IN a quiet corner of Dapitan, Sampaloc, cats nap beside rows of neatly arranged fruits and vegetables, while dogs drink from a water bucket beneath a wooden table. Balancing life as a vendor and an animal rescuer, Aurora Leuterio makes the dual role look effortless. Since 2012, Leuterio has been rescuing dogs and cats, transforming her humble stall into a comfortable home for strays. She has taken in two stray dogs and numerous abandoned cats, caring for them as family and seeing her responsibility not as a burden, but as a calling.
Leuterio’s journey into animal rescue began with a simple yet powerful motivation: Empathy. “Syempre naaawa ako. May buhay din naman ang mga ‘yan. Nilalang ng Diyos [ang] mga ‘yan,” she expressed passionately. Her words reflect a deep understanding that every stray animal deserves a chance at a better life and has a story. This compassion fuels her daily efforts to care for and rescue stray cats and dogs.
Leuterio also shared her challenges in rescuing stray animals, emphasizing that vaccines and financial expenses are the hardest to manage.
“Madalas ako makagat. Madalas ako magpa-injection,” she said, expressing the everyday worries experienced by many animal rescuers.
Despite her financial struggles, Leuterio sets aside ₱300 daily for her pets. She revealed that her rescued animals have their own food separate from hers.
“[‘Yung] isda, bibilhin ko ‘yan per kilo. Sa kanila lang lahat ‘yon. Tapos cat food, binibili ko talaga. Gumagastos ako sa kanila [ng] ₱300 kada araw,” she said.
Juggling her animal rescuer and vendor responsibilities is no small feat. Leuterio has developed a structured routine that allows her to fulfill both roles. “Take your time. May oras sila. Sa umaga, sila ang inuuna ko,” she explained.
She prioritizes the needs of her rescued animals each morning, ensuring they are cared for and fed before attending to her business. This commitment and meticulous planning demonstrate her belief that animals should not be treated as an afterthought.
“Hindi ko sila pinapakain lang ng tira-tira, hindi, bumibili ako ng pagkain nila,” she insisted, emphasizing the importance of providing quality food rather than leftovers.
Leuterio finds joy in her dual roles despite the challenges. Providing her with a sense of purpose that transcends her daily struggles, the bond she forms with the animals she rescues enriches her life.
The story of Aurora Leuterio is a powerful reminder of the compassion within our communities. Her commitment to rescuing stray animals changes their lives and serves as a call to action for others to step up. Leuterio fosters a greater awareness of the responsibility everyone shares in caring for those who cannot care for themselves by highlighting the struggles and triumphs of her journey. Her story encourages people to act with kindness and compassion, reminding everyone that we are all interconnected in this life journey.
