Philippine Animal Welfare Society doing a wonderful job
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), founded in 1954, has been enriching the lives of people in Manila's schools, hospitals, and other institutions with the Dr Dog Animal Assisted Therapy programme for almost 10 years, under the expert guidance of their long-standing president Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco. Jill Robinson and Mark Jones from Animals Asia were privileged to see the programme in action, at the National Children's Hospital, Quezon City, during a recent visit.
Jill with PAWS CEO Nita Lichauco, Dr Una and guardian Popi Laudico and a young patient.
The hospital treats some very sick children, including those who are fighting leukaemia, some of whom may never leave the hospital. To these brave children, accompanied by family members and hospital staff, the Dr Dog visits are a big highlight in their lives.
Dr Dog visits in Manila are always full of dancing, singing and games for children. Anna Cabrera, Program Director at PAWS, introduced the dogs and their guardians, and led the children in games, and in an enthusiastic rendition of the Dr Dog song, along with all the actions! The happiness and excitement this programme brings to the lives of the children was plain to see on their faces. It was wonderful to see first-hand evidence of how the value of Animal Assisted Therapy is slowly being recognised and accepted through Asia, so more and more people can enjoy the benefits.
Animals Asia is proud to work in partnership with PAWS through sponsorship of the Dr Dog programme in Manila. As well as the Dr Dog programme, PAWS runs the excellent PARC dog and cat shelter and re-homing facility in Quezon City, and actively raises public awareness on animal welfare issues through campaigning, education, investigation and lobbying.
If you would like to know more about the wonderful work carried out by the dedicated staff and volunteers at PAWS, please visit their website http://www.paws.org.ph
Some much loved animal therapy for some very sick children.
Lyrics to the PAWS Dr Dog song pasted up for all to sing.
