PAWS repairs pet memorial tiles for upcoming Undas

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has begun repairing pet memorial tiles in preparation for the upcoming Undas on November 1 and 2.

PAWS Administrative Officer Bing Manzano told INQUIRER.net on Thursday that most tiles were damaged due to tree roots obstructing the walls.

He also said the memorial wall has been part of the PAWS animal shelter since its establishment in Marikina in the early 2000s.

The shelter currently has two walls of memorial tiles, which accommodate 471 pet memorials.

Among the pets featured in the memorial wall are 392 dogs, 70 cats, five rabbits, one dolphin, one chicken, one hedgehog, and one pigeon.

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P2,500 is charged per tile, allowing pet owners to display a photo of their beloved pet on the memorial wall for five years.

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“After five years, they have the option to renew since this is also part of PAWS’ fundraising efforts. Aside from maintaining the area, the fee also contributes to food for the sheltered animals,” Manzano said in Filipino.

Manzano added that some of the memorial tiles are dedicated to PAWS’ adopted or sheltered dogs who passed away, with sponsors covering the costs for their remembrance.

PAWS clarified that the pet memorial wall serves as a commemorative tribute only, with no animal remains interred.

The old PAWS Memorial Wall, built in the early 2000s. JOWN MANALO / INQUIRER.netThe pet memorial wall was created to provide pet owners with a meaningful way to honor their beloved animals while also supporting the shelter through their donations, according to Manzano.

“The proceeds, or the fee, go to the shelter animals, aside from the wall’s maintenance. The sentiment of pet owners is that their pets have passed away, so they want something special for them,” Manzano said.

Some families who have migrated continue to reach out to renew their pet memorials or make donations, expressing their desire to visit the commemorative memorial during future trips back to the country while also supporting the sheltered animals.

“They want to donate because their pets’ legacy is still alive for them. Some of these are rescued animals, and they know that the proceeds from buying a memorial tile will go to a good cause,” Manzano added.

One side of the PAWS Memorial Wall was dedicated to the late journalist and columnist Neal Cruz, renowned not only for his writing but also for his commitment to animal rescue.

“This area is mainly dedicated to his rescued animals that have passed away. Now, we made it special, which is why we named it the Neal Cruz Memorial Wall. Even his child continues to care for rescued animals,” Manzano said in Filipino.

READ: Neal H. Cruz, veteran journalist, press freedom fighter; 85

The PAWS Memorial Wall will remain open to the public on November 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

READ: Remembering our furry family: Filipinos honor deceased pets, strays