A blessing for pets and their humans

It was an annual get-together for pet lovers. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) pet blessing that is held close to or on Oct. 3 every year for the past 23 years.

PAWS celebrity volunteer Janella Salvador entertained the audience and talked about her love for animals.

I say this because I have been to almost all PAWS pet blessings since the start. And I have noticed that over the last five years I have gotten to know ( by face) the people that make their way to this event.

Barbie Forteza brought her puppy, Chin-Chin, to be blessed.

Yea, event! There are some pets that are little babies when they come to the event and there are adults pets who have made they way just to be able to spend the day of blessing with their human families.

SAP mainstay and PAWS supporter, Jona, with her dog Bumblebear

It is a joy to see them — be a part of the concert before the Mass and the solemnity of the Mass as Fr. Joey Paras blesses each pet and their humans at the end of the celebration.

Jak Roberto with Bruno

This year, pet lovers were treated to a fun animal trivia game, an exciting search and rescue demonstration by the UP-MMDA Vanguard K9 Corps, special pet awards and  performances by PAWS celebrity supporters, Janella Salvador and True Faith.

The pet owner’s pledge reminded fur parents that their pets are God’s gift to them.

Three shelter dogs were presented during the program ­— Eleana, Aseana and Joselito. PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera narrated their dramatic stories supported by their “before” photos on the screen, showing how they survived horrendous acts of cruelty and neglect.

Kapuri-puring Aspin winner Satchmo with prizes from Alpo and Pet Express

“This is the first time we finished an event with three different people coming forward to express interest to adopt each of the three dogs,” said Anna. “We are hoping they all find their forever homes before this week ends.”

Host Jef Gaitan (left) and Pet Express AVP for marketing Janine Ngo (right) award the Pets in Heavenly Garb winners — Pauline, Cassie, Max, Vanilla and Pempem — who all came in fashionable outfits

During the Mass, in a touching candlelit ceremony, humans pledged to be committed pet owners to their dogs and cats.

Big smiles at the photo booth

 “We love partnering with PAWS in the annual blessing of the animals,” Janine Ngo of Pet Express. “It is a great and meaningful way to celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assis and World Animal Day!”

PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera presented the touching stories of Eleana, Aseana and Joselito, three rescued dogs who are now up for adoption.

PAWS would like to acknowledge Pet Express and SM North Edsa for being our partners once again this year.

The UP-MMDA Vanguard K9 Corps came in full force to support the event and to demonstrate that all dogs regardless of breed can be trained for search & rescue.

Special thanks as well to the generous sponsors — Alpo, Friskies, Smart, San Miguel Corporation, Tips ‘N Toes, Super Guard, Mog & Marley, St. Roche, Sleeky Chews, Fur Magic, Ezydog, Jollibee, Mary Grace Café, Swell Sweets and The Philippine STAR Pet Life Section.