🐾More Than Just a Dog on the Street
In the Philippines, we are used to seeing dogs on the streets. Quiet. Lying on the sidewalks. Sometimes eating leftovers.
Because it’s normal, we often don’t ask questions.
But the truth is—many Filipino dogs are not okay.
They are often neglected, forgotten, or treated as if they don’t matter.
Not all abuse involves hitting.
Sometimes, it’s quiet, invisible—and happens every single day.
🐶 “Asong Kalye Lang Naman” — The Most Dangerous Myth
One of the most hurtful lines we hear repeatedly is:
“Asong kalye lang naman ‘yan.”
It sounds harmless, just a simple statement.
But behind it is a heavy message: they don’t deserve care.
The truth is:
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Many so-called “street dogs” were once pets
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Some were abandoned due to sickness
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Some were born into cycles of neglect
They didn’t choose this life.
And just because they appear “used to it” doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering.
🚨 Common Forms of Neglect Most People Don’t Recognize
Here are things that are often seen as normal but are actually harmful:
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🔗 Chained all day
No walks, no play, no interaction -
☀️ No proper shelter
Exposed to the sun, rain, or typhoons -
🍚 Irregular or insufficient food
“Kumakain naman minsan” is not enough -
🩺 No veterinary care
Even for injuries, skin issues, or severe illness -
🧠 No attention or love
Dogs can get depressed, anxious, or traumatized
If it were a human, we’d call it abuse.
So why do we treat dogs differently?
💔 Effects of Neglect on Dogs
Neglect doesn’t only affect their bodies—it affects their minds too.
Physical effects:
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Skin infections and wounds
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Severe weight loss or bloating
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Parvo, distemper, other infections
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Permanent damage if untreated
Emotional effects:
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Fear of humans
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Aggression caused by trauma
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Withdrawal and depression
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Difficulty trusting even after rescue
Rescuers often say:
It’s harder to heal trauma than physical injuries.
❤️ Small Acts of Care = Big Change
You don’t need to be wealthy to be a responsible fur parent.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as:
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💧 Providing clean water daily
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🏠 Offering proper shelter
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⏰ Spending time to play and interact
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🩺 Scheduling regular vet check-ups, even basic ones
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📚 Learning what your dog truly needs
Early care prevents bigger problems—for the dog and for the owner.
🌱 A Gentle Reminder for All Dog Owners
Dogs are not toys.
They’re not just guards.
They’re not “pwede na ‘yan.”
They are living beings depending on us.
When we choose to be more informed, prepared, and caring,
we break the cycle of neglect.
And that’s where real change begins.
🐾 Final Thought
Compassion starts with knowledge.
And knowledge—when paired with action—can save lives.
