Why a rescue dog is the perfect fur baby for a first-time pet owner
For first-time dog owners, there are so many dog breeds to choose from.
A toy dog like a Chihuahua or an energetic German Shepherd as your buddy?
Before heading to Cartimar in Pasay or a pet shop at the nearest mall, maybe you should consider going to a shelter and getting a rescue dog instead.
Photo taken from Anna Vedischeva/ pexels.com
According to an article by the South China Morning Post, the Philippines has around 12 million stray cats and dogs roaming the country based on the data provided by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society or PAWS.
With this in mind, Kapuso model-actor and animal welfare advocate Luis Hontiveros stresses the importance of pet adoption.
In GMA Network.com's exclusive interview with Luis, he explains that there are a lot of dogs and cats waiting to be adopted in animal shelters.
He notes, “There's nothing wrong [with] owning dogs with breeds or kung bumibili ka ng may breed, cause they are all animals, we all treat them the same.
“But, mayroon tayong problema sa society na we have a lot of cats and dogs--animals in general that are being neglected and some are even abused.”
Luis further explains that rescue dogs are perfect for individuals who are planning to get a pet for the first time.
Luis explains to GMA Network.com, “A lot of them need homes, families to nurture them and to take care of them. And for first time pet owners, yes, is much better to start rescuing or adopting a dog.
“Kahit sabihin mo hindi sila the best-looking dogs compared sa mga may breeds--they are the most lovable, the most loyal companion, best friends in the world.”
luishontiveros7 (IG)
Luis and Berry
The newbie Kapuso actor knows a thing or two about pet adoption, since his dog Berry is a rescue aspin (asong Pinoy), too.
In fact, his whole family absolutely loves pets and is active in rescuing animals off the street.
It's no surprise though because the late Maria Teresita “Tata” Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco is the founder of PAWS.
Luis shares that Berry is one loyal pup to him.
“I have one dog right now, Berry. She doesn't have a breed. I don't know kung ano ang breed niya, rescue lang din siya, aspin siya, but she's the best. I love her to death,” he says.
In addition, the model-actor also emphasizes that we have to do our part to reduce the number of stray animals on the street.
“Sobrang loyal niya, sobrang mahal namin siya. Ilan din 'yung cats namin na rescue din. Alam mo 'yun sa gilid-gilid lang ng sidewalk na nakikita, but we still love them the same.
“And we need more families to do that para hindi naman tayo nakakakita ng mga dogs or cats sa kalye na basang-basa sa ulan, nagkakalkal sa basura 'cause they also have lives you know.”
“They also deserve safety and care like humans.”
For those who are considering getting an aspin, Luis mentions some of the advantages of getting them as your pet.
Some of their best qualities, according to him, is that they are affectionate and they live longer compared to other breeds.
“Si Berry she's super clingy, super clingy! Sometimes she doesn't even know the concept of personal space, niloloko ko na nga siya ako na nagtutulak na sa kanya.
“A lot of dogs naman are very loyal talaga, but I say 'yung mga aspin natin sobrang kakaiba 'yung loyalty nila.
“As in iba rin 'yung talino at ang pinakabilib ako sa kanila iba 'yung health nila, napakatibay! Mabubuhay sila ng sobrang tagal compared mo sa ibang breed.”
Let us do our part in making sure that our streets are free of neglected pets and that no animal shall be subjected to any form of abuse.
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