Shifting the spotlight to family members who don’t exactly sit at the table but are always part of the celebration, the Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz, together with the Rotaract Club of Paseo de Roxas, Rotaract Club of Makati West, Rotaract Club of Santa Maria, and Rotaract Club of Sunvalley Sunrise, joined hands with the Rotary Community Corps of Brgy Sta Cruz and the Barangay 860 of Pandacan Officers and Sangguniang Kabataan to push forward Project PAWSsible, a Christmas initiative dedicated to beloved pet companions through a free rabies vaccination drive.
After weeks of coordination and reaching out to groups that shared the same concern for animal welfare, the project finally came together as a collective effort rooted in service and responsibility. Project PAWSsible was made possible through the generosity of partners who stood behind the cause. Barangay 860 officers prepared the setup and helped identify beneficiaries in the community. Vaccines were sponsored by Rtn. Archie Reaño through Broadchem Philippines Biopharma Corporation, while animal care packages came from the Philippine Veterinary Drug and Nutrition Association (PVDNA) and Bark ’n Purr Pet Supplies & Accessories. Volunteer veterinarians from Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) gave their time and expertise, administering the vaccinations and ensuring the safety of every animal.
With the help of barangay volunteers and partners, the team vaccinated and distributed care packages to 150 animal companions, reaching both household pets and street animals. Each vaccination was done with patience and care, making sure both pets and their owners felt supported.
Throughout the day, compassion showed up in many forms. One resident, who regularly feeds the street cats in her neighborhood, made trip after trip to bring as many of them as she could for vaccination. And although she wasn’t able to gather them all, she managed to bring 13 of the 23 cats she cares for—which is honestly impressive considering she had to catch them one by one.
Elderly pet owners also came despite the challenge, some sharing how their dogs and cats had been loyal companions through the years. Their presence showed that the bond between people and their pets only grows stronger with time.
With the steady hands of the veterinarians and the support of the volunteers, every pet was given the care they needed; no one was left behind.
By the time the day wrapped up, Project PAWSsible had shown just how much can be achieved when a community comes together. It was the perfect way to close out the year: a reminder that responsibility isn’t just about looking after each other, but also about caring for the animals who share our homes, our streets, and our lives.
