Adopt don't shop: Support this local shelter

My experience in pet adoption started when I was very young. I remember my cousin taking home a puppy from our lola‘s farm, and we raised him until he was old and gray.

The practice of adoption didn’t stop with that particular dog. Our home is currently filled with pets—three dogs and two cats—that were either given to us or we took in when a friend couldn’t care for them. All of them have grown up healthy and have become part of our family.

This is why it was personally exciting when our company, Hinge Inquirer, was told we would do volunteer work at Pawssion Project in San Juan del Monte, Bulacan a couple of weeks ago. It’s a non-profit group established in 2018 that rescues stray dogs from pounds and maltreatment, and take care of them until they’re ready for adoption. We were tasked to clean the cages and the surrounding area, bathe the dogs, and paint the walls of the shelter.

Clearing out the dead leaves, plastics, and glass shards so the dogs can play safely.

From bland cement gray to clean white paint!

Don’t worry, the puppy’s okay—just a little scared of water!

We also got the chance to interact with the dogs and puppies that are ready to be adopted. Some were shy and took time to warm up around us, while others were playful and vocal when they wanted attention. Surely there’s a dog for everyone, and the best part is adopting a dog from Pawssion Project is free. (Yes, free!) So you could just imagine how many of us were tempted to bring home a dog.

(Fun fact: Our executive vice-president Bea Ledesma adopted a dog named Tiger, who is one of the OG puppies from Pawssion Project. He’s already enjoying being our office dog and the head scratches he gets from everyone here.)

I’m going to be real with you: Taking care of an animal is a commitment. It’s true when people say it’s like having your own child. But you know what? Adopting them—or even just fostering them—and giving them a home is one of the most rewarding things ever. Not only are you saving money, you’re also keeping them off the street and helping eradicate illegal puppy mills. Plus, pets can help boost your mood.

If you’re interested in adopting one of Pawssion Project’s furbabies, to donate dog essentials, or do volunteer work, you can contact them at [email protected], call (0977) 821-0271, or shoot them a message on Facebook and Instagram. You can also give monetary donations to Pawssion Project via Paypal ([email protected]), BPI Savings (3349032421), GCash (0977 821-0271), or GoFundMe to help them sustain the shelter and buy necessities for the dogs.

Give these dogs a chance to have a good home and a chance to have a family. I mean, how can you say no to their cute faces?