No, Abandoning Your Pet Isn't the Only Option

(SPOT.ph) A food delivery rider claiming responsibility of an abandoned dog made the rounds on social media over the weekend. On June 21, a Facebook post in the group Dog Lovers Philippines detailed an encounter with a food delivery rider named Junius Arellano, who was carrying a large dog while making his usual rounds. According to Arellano, he saved the dog after bumping into a kid who was tasked to lead the pet astray. It's a story that's been told many times, and unfortunately, there isn't always an Arellano willing to help out.

In this particular instance, Arellano had felt sorry for the obviously sick dog and decided to take it to his home. "Siya na daw bahala gumawa ng paraan para mapagaling yung aso," wrote OP in the post.

To say that the post struck a chord is an understatement. Since it was posted, it has received over 35,000 reactions and over 6,500 shares. Support for Arellano and his new dog Kiba, who is now being treated, poured from all over. Tons of dog lovers volunteered financial support for Kiba's treatments, and others simply wanted to help Arellano by giving him cash or pet supplies.

While all this support and camaraderie is heart-warming, I couldn't help but feel a bit of anger towards Kiba's original owners. After all these years, is abandoning a pet still the only choice they had? 

Also read:
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Pets are not disposable; here's how you can deal if you can't anymore

A pet, whether a dog, a cat, a bird, or whatever animal, is a huge responsibility. It's been said time and time again, yet it seems not all understand this. Getting a pet is not something to be taken lightly. They require tons of love, attention, and care. More often than not, pet supplies can cost just as much, if not more, than human needs.

Believe me. I understand how overwhelming it is to have a pet, let alone one that is sick. I have two senior dogs; one has been in and out of veterinary care over the past three months. To say that caring for my dear old pupper is overwhelming is an understatement. Vet bills are piling up, medications aren't cheap, and caring for him is not as easy as it once was. But my dog has been with me for the past 14 years. He's family. How could you just leave your family when they need you the most? The answer? You don't. 

Tips on becoming a responsible pet owner

Kiba is one of the lucky ones—he found a furever home with Junius Arellano. Sadly, that is not always the case. There are over 12 million strays in the Philippines, as estimated by PAWS in 2019, and due to financial and space constraints, they don't always find their way to a shelter, let alone a loving home. 

Now those who were adopted or yes, bought, are ideally supposed to have found their forever homes already—what happens when it turns out the hoomans who took them in aren't ready? It can be emotionally, financially, heck, even physically; or, or course, unforeseen circumstances. In Kiba's case, it was likely about finances.  An average veterinarian visit can easily set you back P1,000, and with rising costs of even the most basic human needs, what's a pet owner to do when faced with a pet they can no longer take care of? Definitely not the low and easy route of simply leading them astray.

Research is key

First and foremost, before you even get a pet, start with doing research and budgeting. Can you even afford a pet in the first place? Look at the rates of nearby veterinary clinics and essential pet supplies. Young dogs and cats require several vaccines yearly, so consider those and daily expenses like vitamins, pet food, and grooming. 

Also, make sure that your home is suitable for pets. Ensure there is enough space for them to move around and that they are allowed in your area, especially if you live in condominiums and apartments. Consider your lifestyle, too, when choosing a pet. Some pets require more time and energy to take care of than others.

Low-cost veterinary services and LGU-supported  veterinarians

Look into your city's veterinary services. Most LGUs have a City Veterinarian. Research the different services they provide. More often than not, basic vaccines like anti-rabies shots are available for free. Some LGUs even perform spay and neuter services for free at certain times of the year. Check with your local government unit for the services you can avail of for your pet. 

Alternatively, you can join pet groups and discuss pet care and grooming to get tips and tricks on caring for your pets. 

Try animal fostering and volunteering for local animal NGOs prior to getting a pet

NGOs like the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Strays Worth Saving have programs where you can volunteer to oversee the animals under their care. PAWS even has a program where you can foster young kittens and puppies that need a home until they complete all their shots. While fostering and volunteering is not the same as having a full-time pet, you can use opportunities like this as a gauge of your readiness to be a fur parent. 

When all else fails, rehome and do not abandon

If, for some reason, you really can no longer care for your pet, then consider rehoming your pet rather than leaving them or leading them astray. Find a reliable friend or family member who can provide the care they need. Should no one in your immediate circle be available, you can try reaching out to organizations like PAWS, who can help amplify your call for rehoming. But no matter what, make sure to do background checks on whoever will adopt your fur baby. The only thing you can do for them now is do your best to ensure they get a loving and safe healing environment. 

Getting a pet takes commitment. Pets are living beings that deserve our love and care, especially during difficult times. They are not disposable items we can get rid of when they no longer benefit us. They are family. How you treat those who can do nothing for you is a direct reflection of character. And when you don't answer for your own responsibilities, or simply the trust another creature has given you, to the best of your abilities, what sort of human are you?

I recently had to pick up my dog after a two-month stay in the clinic. I dare you to imagine his vet bill. Yet despite the extremely large hole in my pocket, seeing his wacky smile and wagging tail is more than enough to make me forget all else. Having him here beside me is something I would pay for over and over again. After all, as the wise old saying goes, ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

Also read: The SPOT.ph Guide to Pets on Public Transport

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