​WHEN a young dog was saved from a street in Pandacan, Manila with embedded wire around her neck, she repaid her rescuers' efforts by recovering fast after surgery. Freed from the rotting wire that brought her unimaginable pain and suffering, the brave dog now has a new leash on life and a cool name to boot: C2.

​That's the good news. The bad news: C2 now has big medical bills to pay.

C2's RESCUE
It was months ago when C2 was first spotted by Michelle Baena Ciriacruz who took on the challenge of rescuing her. To do that, Michelle knew she must first win the dog's trust so it would agree to being leashed, which was tricky given the condition of its neck.

“Whenever I saw her, I gave her food so she would approach me. For weeks, I cultivated her trust until I was able to get close enough, but she would jump and run away before I could put a leash on her. I sought advice and assistance from fellow animal welfare volunteers and tried to put a rescue together but it never materialized. The poor dog had a habit of disappearing for weeks on end,” said Michelle.

On the night of December 29, Michelle again saw C2 while it was scavenging for food. Immediately, Michelle posted a call for assistance on Facebook which got a lot of positive response. 

“The owner of a nearby pet grooming center sent me a direct message, offering the assistance of one of her staff in the rescue. A veteran animal rescuer and a barangay officer both offered to help. It's like the universe was conspiring to bring all the right people at that time for a rescue to happen,” recalled Michelle. 

But C2 had a different idea and disappeared once again. 

It took another day before Michelle could locate C2 anew and prevent her from running away until other rescuers arrive. Soon, they were able to secure and bring C2 to a veterinarian who immediately operated on her to remove the wire embedded around her neck.

DONATE & ADOPT
C2 is steadily recovering and the veterinarian estimates that she is less than two years old. As her neck wound closes, a sweet and adorable dog opens up to the world and hopes that this time it will be more hospitable. Meanwhile, C2 needs help to pay for her surgery, medications, vaccination and boarding. She also needs a permanent family that will bless her with a completely new and better life. 

If you would like to donate any amount for C2, kindly make the deposit to:
Primitiva Veterinary Clinic and Grooming Center
Account Name: PRIMITIVA, JOAN NOVELENE TOLEDO
Account #: 0000007881556
SECURITY BANK
(Please send image of deposit slip for acknowledgement and tracking to C2's rescuer [details below])

If you have a space in your heart and home for this fluffy brave dog, please contact C2's rescuer:
Messenger: michellebaenaciriacruz
CP #:  09151930776

​This article is based on a story submitted by Michelle Baena Ciriacruz, a senior volunteer at CARA Welfare Philippines. Photos are also by Ms. Ciriacruz.

JASON BAKER

HAPPY YEAR OF THE DOG! Below are photos of Buster (he's up for adoption, by the way!) and he will tell you why adopting a dog is always better than buying one. 

1. When you buy a dog from a pet store, you're supporting cruel puppy mills. ​Buster can't believe you would ever do that. Not you. 

​2. You can't buy love—but you can adopt it from a shelter or rescue group (and for a lot less money than buying a dog from a breeder or a pet store).

3. Most "preowned" dogs or those who are rescued from the streets are already housetrained.

​4. What's up, doc, er, dog? Shelters and rescue groups only adopt out healthy animals, and vaccinations and spaying or neutering (kapon/ligation) are usually included.

​5. At an animal shelter, you can find a dog to fit your unique personality (even if you're a little nutty).

6. You will be rewarded with looks like this and other expressions of gratitude for as long as you both shall live.

​7. Thousands of dogs and cats enter animal shelters and pounds every year in the Philippines. And he's one of them.

8. Ahhhh, it feels great to know that you saved a life.

What Are You Waiting For?
If you've been thinking about adding an animal to your family—and you have enough time and money to care for a dog (or a cat)—please adopt one from a local animal shelter or rescue group. In the Year of the Dog, please pledge never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders.

Buster was rescued from the streets of Makati. He was found emaciated, sick, and confused, but he's now healthy, happy, and ready for a new home. He's been vaccinated and neutered and loves walks, other dogs, and playing fetch. 

Jason Baker is vice president of international campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia. To get involved with PETA's work in the Philippines or if you're interested in adopting Buster or another animal, visit PETAAsiaPacific.com or e-mail us at Info@PETAAsiaPacific.com.