In 2022, the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) in the Philippines encountered a situation unlike any other. Known for rescuing and rehabilitating animals in dire circumstances, AKF once had a special chance to save a group of puppies from the dog meat trade, and this time of rescuing changed their lives forever.
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
On August 16, 2022, AKF intercepted 10 suspicious sacks from a meat trader.
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
When they opened these bags, the rescuer team was met with the most heartwarming yet heartbroken faces of adorable dogs. Some of these dogs were bound, with mouths wired shut and gagged, but they were brimming with energy and beauty. Isay Halaba, AKF's campaigns officer, described them as a "special batch."
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
“They were bound, and some mouths were wired shut and gagged, but they were a bunch of energetic, beautiful, big dogs,” Isay Halaba, AKF’s campaigns officer, told The Dodo. “We knew they would be a special batch.”
The rescuers took them to AKF's headquarters, where these pups finally got a taste of freedom.
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
“Upon arrival at the center, they were apprehensive but friendly,” Halaba said. “They were trying to play and jump on the AKF team to lick our faces.”
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
Despite being frightened during their check-ups, their behavior displayed a sense that their lives were about to change for the better. They received a clean bill of health and officially became part of the AKF family.
“The dogs perhaps realized that their lives were about to change,” Halaba said.
Pilar, one of the dogs, stood out immediately as a star among them.
Source: Animal Kingdom Foundation
Pilar's welcoming and friendly nature made her the perfect ambassador for AKF. She always charmed guests and celebrities alike. “Each dog became an ambassador, with Pilar leading the pack,” Halaba said. “She welcomed guests and celebrities. Pilar was a star!”
AKF loved having Pilar around but they still believed that she deserved a loving forever home.
So, they put her on the "adoptable" list and took her to their adoption events. It was a wait that felt long, but finally, Pilar's wish for a loving home came true. She found a wonderful family who adored her every day.
Pilar's life is a world away from her early days in a small rice sack, uncertain about her future. Now, she's a happy dog, her smile stretching from ear to ear, embracing each day's adventures.
While her friends at AKF miss her presence, they're relieved and delighted that Pilar's story took such a positive turn. She's a testament to the power of love, great vet care, and affection in changing an animal's life. Pilar's boundless energy and joyful bounce will be remembered as AKF continues its mission to fight the dog meat trade.