Remember last year when we called out for help in getting the Sta. Mesa dogs and cats adopted? They were going to be evicted from the vacant lot they had been guarding and considered home for many years.
An animal welfare volunteer, Marie Lourdes Mendoza Garcia, had been feeding the dogs and cats for more than three years. She had them vaccinated and spayed/neutered. Fearing what will happen to them if they got loose to fend for themselves on the streets, she desperately called out for help on social media.
She could not take all of them in as her home was already full of personal rescues.
READ: 14 Dogs and 5 Cats Guarding Sta. Mesa Lot will Soon be Homeless Unless We Do Something
Thankfully, we crossed paths on social media and I was able to support this cause through wheninmanila.com. I’m sure those who followed this story will be glad to read these updates.
Just go on scrolling down to check up on the Sta. Mesa Guard Dogs and Cats.
Brownie, Mama Dog
Brownie, our sweet Mama dog, is being fostered by Bing, Marie’s BFF. An OFW saw the social media posts and fell in love with Brownie. She knew that a senior dog will be hard to rehome so she decided to take Mama Brownie under her wing. She will come home soon and will decide whether to bring Brownie home with her to Canada, alongside one of Marie’s rescued white cats.
Alpha dog Spot and beautiful Lindsay
Despite being full up, the MBY Pet Rescue and Sanctuary in Morong, Rizal, agreed to take in Spot and Lindsay. These pups were the king and queen of the Sta. Mesa vacant lot so they might have felt ill at ease at the sanctuary at first. But it could not be helped. They needed somewhere to go fast. We are still hoping that these beautiful pups will get adopted. Please consider paying a visit to MBY and donating dog food.
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Princess and Kikay (renamed Kaye)
Princess and Kaye are BFFs and occasional frenemies at the Tagaytay bed-and-breakfast of a friend. They are now living the good life, running around the verdant surroundings of Hangin Garden. Marie had to hire a vehicle to transport the pups all the way from Sta. Mesa to Tagaytay but it was all worth the trouble when the human and furry troop reached the refreshing breeze of Tagaytay. Under the watchful eye of my friend Pinky, Princess and Kaye will be cared for well for the rest of their lives. Why not pay them a visit next time you are in Tagaytay? (By the way, the human in the photo is one of Pinky’s housemates. My friend was too shy for a selfie, I’m afraid.)
Simba and Nala
These siblings are now living a spoiled life in Indang, Cavite with mom Carmi, a businesswoman. No more sleeping under the rain for Simba and Nala. But, lately, naughty neighbors had been targeting the furbabies with pellet guns through the grills of the house–so they may move to another apartment soon.
Missy (formerly known as Marimar)
Missy is so sweet and gentle, says her new mom Kristin. We dare not think what would have become of her had she not been adopted in time. They live in Fairview, Quezon City, with Kristin’s other rescued pets.
Loving Negra
This is a picture of love and second chance. Negra is now out of the rain and in the arms of her human mom in Bulacan. Negra is very friendly so it is no surprise that she was the second pup to be adopted. Her new mom, Fatima, just could not take the chance of losing this pup to another ‘pawrent.’ Fatima works for the Department of Health.
Arrow (renamed Biggles)
Arrow whose new name is Biggles is king of the sofa! His Ate Mikee loves him very much. She brought him home to Pangasinan for her aunt to watch over him as she completes her course in DLSU.
Ali
See the contentment on Ali’s face as he snuggles close to mama. Yes, Ali, you are safe now. His mom, Cristina Grace, works as a golf course caddie in Antipolo.
Dalmi
A friend of Marie’s sister, Babygirl Carmencita, adopted Dalmi. This gorgeous black-and-white pup prefers to sleep beside her driver Lorenzo though. According to Lorenzo, he is determined to make Dalmi chubby. Well, we hope he just meant ‘healthy.’ As you can see from the photo, Dalmi is looking pretty healthy now. They live in Dimasalang, Manila.
Turoy
The guard of the Sta. Mesa vacant lot refused to let go of Turoy for adoption. But in a funny turn of events, Marie in a way ended up still taking care of Turoy as the guard’s wife is employed as the helper of Marie’s friend, who lives just a few doors away. The wife brought Turoy with her as she and her husband do not have a permanent home.
Justin
Ana saw Justin’s photo and fell in love with him. She brought him to live with her family in Bulacan. Justin is now the ‘apple of this family’s eye.’ Let’s hope Ana’s other dogs do not get jealous. In the photo, Justin relaxes in grandpa’s arms.
Husky and Chow
These two puppies were new additions to the Sta. Mesa guard dogs. After the story was published, Marie found them tied to a post near the lot. The pups were crying pitifully, obviously abandoned. Fortunately, they did not have to wait long for a furever family. In the photo, Ate Pamela obviously adores Husky. Let us congratulate Pamela, by the way, as she recently graduated from college. As taking care of two puppies is now a handful in her new life as a professional, she decided to bring one of the pups to her family home in Batangas, while keeping one with her in Manila.
Blackjack
The property guard decided to keep Blackjack–but the cat will not stay put and kept wandering off to the house of Marie’s friend. Sadly, sometime in October, he was run over by a vehicle. Marie found his body in front of her friend’s gate. In his last moments, he must have still wanted to be where he found love and happiness. Marie says his death devastated her, “Blackjack was so sweet, always following me around, especially when I walk the dogs.”
Miming
Sadly, Miming crossed the rainbow bridge already. She died at her new mom’s home.
B1
This is a case where the cat adopted the human. He is always hanging out at Bing’s place so Marie’s friend just accepted the inevitable and officially adopted this handsome but rather aloof kittie.
Tisoy
Tisoy is also now under the care of Bing, Marie’s friend. Yes, you guessed it. Tisoy was also one of the guard’s cats.
Muning (renamed Morticia)
Marie felt that ‘Morticia’ suited Muning better. With her dark good looks and snooty manner, Morticia is a dead ringer for the much-loved icon. She is now living with Marie in Sta. Mesa, tolerating her mom’s affections, occasionally gracing it with a slow blink.
Thank you to all who tagged friends and shared the story of the Sta. Mesa pets!
Because of you, they are now adopted! Let’s continue creating happy pet stories like this.
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There you have it. I hope you will continue to support our pet stories, especially those that call for help. We animal lovers have got to stick together, you know, to protect the helpless. As always, #AdoptDontShop and let’s continue being responsible pet parents.
Photo credits: Jazz Torres Ong and the pet parents featured in this story
