‘Balikbayan’ finds ‘rescue’ in dog rescue

CEBU CITY—Rosario Ma. “Nena” Hernandez was an immigration lawyer based in the United States in 2006 when she got involved in animal rescue.

She found a pit bull (named Libby, short for Liberty) and sent out e-mails asking if anyone was interested to adopt it.

The maid of American actress Linda Blair replied and told her that Blair, who runs an organization called Worldheart Organization, would help save the dog.

“I delivered Libby to Linda’s rescue ranch and from there on, I learned about (animal) rescue,” says Nena.

She started to be involved with Friends for the Protection of Animals and became an active animal rescuer.

Nena returned to the Philippines in December 2009, 40 years after working in the States.

She decided to put up an animal rescue organization in Cebu.

Nena and her friends established Island Rescue Organization (IRO) in February 2010 to campaign for responsible ownership and humane treatment of animals.

“Humane treatment of animals includes human treatment as well. Compassion is critical in animal rescue,” said Nena. “Our members…show compassion to the owners as well. More often than not, they also feed their neighbors.”

Nena’s love for animals is not mere lip service.

She raises nine dogs inside her house in the city. Some are rescued from the streets.

Molly, a native dog, was found by her nephew in the streets. Nena quarantined Molly for two weeks and religiously applied olive oil on her body.

Derrick, Chimal and Barqs were rescued in the States. Derrick’s mother, a pure-bred pit bull, was raised by an abusive breeder. She was set to be killed when Nena’s group asked to adopt her. She gave birth to five puppies.

Nena said animal rescue taught her forgiveness. From the dogs she learned that “to err is human, to forgive is canine.”

“I rescued them but it’s them who rescued me,” she said. “When you rescue them, there’s a certain bond you have. They never forget. They’re so loyal.”

Today, IRO’s has at least 20 core members. But the total number of members has reached 100.

An IRO Center will be put up in Danao City. A group of young architects is helping in the design.

“It is about passion and love for animals. We do real work here. When you open a door, you realize there is more to do,” said Nena.