FOR THE first time in its 85 years of being a chartered city, Iloilo has established a shelter for stray dogs.
Opened just two months ago, the Iloilo City Dog Pound and Animal Shelter in Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao district currently shelters 61 adult dogs and puppies.
Mayor Jerry Treñas says the facility is a result of the collaboration between the city government and stakeholders such as the animal welfare advocacy group Rescue Iloilo – a “lesson learned” from the coronavirus pandemic. More hands working together is more productive; many things can be accomplished.
The dog pound is not only a blessing to stray dogs; it is also heaven-sent for fur parents. It has an adopt-a-dog program that welcomes those willing to care and love the rescued dogs. So far, 10 adult dogs and puppies have been adopted and brought to their fur-ever homes by their adopted fur parents.
The city dog pound is open for walk-in dog adopters, Monday to Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It is also continuously being overwhelmed by random acts of kindness. Dog lovers and concerned citizens help sustain the facility through different kinds of donations – dog food and supplements, and items for the facility’s maintenance, among others.
The city government has also tapped restaurants, fast food chains and hotels for leftovers to feed the rescued dogs in the facility.
Among the first to adopt a dog from the facility was city resident Marycor Villasis who already has five dogs but wants more. She and husband Sherwin, a city hall employee, adopt another from the facility – Kerr, a stray dog rounded up near the Kerr Building in front of city hall.
The most recent to walked into the pound and adopted a dog was Miss Universe Philippines – Iloilo Vanessa Caro. She took home a little female puppy and named her “Daisy.”/PN
