EDITORS DESK

Lately, I've been using the phrase "God bless you" quite often, and it's become one of my favorites. This is probably the most common greeting I've used in just a few minutes after seeing the reels on social media about dogs and cats. Ever since I was young, I have had a fondness for both cats and dogs. However, currently, I am only taking care of cats as I do not have a dog. Don't ask me how many cats I have because you might be surprised. These felines do not have a specific breed, but they hold a significant place in my heart. Before leaving my house for work or any other commitments, I always ensure that my pets have been fed. In the morning, they consume canned food that I purchase from the supermarket. For both lunch and dinner, they typically consume fish or chicken. I am affected when I see homeless dogs and cats. I wish I could adopt all of them. Occasionally, while strolling around the mall, I come across stray cats and dogs. Sometimes, I bring home kittens. I have recently come to the realization that their lifespans are quite short. Maybe they're truly unwell due to a lack of proper care. Over the course of a year, my cats have bitten me three times. Instead of getting angry and kicking them out, I tend to be careful. With cats around, our clothes are secured because there are no mice around. Like dogs, there is nothing more loyal than cats to their owners. Cats also greet you when you come home. Sometimes they seem to know when you're sad. Having a cat by your side can offer tremendous benefits when it comes to tackling feelings of loneliness and stress. These amazing creatures possess a unique intuition and can provide invaluable support in helping us navigate through such challenging emotions. Cats are popular for providing social support and can even be trained as service animals to help individuals with physical disabilities or mental health concerns. What truly baffles me is the cruelty that some individuals can display towards cats and dogs. I don't want to go into detail about how bad other people are doing to cats or dogs. Sometimes I just wonder if people are really doing this. If many people are cruel to animals, there are pet lovers who have golden hearts when it comes to taking care of stray animals. Through social media, many people were encouraged to help stray animals. Others were also urged to lend a hand. Popular fashion icon and actress Heart Evangelista is known for her strong advocacy in supporting animal rights. She has been serving as a dedicated spokesperson for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a non-profit organization, for many years. She goes to great lengths to advocate for animal rights and raise awareness about Aspins or Filipino native dogs. Another proud "pawrent" is megastar Sharon Cuneta who adopted a stray dog named Pawiboy during a shoot in Olongapo City. Once the dog received treatment at the veterinary clinic, her fur companion now resides in the cozy confines of their home. Broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas is a certified dog lover. She has gone to great lengths by renting a space solely dedicated to accommodating all the dogs she rescues. She managed to save around 50 dogs in Boracay and transported them to Manila on Ro-Ro Ships. Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Pamela Anderson, Ellen DeGeneres, Alicia Silverstone, Jude Law, and many others are notable international celebrities who have made remarkable contributions to the cause of animal welfare. Many people have learned to welcome street cats or dogs into their lives. Some simply visit areas with cats and dogs, providing them with nourishment. I find myself getting emotional when I come across posts like this. There are still many kind-hearted individuals who are willing to care for stray animals. (Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)