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“Anyone can make a difference,” says Anna Cabrera, Program Director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). “It’s wrong to assume that you cannot do something about animal cruelty just because the work seems overwhelming.”

This bold and inspiring statement from Anna is the foundation for the amazing work that’s being done for the stray animals that roam the streets of the Philippines. Thanks to your support, sick, neglected and starving dogs and cats are rescued, treated and – in many cases – re-homed.

Your support also means WSPA can provide practical solutions such as training vets to neuter young dogs so the cycle of uncontrolled breeding is stopped before it can start. PAWS take in an average of 400 animals a year, and in 2008 alone they re-homed 66 cats and 39 dogs, as well as neutering 39 dogs and 74 cats. They also added to this great work with the registration and rabies vaccination of 5,000 dogs.

WSPA Programmes Officer, Jessica Borg, visited the PAWS team in the Philippines in late 2008 to see for herself the wonderful work being done there. “Educating younger people with the knowledge to properly care for animals is a vital task and one that PAWS are constantly working on,” said Jessica on her return. “This kind of education means all the animals in the shelter have a hope of being adopted by a new family that fully understands their needs.”

The adorable Sylvester was one such dog. Rescued from the streets of Quezon City by PAWS, he was severely undernourished and afflicted with mange. Over the next few months, thanks to proper treatment and lots of love and care, Sylvester’s fur grew back to become extremely soft and fluffy. And his ear, permanently crumpled up because of the severity of his mange, only added to his lovable appearance.

He quickly became a real favourite amongst staff - cuddling up to anyone who walked him during his time at the shelter. It’s no wonder that he was the first choice for one lucky family who came to the shelter to adopt a dog. Thank you for helping to give Sylvester, and all the animals at the shelter, a better future.


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