Rescued pets look for love on dates this Valentine's Day

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino pet lovers took some furry friends on a date this Valentine’s Day, showering them with cuddles and treats inside an animal shelter in the Philippine capital.

The Manila-based Philippine Animal Welfare (PAWS) organized a “fur date” where visitors could spend time with the group’s rescued dogs and cats, most of which were abused or neglected by their former owners.

Pet lovers mingled with the rescued pets to encourage adoption instead of buying fur babies.

“With this event, they (the animals) see that not all people out there in the outside world are out to hurt them,” said Sharon Yap, a campaign officer at PAWS.

Visitors paid P750 ($13) for their date, which included snacks and treats for the animals.

Heart-shaped cookies given to volunteers at the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s event “FURst date” are laid out, on Valentine’s Day at Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 14, 2024. The activity is held by the organization every Valentine’s Day to encourage animal lovers to adopt rescues. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Clothing, Dress, Adult — Kendra Casas feeds Sampaguita, a cat rescued by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), during their ‘FURst date’ on Valentine’s Day at Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 14, 2024. PAWS opens its shelter for people to visit and ‘date’ their animals every Valentine’s Day in hopes of finding the rescues a new home. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Wood, Hardwood, Clothing — Chia Llanes sits with Kyusi, a dog rescued by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), during their ‘FURst date’ on Valentine’s Day at Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 14, 2024. PAWS opens its shelter for people to visit and ‘date’ their animals every Valentine’s Day in hopes of finding the rescues a new home. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Most of the shelter’s 65 dogs and 170 cats were rescued from cruelty and neglect, with criminal charges filed against offenders, according to PAWS.

“What these sheltered animals have been through is different. For me, they are more worthy to be given the opportunity to be loved by us,” said Chia Llanes, 29, who spent her “date” with a tan-coated dog. – Rappler.com

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