Blind German shepherd abandoned at shelter, finds the rescue help that he needs - National Dogs

Blind German shepherd abandoned at shelter, finds the rescue help that he needs - National Dogs

Loving the "Aspins"

We Filipinos long ago has coined the term "askal", short for "asong kalye" evethough these so-called "askals" have a home or pet owners. This stereotype brings about a negative impression because the term "askal" means the dog is a native or even worse a stray. Even in the english language the term mutts or mongrels refer to our "askals" 

Long ago when I was younger, I believed that all dogs were the same. Back then it was normal for us to have 10 dogs and I saw all of them as equal dogs who have different personalities. As I became knowledgeable I came to know about different dog breeds. I even remembered saying "Ooh I want to have a dalmatian or a labrador" and the like. I thought back then that if your dog was just an "askal", it was embarrassing. It doesn't give you any pride in saying it. As I think about it right now I realized I knew a little about dogs but being an animal-lover and dog-lover at heart I quickly dismissed the stereotype that pure bred dogs are better than native dogs. Whoever said that never had the chance to love native dogs. I mentioned earlier that it was normal for us to have 10 dogs (my cousins and I were naturally dog-lovers) and all of them were native dogs. They were as sweet, playful, friendly, obedient and most of all loyal as pure bred dogs. 

Sad to say a lot of people still look into breeds. Choosing a pure bred dog over a native dog is just like discrimination. The native dog is judged negatively at once just because he holds the title "askal".  

PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) had a campaign "Beauty beyond Breed" back then and I must say it is one of my favorite phrases. It says to us that we shouldn't look into the breeds of dogs because all of them have the heart to be your best companion. In our modern times, the term "askal" has long been gone. Gone are the days of saying "Ay askal lang pala aso mo". Now the term "aspins" short for asong pinoy is proliferating and it sure brings out a breath of fresh air. Aspins and pure bred dogs alike should be treated equally and humanely. 

PAWS has been actively helping stray dogs and cats. They rehabilitate these animals so that once they are well and sociable, they can be adopted. These animals deserve to have a second shot at life and that is what PAWS believes and strives for. If you are planning to buy a pet dog or cat, I suggest that you first head to the PAWS adoption center. You will see a lot of homeless cats and dogs in need of your love and warmth.  Don't these poor creatures also deserve to be in loving families? Yes they do.

Don't Buy Pets. Adopt.