By Greg Salido Quimpo
When the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) built a rescued dog sanctuary in 2006 to take care of the dogs saved from the dog meat trade, it also developed a burial space for the ones who did not survive.
Back then, the dog traders cramped the hapless dogs in a false-floor of a mini-van. About 70-100 dogs, restrained and tightly muzzled, had to endure the seven-hour travel from the south to the north of Luzon.
Nearly half of the dogs would not make it alive.
The unlucky dogs who were underneath the others were crushed to their deaths: internal organs ruptured and dogs suffocated to their death.
They were buried at the AKF rescued dogs cemetery in Capas, Tarlac.
This scenario lasted until late 2014.
After 2014, the dog meat traders from the CALABARZON region started slaughtering the dogs before delivering them to the market in the Cordilleras.
AKF has since been rescuing live slaughter-bound dogs in small numbers in Nueva Ecija carried inside cramped tricycles.
The dogs from the supplying dog meat trading groups may have been spared the ordeal of a horrific transport but the horrendous cruelty to them starts from the moment they are kidnapped, snared, muzzled, restrained and kept in cramped spaces until the moment they are bludgeoned on their heads and torched.
This is so saddening because Filipino native dogs are actually very loving dogs. They prefer humans over toys because they are just so emotional, so sociable and friendly. These dogs just need to interact in every loving way they know.
It is the fervent wish of AKF that soon, no dog will fall victim to this horrific and cruel dog meat trade.
AKF lights a candle for all the Filipino dogs and celebrates their loving souls during this All Souls’ Day.
At the AKF rescued dog cemetery lie the most loving creatures to walk the earth: dogs, they are simply called dogs.
Some of them who are buried here have names while the rest were recovered lifeless as victims of the dog meat trade.
It is said that dogs are angels with four paws and furs. As disguised heavenly creatures, dogs bring so much joy and benefits into our lives.
They guard us, make us exercise, listen to us and provide us endless companionship without asking for anything in return. They will only eat from their bowls if we put food in it. They make us laugh and snuggle with us when they see us sad. They give out all of the positive energies that benefit us while we dump negative vibes on them. They embrace even our dislikable selves.
Just like an angel would do.
Yet cruelty is inflicted on these gentle creatures. Many are hurt, stoned, stabbed, and even shot. They are neglected and abandoned. They have it bad.
Buried here at the AKF cemetery with the dogs are some of the negativity that we wish the living dogs would never experience.
Herein lies Kruel Ty. May he rest in peace and not bother any animal again.
Anne Wan Ted is here, too. Buried so that all dogs will not feel discriminated, unloved and hurt.
This is AKF's Cemetery of Negative Vibes. Here lies real angels with furs and four paws. May negativity remain here. Forever.
About the author: Greg Salido Quimpo is the campaign manager of Animal Kingdom Foundation. For inquiries on how to help AKF continue its work to save dogs from the dog meat trade, please send a message to akfgquimpo@gmail.com or go to http://www.animalkingdomfoundation.org.ph.