They usually play the role of a heartless, selfish wife, or stepmother, or sister in teleseryes and the movies. In real life however, actresses Teresa Loyzaga and Maritoni Fernandez have such a kind heart for animals and they go out of their way to help homeless and abused dogs.
Only recently, bestfriends Teresa and Maritoni took on a new role: that of being loving moms to rescued aspins (asong Pinoy). They believe all dogs, regardless of breed, deserve a home. They also felt this strong desire to nurture a rescued dog. Thus, they decided to adopt rescued aspins from shelters.
The new role was easy for the two actresses. Being a mother to their human kids and the adopted dogs came naturally to them as they both came from loving families.
“I have just always been a dog lover since I was a little girl. I owned my first dog before I was two years old and I have never been without one since then,” Maritoni said.
“The first pet I rescued was a kitten. My dad and I named her ‘Fuera’ because we found her outside our house. She was black and white and must have been a few days old. Since then, I’ve rescued quite a few through the years,” shared Maritoni.
Teresa, a supporter of Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines Incorporated located in Laguna, shared that she chanced upon the organization on Facebook and she felt that she needed to help.
“I have always loved animals, dogs and horses most especially. As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Well, a different calling came so I got sidetracked in terms of career but the love remains. I’m blessed to be in a position where I can do my part in helping them through this advocacy. Every time my schedule permits, I participate in activities in the shelters and rescue centers as a volunteer,” Teresa said.
Last week, Teresa and Maritoni contacted the office of Ganador Philippines thru Jojo Emata, pet food manager, and asked for donations of dog food for rescued dogs and stray dogs. Ms. Emata pledged 20 bags of 20-kilo Ganador Premium Lamb and Rice. These will be sent to various shelters that Teresa and Maritoni are supporting, and will be used for feeding of stray dogs in Morong, Bataan.
“I have a home in Morong, Bataan and noticed since we started building our beach home a few years ago that there were so many stray dogs roaming around. So I would always bring dog food for them. Before we knew it, other stray dogs decided to make our home theirs. Our workers decided to give them names and I decided to adopt them permanently,” Maritoni said.
Maritoni and Teresa said they will continue to help animals in need by encouraging people to be kind to animals, and help organizations that rescue animals by disseminating information on the work of these groups.
“Naturally, as celebrities, we have the power to influence and show how to love and be loved by animals. I think that if we post on our social media accounts our moments with our beloved fur babies, people will realize they don’t have to spend so much money to have the love of a pet,” Maritoni said.
“There are so many dogs who need loving homes. Regardless of breed, all dogs or cats deserve homes,” Maritoni added.
Teresa agreed with Maritoni.
“Awareness is very important. Thanks to our followers in social media and our circle of friends, we are able to help these groups that rescue animals in need,“ Teresa said.
“This is such a huge place (social media) where the needed help comes from and our heart goes out to all who have been supporting us in this mission of giving rescued animals a better life, and educating people on the importance of our mission of helping animals,” said Teresa.
The Loyzaga-Fernandez tandem maybe familiar in the basketball court. But this is a different arena where people can make a difference by helping and supporting the community of animal rescue and animal shelters.
“I believe dogs, cats and animals in general are angels in disguise. Maritoni and I can only do so much and we hope that other people will also help animals in need,“ Teresa said.
“We wish to thank Pet One Station, Royal Canin, Gilbert Emerson Marketing, Massdrop Marketing, Frontrow, Purina, Ganador Premium and other generous souls who wanted to be anonymous for their help,” Teresa said.
“I wish to touch the hearts of everyone. Your love and compassion towards these innocent living souls will make a huge difference in their lives. Let us be their voices and let us all join hands in helping these beautiful souls” said Teresa.
In this month of May when we celebrate and honor our mothers, it is hoped that Teresa and Maritoni will inspire others to also be furmoms to stray animals by feeding the homeless animals and eventually adopting a rescued animal and giving the poor dog or cat a furever home.
