Fur baby rescued during Christmas 2022 now healthy, thriving

Christmas is extra special for one family in Cebu as they also celebrate the life of their rescued dog, Su Chi.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza's report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, Su Chi was rescued by Joverly Ann Dela Torre in 2022.

“Nasa loob siya siya ng plant box sa ilalim ng puno. Wala talagang siyang balahibo doon sa may tainga. Grabe sobrang kapal. Hindi mo talaga siya ma-di-distinguish na kung anong breed siya,” Joverlyn shared.

“Pinost namin siya kasi baka mamaya may naghahanap sa kaniya. May mga nag-claim sa kaniya pero noong makita 'yung situation, hindi na sila nag-call back hanggang sa naisipan na lang namin na i-adopt na lang namin as part of the family."

Su Chi was brought to the veterinarian upon being adopted and had to undergo biochem tests. 

“Every week for three months pabalik-balik kami. Trial and error kami ng mga pagkain niya, kung ano ‘yung bawal,” Joverlyn said.

Since then, Su Chi has recovered and become much healthier.

“Hindi namin siya tini-treat as a fur baby. Parang baby talaga namin siya. Mag-isa lang kasi ako sa bahay. Mayroon na akong kasama. Hindi ko na ma-feel na alone ako,” she shared.

In celebration of Su Chi’s life, it has become a tradition for Joverlyn and her loved ones to hold a party every Christmas.

“Naging tradition na mamimigay doon sa mga batang kalsada. Nagpapa-games kami. Nagbibigay kami ng mga loot bags for the kids, loot bags for the pets." 

According to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), there are over 13 million stray animals in 2024. To help stray animals, one of the solutions offered by PAWS is neutering and spaying. PAWS also promotes responsible pet ownership among fur parents and advocates its “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaign.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News