Animal Cemetery in the Philippines

Scratches on the furniture, chewed shoes, and uprooted plants are some of the mischiefs along with the good deeds of our dogs are what is left to us when they—depart for good—or to ease one’s longing, we can say they’ve accomplished their job.

Pertaining to such dreaded-to-be-discussed topic is a good news for pet owners, especially residing in Manila, that calls for celebration: the proposed animal cemetery in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

We owe it to Rodolfo N. Lacsama, the Manila City Councilor of District 2; he proposed an ordinance to have an animal cemetery in Manila either in North or South Cemetery. Finally, somebody from the government step up for the welfare of our loyal companions who are protected through the Animal Welfare Act which served as the stimulus of the author for his proposal.

According to Lacsamana, having a cemetery for animals can encourage proper treatment to animals, like cats and dogs, the common domesticated pets in the country.

Many pet lovers, I’m sure, can’t wait for the proposal to materialize as soon as possible. While waiting, people can resort to other alternatives. I found an old article from Inquirer while looking up on this topic, so I’m adding up another tidings to this post.

PAWS to the Rescue Even for the Last Time

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society is located in Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights in Quezon City, at which part of the land was turned into cat and dog cemetery.

The area is devoted for the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center wherein cats and dogs are being taken care of, but people kept on asking a resting place for their dearly-departed pets. The PARC management at first accommodated individuals who don’t have burial ground since they live in condominiums.

In exchange, pet owners must pay a minimum donation of Php 500 and if you want to have your own message engraved on the memorial wall, Php 2,000 (for each tile) is added. The proceeds are used in the operation of PARC.

All are for the benefits of your pet that you can visit, and the dogs and cats that are given the best care because of the donation.

A Nearby Haven

The last resort, if for some reason (one’s pet is neither cat nor dog) you can’t bury your pal in the cat and dog cemetery in the PARC, is to look outside your house. You can bury your beloved pet in the backyard where you can pay a visit anytime. This option is economical and in my opinion can help the owner in coping with his lost.

I experienced myself burying a dog in the backyard when Chuckie died last February, a month before his supposed first birthday; his demise is too soon for us. But as days go by our family is able to move on and are now too busy with Chuchie and Buchie, the new addition (and perhaps the last, for now) and source of joy of our family.

While they are still around, we are preoccupied of taking care of them that we fail to think or prepare for their departure nobody knew when to take place. The establishment of animal cemetery in the Philippines will definitely ease one’s mind and help to cope through the toughest day in the lives of the deceased pet and his grateful owner who experienced unconditional love whether in brief or for a long time.

We can send them off with goodbyes but we still have the responsibility to make sure they are treated well for the last time.

Resources:

Animal Cemetery Proposed  (Manila Bulletin)

All Dogs (and Cats) Go to Heaven in Style (Inquirer)