As I was on my home this afternoon, I saw one of the most heartwarming sights I’ve seen: a guy pushing his kariton with a dog in tow.

I am an animal lover and my friends know me for having a soft spot for animals - stray and sheltered alike. A lab rat (the big white one usually used in scientific experiments) and a kitten are just some of the stray animals I once brought home. In my country, animal laws are not as strict as in other countries like the US. The Philippines is not as animal-friendly like animal advocates want this country to be. There is still a long, long way to go for us if we want life for the animals that co-exist with us to be better. The sight I saw this afternoon was heartwarming for the simple fact of how one who is in need himself is still able to care for an animal who would likely be dependent on him for food, shelter, protection and love. This was not the first time I’ve seen a homeless person adopt a pet for himself. Countless times I’ve witnessed such kindness in different situations. If they can do this when they are in need themselves, I wonder how come people who are better off can’t do the same thing themselves. There are a lot of animals needing our care and protection and more importantly, love. They shouldn’t be left loitering the streets, they deserve a home where they will be treated as part of a loving family.

I’ve long wanted to be a part of PAWS or the Philippine Animal Welfare Society but the distance proved to be a challenge for me before when I used to live down south of the Metro. Now that I’m already in QC, it’s the burden of being a medical student that’s being a hindrance for me. I cannot volunteer myself now but I’m inviting my animal-loving readers living in the Philippines to volunteer at PAWS to help a lot of animals in need. I may not be able to take some action now - physically at least, but I’m hoping that someone can do the kindness for me.

Perhaps you’re the one I’m looking for.