Donations pour in for boy who watched over dog outside coffee shop

After melting the hearts of netizens for taking good care of the dog of a woman who needed to enter a store where pets are not allowed, Rondel Sta. Ana received an outpouring of donations.

According to JP Soriano’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the 12-year-old boy has been regularly going to the mall since the pandemic began to beg for alms to help feed his family.

After watching over Mazey, the cute chow chow of AJ Soriano, Rondel received donation after donation.

Several netizens pitched in some money, which AJ used to buy groceries for Rondel and his mom Nerissa Mabini.

The manufacturer of the shirt that Rondel was wearing in the viral photos of him also sent him new clothes to wear after it was learned that he used to pick out clothes from the trash.

GMA News also gave face masks to the family of Rondel.

“Hindi ko nga po talaga ine-expect na magva-viral kasi sa totoo lang po mahilig po talaga siya sa hayop,” his mom said.

Nerissa said she was aware that children are not allowed outside as a precaution against the coronavirus disease, but Rondel likes to sneak out of the house to beg for food at the mall.

Meanwhile, AJ has been frequently visiting Rondel in his home since they met.

Rondel is supposed to be in sixth grade but had to stop his studies because his parents could not afford to send him to school.

The young boy also said his dream is to become a policeman, which is why he did not hesitate to keep watch over Mazey while AJ was inside a coffee shop.

“Marami pong nangunguha mga aso pati bike,” Rondel said.

“Ang cute po kasi ng balahibo niya,” the boy added, referring to his new friend Mazey.

Rondel also said he has long dreamed of having his own dog but his family cannot afford to take care of one yet.

“I think deserve ng world makita ‘yung mga gano’ng positivity na napo-post sa social media,” AJ said. – Julia Mari Ornedo/RC, GMA News