Our official logo designed by Angelo Zulueta.

Back in early 2015, my good friend Stephanie messaged me and Frauline on Facebook about building a rescue team for stray animals in our city. Being students ourselves, it was hard for us to fund the cause. But despite that, we have found teammates who we were selfless enough to adopt while we all try our best to find forever homes for the animals rescued.

Shoutout to my friends who made this cause worthwhile: Steph, Frau, Mr. Heck, Kokong, Jundee, Gee, Alyssa, Tom, Dian, Yan, Jan, Francis, and a lot more.

I will be sharing the story of our first rescue ― Lyca.

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Our first rescue was a stray dog who had been living in the streets of Divisoria. According to a street vendor, and the only person who can manage the dog's temper, people were always kind towards her, giving her food and water, but she's always afraid and ready to bite someone who wants to get close to her.

See, animals can have trust issues, too. And that is why no matter how scary stray animals can be, they behave that way in order to survive and because they cannot communicate their feelings. And for sure that have been mistreated many times by people. And as someone who empathizes with animals, my heart always ache to the aggressive ones. I've meet a lot of aggressive dogs who turned out gentle, sweet, and loyal. Dog's are called a man's best friend after all.

After we successfully tied the collar and leash. This took us 2 days to do because she went hiding under the cars, and we were afraid she'll get hit by a car.

A volunteer's friend donated a huge cage for the purpose of rescuing, and with that we took her home through a public transport. And I remember receiving all sort of glances - from admiration to I-can't-believe-you-did-that to pure disgust. Why care for a homeless, no breed dog when you can buy a 'recognized' one, right? No. One of our missions is to spread the #AdoptDontShop mentality. Not that we abhor those who can buy for themselves, but we just want equal opportunity for all animals.

My friend Dian, also a volunteer, finally adopted Lyca. This is her photo after months of tender, love, and care. Update: She gave birth and have lost so much weight. Dian and her family is taking care of her nonetheless.

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” ― Mark Twain

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If I have to point out one of the most disgusting festivals ever, then it would be the Yulin Festival of China. Tradition or not, it is just pure evil. They are purposely turtored to death. Why? Because there is a belief that the adrenaline released through the pain makes the meat more tender and provides health benefits. Like what the actual fudge, right?

If you want to know more about Yulin Festival, click the links below.

• Yulin Dog Meat Festival 2016: 10,000 dogs to be killed and eaten at China's annual food event
• The Yulin Dog Meat Festival Is No Cultural Pillar -- Why It Needs To Stop Now

Why am I posting this?

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The only answer I could come up with is that I want to try it again. August of 2015, I came to Dubai; Stephanie went to United Kingdom for college; the other (original) volunteers are mostly not in the city anymore. We didn't have enough support to continue although Dian was trying hard to make us a legitimate non-profit organization.

Things I need to accomplish when I get home:

1. Open a bank account for transparency purposes. The thing is, if we want it to be a legitimate organization, we need to have an office of some sort, and we do not have money at all for that. Vet visits are not free and are often pricey, so we need monetary support from people. And I don't want to receive money without any transparency at all.
2. Ask help from selfless individuals. Volunteers will adopt the rescues temporarily while we find forever homes. We will take care of them and give them medication if needed. Of course supported by the donated funds.
3. Make and market art pieces. I will be selling original arts and all proceeds will go towards our cause.

What am I getting out of this?

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Self-appreciation and genuine happiness. Being a rescuer, or a volunteer for that matter, is a very fulfilling journey. And I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference somehow. I do not know what the future will hold for our organization, whether it'll grow or die, but the thing is that we started and we still remember our tiny, furry friends.

If you have some amazing recommendations as to how I can further support this cause, please comment them down below. I will whoeheartedly appreciate it!

CDO Animal Walfare Facebook Group | CDO Animal Welfare Page

Liking our post would mean so much to us! I hope to see you there.

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And of course bonus photo for reading this long post!

Timber (Adopted)

Namaste, stranger!

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