August 18 is National Aspin Day

Today is a very special day for Filipino dog lovers, especially those who have aspin fur babies as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) declares August 18 as National Aspin Day.

On the very first National Apsin Day, PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera shared the history of their animal shelter and how they have worked through the years to change people's minds and heart about aspins.

Anna began by revealing the great disparity in how pet owners used to treat the pure breed dogs and the aspins.

“People found it acceptable to leave their native dogs on the streets to fend for themselves,” Anna said. “Those with purebred dogs like shih tzus, chihuahuas, and retrievers would strut their dogs in doggy parks, take them to the groomers and keep their dogs pampered. Native dogs were tied outside as the lowly bantay or guard.”

PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera and shelter dog Betty / Source: @pawsphilippines (FB)

Fortunately, the aspins have come a long way since PAWS was established in 2001. To date, there have already been more than 10,000 adopted aspins from their shelter.

And one of the reasons why people had a great change in mindset about the native dogs is because PAWS revamped the image of the then-called askals.

“14 years ago, short-haired native dogs-- looking very much like our shelter dog, Betty, here--were called askals or asong kalye.”

So, in order to uplift the image of the native dogs, PAWS decided to do away with the term askal.

“For starters, anything associated with the kalye or street was viewed negatively.”

“So, in 2007, PAWS coined the term aspin, short for asong Pinoy.”

Anna then shared how the aspins are now getting the love and treatment that they deserve.

“Aspins like Betty are sharing beds with their adopters.

“Vet clinics and pet food companies have more clients, who are aspin owners.

Indeed, the aspins have won over the hearts of many Pinoy dog lovers. So, to celebrate people's love for aspins, PAWS decided to declare a National Aspin Day.

PAWS declares August 18 as National Aspin Day / Source: @pawsphilippines (FB)

“Today, August 18, is the very first National Apsin Day, where the spotlight is on the asong Pinoy.

“Intelligent, loving, and -while often overlooked and often considered as the underdog--has so much love to give.

Anna ended the video by encouraging people to continue loving aspins and to make them the number choice as family pets.

“Aspins, their time to shine has come as the number one choice for families to love and to have as family pets.

“Let's all love our aspins, and on behalf of our 71 shelter dogs at PAWS, happy National aspin day.”

So, if you're a fur parent of a lovable aspin, don't forget to shower your fur baby with lots of love and attention today. And don't forget to spoil them with treats! Happy National Aspin Day!

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

Below are the Filipino celebrities and personalities who have adopted fur babies.