PROBABLY one of the most endearing traits of dogs is their ability to forgive people who have done them wrong.

One good example is Adonis, an “aspin” (asong Pinoy) who was rescued last year from a truckload of pooches about to be delivered to dog meat traders in Baguio City.

Even after spending hours crammed inside a truck with dozens of dogs, Adonis remained docile and did not display any signs of aggression. Right away, his rescuers knew he would be a good candidate for adoption.

In August 2007, Adonis was taken to the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC) in Quezon City. Before the end of the year, he joined the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) Dr. Dog program, the first aspin to become a Dr. Dog.

In the past, dogs who took part in the program were purebreds like labradors, dalmatians, or pugs—canines with a high level of tolerance and a moderate temperament.

According to the PAWS website, Dr. Dog is an animal-assisted therapy program founded in 1991 by Jill Robinson of the Hong Kong-based Animals Asia Foundation.

Under the program, dogs visit hospitals, orphanages or schools for special children where they interact with residents.

PAWS is the coordinator and implementing arm of the Dr. Dog program in the Philippines.

Gwapo

Rhea Oropilla, a 21-year-old preschool teacher who adopted Adonis, describes her dog as “gwapo” (handsome).

When the two met for the first time, it was perfect timing: Adonis was looking for a home while Oropilla was just getting over the death of her dog, MacMac.

Oropilla’s friend, Jean Guadana, suggested she adopt a dog from a shelter. During a visit to PARC, Oropilla spotted Adonis who was sitting alone in a cage. When she stood beside the cage and extended her hand to Adonis, he held out his paw and let her hold it.

Adonis, who is believed to be two years old, now lives with the Oropilla family along with Jopjop, another adopted dog and a tomcat named Ming-ming, who literally fell from the sky.

Oropilla said Ming-ming fell into their yard from the roof and has lived with them since.

She added that whenever she and her family leave for work, Adonis cries. “And when we come home, he is all over us, especially my mother because she always has a ‘pasalubong’ for him.”

Making the rounds

Adonis made his first “rounds” as a Dr. Dog at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City last year.

“Perhaps, it is Adonis’ ‘smile’ that draws him to children,” Oropilla said. Although he hardly ever barks, he always has a ready ‘smile’ for people.

Oropilla recalled that during their visit to the National Children’s Hospital, also in Quezon City, Adonis made a child’s day just by standing by her bedside.

She added that the dog is very enthusiastic about his job although he crawls into a corner when he gets tired.

“Adonis is like a blessing and I want to share him with others,” Oropilla said. “I don’t want to deprive the children of what they can experience with Adonis.”

She added that she has realized that adopting a special dog with special duties entails a bigger responsibility. Guardians of “regular” dogs, for example, are responsible only to themselves and their dogs. With Adonis, she and her dog are responsible “for a whole lot and to a whole lot.”

“As a volunteer, I feel happy when I help cheer up sick children through Adonis. It’s not something money can buy,” Oropilla said.