a short talk led by CARA Welfare volunteer Nicole Occeño. In her talk, Occeño encouraged those who are interested to first assess their capacity to own a pet. “Treat them as one of your family members. The care that we give each family member, you also give it to your pet,” she said.
For Profriends employee-volunteers, the visit is an eye-opener: “The experience served as a reminder that we also need to protect and care for those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Cloue Quitay of Profriends’ Treasury department. Nancy Sabayan shared her gratefulness as well: “As a pet owner and rescuer (dog/cat) mas nagkaroon ako ng knowledge kung paano pa mas aalagaan at ma-protektahan ang aking mga furbabies.” “I hope we have more programs like this because it gives us a realization and a reminder that these pets are just like us--- they want to live, to be loved and cared for,” said Treasury team volunteers Charity Reoja, Patricia Reyes, and Ann Caroline Abanes.
Pets provide owners with the means to improve their physical health through walking and playing and help manage loneliness and depression through their companionship.