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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Pandemic dog gives Chinese New Year cheer in Legazpi City

Pandemic dog gives Chinese New Year cheer in Legazpi City

Published Feb 10, 2024 08:51 am

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – A golden retriever clad in Chinese costume entertained the people during the Chinese New Year celebration in a popular mall here on Friday, February 9.

PANDEMIC CHEER.jpg

COURAGE the golden retriever poses with children during the Chinese New Year celebration in a popular mall in Legazpi City on Friday, February 9. (Photo via Nino Luces)

"Courage" is owned by the family of Marie Mejes, 33, of Camalig, Albay.

He has been entertaining mall goers at SM City Legazpi for almost three years, Mejes said.

"Tatlong taon na siya at magfo-four na siya ngayon April. Si Courage ay pandemic dog. Three-months-old pa lang siya ng mapunta sa amin. Bata pa siya ng dinala namin siya dito sa SM City Legazpi at marami na rin siyang mga friends dito," Mejes said.

Mejes narrated that Fr. Frank Segarra, who was once the parish priest of Camalig, Albay, is the real owner of Courage.

"Binigay po sa akin ni Father. Kay Father po talaga siya. Kaso hindi na siya naasikaso dahil busy sa schedule sa simbahan kaya ibinigay niya sa amin," she said.

Courage served stress reliever for the Mejeses during the pandemic.

"Siya lang po kasama namin sa bahay. Kaya ayan, naging spoiled po na masyado. Bata pa nung dinala namin siya dito sa SM City Legazpi. Napansin po namin na pag nasa bahay siya, lonely siya. Pag sinasama naman namin siya dito sa mall, ang saya-saya niya. Minsan nga, parang ayaw pa niya umuwi," Mejes said.

Stall owners, employees, and costumers take photos with Courage due his cuteness and tender personality, and as he became a celebrity, SM City Legazpi invited him to be part of the mall's Chinese New Year celebration.

Everyone can take photo with Courage, hug, or even kiss him for free.

Mejes added that through Courage, she  met more friends from all age and walks of life.

"Gusto niya ‘yung nakiki-mingle siya. Gusto niya ‘yung ginagawang pet siya, nagpapa-picture sa kanya. Gustong gusto niya ‘yan. Actually diyan sa mga stalls, ‘yung mga saleslady friends na po niya. Overwhelmed kasi na-appreciate ng tao ang presence niya. May mga nakikilala na rin po akong mga bagong friends dahil sa kanya."

Mejes has an advice to people who want to have a canine companion.

“Be a responsible dog owner and love their pets just like humans.”

Related Tags

Golden Retriever Albay SM City Legazpi Legazpi City Chinese New Year 2024
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