The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) posted on their Facebook page last April 19, 2021 that they are sharing their extra pet food for pet owners in need. Inspired by Maginhawa Community Pantry, they set up a table with free dog and cat food outside their gate in Loyola Heights, Quezon City, and called it “Community PAW-ntry.
According to PAWS, the Community PAW-ntry will be there for as long as they have extra supplies and donations to give. They are open from 8 am to 5 pm only every day, except Sundays and holidays.
PAWS also encourages pantry organizers to consider putting up a Community PAW•ntry that will help indigent pet owners cope with this pandemic.
Coincidentally, unaware of the PAWS initiative, the Kalayaan-Makati community pantry also installed a “Community PAW-ntry” a day after. But, it caters not only to pets but also to stray cats and dogs.
Avien Rosete, an animal lover, was the one behind the idea. “Huwag natin kalimutan na bahagi rin sila ng ating community (We should not forget that they (pets and strays) are also part of our community), she wrote in her Facebook post.
Hence, Avien started a free dog and cat food drive beside their community pantry in 107 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. And for the initial pet-food donation, Avien thanked Helping Paws PH.
Avien also uploaded a photo of the first benefactor of the paw-ntry, a stray kitten. She wrote in her caption that she’s looking for someone who’s willing to adopt the cute cat. In support, Helping Paws will sponsor the transportation and initial vet checkup.
Apart from supporting community paw-ntry, they gave some tips on how you can help your community by helping strays and being a responsible pet owner.
They advise that you could spay or neuter your pets, adopt rescued strays or adopt from pounds and animal welfare organizations, create a small feeding area for strays, and get your barangays and local government units (LGUs) involve in promoting animal welfare.
“These are only a few of the many ways you can help strays and your community. You can maintain a clean neighbourhood, lessen vehicular accidents, and stop animal cruelty when we involve strays in our progress,” added Helping Paws PH.