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Once abandoned, now adored: 'Bones' inspires Cavite City pet adoption drive
Once abandoned, now adored: 'Bones' inspires Cavite City pet adoption drive
CAVITE – Once skin and bones, a rescued dog named Bones has become the face of Cavite City’s year‑round adoption program, showing how abandoned pets can find new life and loving homes.
City Veterinarian Anna Teresa B. Baleda shared the story of the once-abandoned dog in an interview with the Manila Bulletin on Thursday, April 23.
“Way back, may abandoned dog na pinapakain lang ng kapit bahay, may timba lang na ibinababa (Before, there was an abandoned dog that a neighbor would just feed by lowering a pail),” Baleda recalled the dog they rescued in October 2019.
He was named Bones due to his frail condition, with very little fur left.
Like Bones, the other animals rehabilitated at the Cavite City pound are either abandoned pets or rescued strays. As much as possible, the city veterinary office discourages surrendering animals to the pound unless the owner is elderly or ill.
Bones fought to survive, and after months of care at the pound, Bones regained his strength and healthy appearance. In December 2019, he was welcomed into a new home.
“May taga-Makati na pumunta sa pound para mag-adopt. ‘Yung dapat na ia-adopt niya, ayaw lumapit. Pero si Bones, nag-tawag pansin. Sabi nung nag-adopt, 'Ito na ang aampunin ko.’ Sa car pa lang, makikita mo na, iba na ang face ni Bones, parang nakangiti (A resident from Makati went to the pound to adopt. The dog they initially chose would not come near, but Bones caught their attention. The adopter said, ‘This is the one I’ll take.’ Even in the car, you could already see the change, Bones looked like he was smiling),” Baleda shared.
The adopter sends photo updates to the city veterinary office, showing Bones on beach trips, sleeping cozily at home, and bonding with his new family.
The Cavite City Veterinary Office is optimistic that, like Bones, their rescued dogs and cats will eventually find their forever homes.
On Wednesday, April 22, the city government shared photos of rescued pets up for adoption on Facebook, drawing likes and shares.
Though the pet adoption program is ongoing year-round, the city veterinary office is hosting an upcoming event on April 25 in collaboration with Kabataang Kabitenyo: a Zumba activity that aims to promote animal welfare and encourage pet adoption.
“We do the basics, we deworm, we vaccinate, we neuter,” Baleda said, talking about how they prepare the pets for rehoming.
At present, 14 cats and dogs are awaiting adoption, but the number may increase in the coming days.
Criteria for aspiring furparents
The city pound has the capacity to shelter more than 100 dogs and cats, where they are treated and rehabilitated until they are ready for adoption.
Around 50 pets are rehomed from the pound each year, and the city veterinary office screens prospective adopters against specific criteria.
“Number one, dapat animal lover. Also, how will they support, may kakayahan bang magpagamot? Not all the time, pwede sa amin, 'pag malalang sakit, for example sa kidney, sa ibang organs, that might require pet hospitalization, kailangan kayang masuportahan (First, they should be animal lovers. Also, how will they support the pet? Do they have the means to provide medical care? Not all the time can they rely on us. If the animal develops a serious illness. For example, involving the kidneys or other organs that may require hospitalization, they should be able to shoulder the expenses),” she said.
While adopters are expected to shoulder long-term care, the city government provides basic support, such as free deworming, anti-rabies vaccination, and veterinary checkups.
At times, they may have antibiotics, vitamins, and even pet food to provide, depending on donations from sponsors.
A free spay-and-neuter drive is also held in Cavite City every September, in time for World Rabies Day and the city’s founding anniversary.
Baleda encouraged aspiring furparents to adopt rather than shop, leaving them with a straightforward yet meaningful piece of advice after seeing many cases of owners losing interest over time and eventually neglecting their pets.
“Be responsible,” she said.