Stray Animals Find New Homes Across the World
In a heartwarming tale of compassion and dedication, stray cats and dogs in Saudi Arabia are being rehomed more than 8,000 km away in the Philippines, all thanks to a network of committed volunteers.
Expatriates Making a Difference
The Filipino expatriate community in the Kingdom is playing a crucial role in this initiative, using their connections back home and leveraging social media to find suitable adopters in the Asian archipelago.
Meet Virginia Alindayo
Physical therapist Virginia Alindayo is a shining example of this dedication. She has successfully found homes for over 50 cats and dogs, often taking on the responsibility of transporting them to the Philippines herself.
A Labor of Love
“It makes me happy. It’s the only life that I want to live, as of now,” Alindayo expressed. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and it really makes me happy.”
Going the Extra Mile
Living in the remote town of Rafha, Alindayo’s commitment to animal welfare knows no bounds. She once undertook a nine-hour drive from Rafha to Riyadh, taking 12 cats with her before boarding a flight to the Philippines.
Global Efforts
Alindayo’s efforts extend beyond the Philippines. She also found homes for 12 cats in the US, personally flying them across the world. “It was very easy,” she remarked.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Physical therapist Virginia Alindayo has rehomed over 50 cats and dogs.
• Saudi Society for Animal Welfare has nearly 1,000 members offering free professional help.
• Lawyers in the association prosecute cases of animal cruelty in Saudi Arabia.
A New Beginning
Alindayo began her rehoming efforts in 2020 after her own pet cat went missing. Through online animal welfare groups, she found her cat and decided to dedicate herself to helping stray animals.
Financial Challenges
Despite generous donors and personal contributions, the financial burden of caring for animals weighs heavily on Alindayo. She plans to neuter 20 cats and is even considering taking out a loan to support this cause.
Stray Animal Situation in Saudi Arabia
Saeed Jazzar, vice chairman of the Saudi Society for Animal Welfare, highlights the ongoing issue of stray animals in the Kingdom. While attitudes are changing, the problem persists due to various factors.
Continued Efforts
With nearly 1,000 members, the Saudi Society for Animal Welfare is actively working to feed, rehome, and neuter stray animals, along with offering free professional services.
Progress and Challenges
While strides have been made in animal welfare in Saudi Arabia, there is still much work to be done. Members of the society are committed to improving the lives of stray animals and prosecuting cases of cruelty.
Kindness Rewarded
Jazzar emphasizes the importance of compassion towards animals, citing religious teachings. Every act of kindness towards living creatures is seen as a reward from a higher power.