Four Legged First Aid

Therapy dogs like India and Ryder bring joy to those in need of healing.

- Pierra Calasanz-Labrador

Pets have a long history of having a calming and positive effect on humans. During the Second World War, doctors even kept animals in hospitals because the furry friends helped many patients feel better. Legendary nurse Florence Nightingale also believed in their healing powers, saying, “a small pet animal is often an excellent companion for the sick, for long chronic cases especially.” It is this philosophy that lies behind the Dr. Dog program of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which our everyday heroes India and Ryder—and their human Atty. Jennie Cerrada—are part of.

Atty. Jennie is a longtime supporter of PAWS and has always admired its advocacies, foremost among them is the rehabilitation of poor rescue dogs and cats. She loves how this volunteer-based NGO and shelter is about people helping animals, and “it’s about animals helping people as well,” the lawyer enthuses. Case in point: the therapy dog program, where the “Dr. Dogs” visit hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions. It also holds awareness campaigns and fundraisers such as the PAWS pop-up pet café at Ayala Malls Vertis North, where we recently had the chance to meet Atty. Jennie and her fur-mily.

She admits that finding the time for PAWS was challenging at first. But around five years ago, Atty. Jennie finally made the commitment. For her, the best thing about being in the program is the opportunity to bring joy to those who may need it most. “No matter what horrible thing you yourself are facing, in that one moment, you get to make someone happy,” she says.

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