It was only during the recent Holiday Season that I saw Whitey* since I usually take another route home. He was dirty-white, emaciated, chained to the left side of the gate, with the chain not even long enough for the poor thing to lie down comfortably. 😦 He was sitting down, immobile, with the head drooped just inches in front of a round metal plate. There was no cloth nor cardboard on the cemented floor. He wasn’t facing the gate but I could see that he looked so forlorn.

I was riding a tricycle that was going fast and as the images went by quickly (sari-sari stores, streetfood, children playing, shallow canal, stray cats, a few stray dogs, tambays) as fast as my mind was thinkin’ this ‘n that, I saw Whitey. I followed him with my eyes even as I had to peer outside the tricycle for several seconds until we turned a corner. That wasn’t too long but it was long enough to see that he is suffering. “Poor thing,” I thought. The image didn’t leave me.

I searched the website of an animal welfare organization: “How to request animal rescue? How to report animal abuse? ” It stated there (paraphrased, based on how I recall it): Try to talk to the owner and convince him/her to take better care of the pet. Have a proof (photo or video). Legal assistance will be provided, etc.

The second time I saw Whitey, it the night before New Year’s eve (which still seemed like NY eve since NY starts at midnight). I went to the mall then to buy some groceries and pay the bills (of course: no debt before the year ends, right? 😉 ) and waited over half an hour at the tricycle queue. So it was dark when I took my ride and I was wondering about one thing: How’s Whitey? And there he was! Chained to the usual spot but standing on his scrawny feet facing the small house/store/garage. I think he was scared since several children got too excited for the New Year and they have been playing with fire crackers. You could hear the intermittent crackle and the bang then.

I then planned to get a photo or vid, thought of several options (including hiring a driver that I’m acquainted with). Unfortunately, I got sick and mainly stayed in bed for several days. I was able to go out for a check up midweek and on our way home, I told my daughter Abie (who was already aware of Whitey) to take a vid. She turned on the vid but only captured on cam two wandering stray dogs. I wasn’t sure if the gate was covered by a car since there were many parked that time and since that area by the side of the road has no curb or space for a tricycle’s quick stop.

Today, I passed by the same road. I didn’t see Whitey. Was he brought to the vet (Unlikely, but I hope so.)? Did he die? This is not a remote possibility considering his condition. Did they transfer his location?

I don’t understand why people would do that? I mean get a pet dog and chain him at the gate day and night, exposed to sun and rain? If the purpose was to guard the house or establishment, then why not treat the dog properly? How would you feel being chained to the gate?

Author’s Notes:

(1) It is a common practice in the Philippines to name a dog based on its color. Thus, Whitey, Blacky, Browny. I called the dog *Whitey ’cause I’m sure he used to be a lively beautiful dog with a white fur. 

(2) I’ll pass by the same area soon to check if I can get a glimpse of Whitey. I have theories but none’s confirmed.

(3) We have 2 lovely dogs; We got them from a shelter that rescues animals. We have almost 30 cats. Most of them were rescued from the streets; two were from a shelter. Some have crossed the rainbow bridge (which caused us heartbreak), their small bodies were already damaged despite the subsequent vet treatments. One kitten was found near the MRT (a mode of transpo in the Philippines), its paws were burnt by the hot urban pavement. He was very brave, stayed with us for less than a month, I think, but eventually succumbed to illness. Another kitten whom my daughter named Banana only lived 2 days. She days-old but was abandoned and left to die. My daughter cried buckets of tears. I told her, that nothing could have saved that teeny-weeny kitten, but that we somehow would be comforted by the thought that even for a short time, she felt cared for.

(4) I wish for a farm where animals could run and play and get enough sun. Can one of my readers give me that? 😉 It’s too much a request so I’m just kidding. But I’ll make it happen one day.

I wish for a kinder world not just for people. For animals too…