- Title: Second chances and first dates for Manila’s rescued pets
- Date: 13th February 2026
- Summary: MANILA, PHILIPPINES (FEBRUARY 12, 2026) (REUTERS) PET LOVERS HANGING OUT WITH RESCUE DOG AT SHELTER PEOPLE PETTING RESCUE DOG VARIOUS OF PET LOVERS WITH RESCUE DOGS WOMAN GENTLY PETTING DOG VOLUNTEERS AND PET LOVERS HANGING OUT WITH DOGS WOMAN PLAYING WITH RESCUED DOG PET LOVERS HANGING OUT WITH RESCUED DOGS (SOUNDBITE) (English/Filipino) PET LOVER, NIC ALVAREZ, SAYING:
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: Philippines Valentines pets rescue
- Location: MANILA, PHILIPPINES
- City: MANILA, PHILIPPINES
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Human Interest/Brights/Odd News,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA001512213022026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Dozens of rescued dogs and cats swapped kennels for dates with pet lovers on Thursday (February 12) as an animal shelter in the Philippine capital launched a Valentine’s Day “Fur Date” event pairing sheltered animals with pet lovers hoping to offer them new homes.
Handlers from Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) arranged short “meet-and-greet dates,” allowing visitors to spend one‑on‑one time with the animals, in an effort to boost adoptions.
PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera said the Valentine’s program was designed to help people connect with animals beyond the usual shelter walk‑through.
"We want to tell people that sheltered dogs are not damaged goods. They are actually the best type of pets that you can get and they need to be given a second chance. Those that are given second chances really make the best of a lifetime friend," Cabrera told Reuters.
Among the participants was Tali, a pup rescued in 2021 with a wire collar painfully embedded around her neck. Despite her trauma, she eagerly bounded toward visitors with treats. Nearby, a shy rescued cat named "Thirdy" happily played with cat toys as she purred through the noise of the crowd.
Pet lover Angela Gil, said the event felt less like a selection process and more like a first date.
"I hope the stigma goes away, people are more drawn to cute dogs or purebred dogs but these are also creatures and they want companionship as much as people want companionship," Gil said.
For the shelter, the dates may last only minutes, but for the animals, organizers hope they lead to a lifetime match.
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