MM Leadership Call To Arms Speech by MM Leader Cat Villanueva

One More Chance for Forever Happiness

"You had me at my best. Pero binalewala mo ang lahat... and you chose to break my heart."  This is what Popoy said to Basha on the movie "One More Chance." A heartbreaking line, and this is what an abandoned dog would tell to his owner the moment he was taken out of his home. A story of every abandoned, given up and stray dog that has once had a family.

As a volunteer of Help MAS (Mandaluyong Animal Shelter) and Philippine Animal Rescue Team, I have heard hundreds of tale of rescued dogs that may be different or similar to each other. But there's always a common denominator to all of them, they have been denied of love from humans who they have trusted, loved and put their loyalty to since they have existed in the world, because they were considered as JUST DOGS!  

These four-legged creatures have been let go by their owners, letting them roam in the streets as strays, and have lived their lives to survive from hunger, thirst, forces of nature, and worst from the danger of being hurt or killed in the hands of humans who have looked to them as dangerous and dirty creatures.  Some may have given up to the pounds, where they will exist on a daily survival of hunger and being afraid of being next to be put to sleep.   It may have been lucky for some to be rescued and brought to an animal shelter where they can be rehabilitated in the mercy of volunteers and donors to sustain their basic needs while they wait for their second chance of a forever home.

I may not share the same advocacy with everyone, nor ask to adopt a shelter dog or take in a stray and give him a home.  I am calling everyone to be compassionate to animals -- to dogs and cats.  We share them the same life that God has given to us. They breathe, they can be hungry and thirsty, they can get sick, they feel, they can be afraid, they can be hurt and be broken.  But among these, these four-legged, furry and innocent creatures can LOVE, and can love unconditionally that you can ever imagine. 

Rescued pets are creatures that perfectly know the true meaning of UTANG NA LOOB and LOYALTY.  And they would be grateful for SECOND CHANCES.  It would never hurt to feed a stray dog, or it would only cost a cup of your favorite latte for 1 bag of treats to an animal shelter, but ADOPTING a shelter pet or RESCUING a stray dog or cat, will give you a forever happiness. 

Every rescued pet's dream is that one day they could say what Basha had said, "Kapag ang mahal natin ay iniwan tayo wag ka malungkot, dahil siguradong may darating na bagong taong hindi man maibibigay ang hinahanap natin matatanggap naman tayo at mamahalin."