IRO Volunteer Orientation

Lola My Foster Cat

Submited by Mitzi Dico
Edited by Jayson Patalinghug
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I love animals, but I never had a cat as a pet before. My family has always had a dog as our house companion. One day I was asked to foster a cat from Island Rescue Organization (IRO), I just nodded in agreement but honestly I was not excited. It might be because I was thinking that it would be a pain in the neck on my part.

At first, I wanted to call her “Lolita” but later on changed it to “Lola” a name of Spanish origin which meant sorrow. It was a fitting name for a cat who suffered so much. She was thin, dirty with fearful and watchful eyes. There were so many bald spots from her body because of fleas and ticks that infected her skin.

Lola did not trust me. I can feel it every time I tried to approach her. She would not allow me to touch her. She would not even eat if I am around. She was scared and all she did was stay on her litter box all day long.

I was worried because I cannot help her if I cannot get her trust. How can I clean her dirty ears? How can I feed her? How can I treat her fleas and skin disease  I cannot remember how long it was before she started to hang out with me, just one day she became comfortable with me. She became my study companion. She would stay by my side while I'm doing my school work. She would even watch TV with me. She has totally changed, from a non-responsive feline to a passive study buddy to a playful brat who would not let a single say pass by without landing on my lap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYgxpQ5kLy0&feature=youtu.be

Lola’s stay with me might have been short-lived but it was something I would cherish for a lifetime.

Her stay with me taught me about trust. Trust is not something you get for free. It’s something you work hard and earn. It’s something you should not readily give to a complete stranger. It’s something that is built through time and positive experience.

God knows what she’s been through on the streets – probably enough for her to completely shut me out for days. Humans may not have been kind to her but there she was giving me another chance, another shot to prove that animals don’t necessarily have to suffer in human hands.

Her very existence taught me about hope. Hope that there will always be something worth cherishing at the end of every sacrifice. That no matter how bad things are, there is still goodness in this world. When Lola finds a home that she can call forever, only then will the sorrowful Lola be sorrowful no more.

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Lola was rescued from the streets of Cebu near St. Theresa’s College by Michelle and Mark Lim. She followed the couple a few times – looking for food. The couple eventually decided to take her in. She stayed at IRO’s Mini Rescue Center in Tayud, Consolacion and was later fostered by Mitzi Dico. Currently, she is fostered by Annalyn Aizpuru and is still in need of a loving home. If you would like to adopt Lola, please send us a message at adoptiro@gmail.com.

Animal Welfare Week: Walk for a cause

Last year of the same month, i lost my mind yet found my soul. It was the very first time that I joined an activity to lift the voice of those who cannnot speak for their rights, the voice of the animals. 

This year, we will hold once again a parade with our fur babies to celebrate the Animal Welfare Week. All animal organizations will be joining this activity in order to show to the world how much we care and how much we love the animal kingdom. The assembly area will be at Fuente Osmena Circle Cebu City at exactly 4:00 PM.

Everyone is invited; let us walk, let us lift the voices of the unheard, and together let us end animal cruelty in this world. See you there!

URGENT APPEAL TO IRO MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS!

IRO's funds are dangerously low because of some of our rescues' emergency needs. IRO has two centers to manage and we need your help to be able to meet rent, staff salaries, and dog food. There are several fundraising events coming up for the rest of the year and concrete work is being done to submit grants to foundations. In the meantime, please dig deep into your pockets to help IRO continue with their mission. To donate, please click the link below for instructions. Thank you again to all.

Donate to IRO    <--- click here