Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in 2019 introduced a unique way of helping rescued dogs and cats heal their emotional and psychological trauma through the Project CALM, or 'Comforting Animals through Literacy Movement'. John Emil Flores 

There is no greater feeling than going home to a very loyal friend. A pet's unconditional love is capable of much more than just keeping people company; they provide wholehearted comfort and support to people. 

But, what if these pets or animals are the ones who need comfort and support?

With that, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in 2019 introduced a unique way of helping rescued dogs and cats heal their emotional and psychological trauma through the Project CALM, or 'Comforting Animals through Literacy Movement'.

PAWS Education and Campaigns Officer Sharon Yap talks about Project CALM, or 'Comforting Animals through Literacy Movement'. John Emil Flores

Reading therapy for animals

Through this project, people can visit and read stories for dogs and cats who are in quarantine. Studies show that this kind of activity helps shy and fearful animals learn to trust and get used to human interactions. 

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“We developed that kasi since nandun sila sa quarantine, hindi sila nakakahalubilo ng tao. So, it would be faster if they would see people, binabasahan sila in a calm voice. So parang naisip nila, not all people are bad. Not all people are [actually] there to hurt them,” said PAWS Education and Campaigns Officer Sharon Yap.

According to PAWS, 90% of the sheltered animals were rescued from neglect and cruelty. Aside from the physical abuse and diseases they acquired, most of them were traumatized emotionally so it takes longer to bring them to common areas with other dogs and get them ready for adoption.

“Although we have a dog behaviorist with us…, Yung emotional and psychological rehab [of rescued animals], medyo mahirap kasi case-to-case basis na siya,” Yap said.

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in 2019 introduced a unique way of helping rescued dogs and cats heal their emotional and psychological trauma through the Project CALM, or 'Comforting Animals through Literacy Movement'. John Emil Flores

Project CALM for everyone

Project CALM was conceptualized by PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera after an activity they held for Dr. Dog program, an animal-assisted therapy where dogs make regular visits to hospitals, psychiatric wards, home for the elderly, and orphanages to provide emotional support for patients and people with needs.

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After the Dr. Dog program visited children with literacy issues and therapy dogs became their listeners—Cabrera had the idea of adapting reading therapy to quarantined dogs and making it beneficial to them in a way that would help them speed up their rehabilitation.

That is why Project CALM was initially designed for grade school students, particularly children who are struggling readers so it can be a ‘two-way learning process,’ where kids can practice their reading and make mistakes without feeling afraid of being judged for it while also giving traumatized animals some behavioral remedy.

But when the project was launched five years ago, adults like college students, parents, and company employees expressed interest in helping in the rehabilitation of the sheltered animals. In 2021, it was reopened to the public and this time, the project finally accepts applications even from non-PAWS resident volunteers. 

PAWS has only one, important reminder for everyone who wants to book a schedule for Project CALM: no touching of animals.

The quarantine area has animals who are yet to receive full vaccinations due to their health, and some are still having aggression problems, that’s why PAWS strictly advises volunteers not to touch the animals and maintain a little distance from their cages to ensure the safety and protection of everyone.

Finding fur-ever homes

With currently over 200+ cats and dogs in the shelter, PAWS highly encourages everyone to adopt and give these animals a second chance to experience a warm and caring home.

However, animals that are in the quarantine area cannot be adopted until they have health issues—that is one of the rules PAWS strictly imposes to make sure that they will be in good condition after leaving the shelter.

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The cats and dogs in the common area are the PAWS adoptable animals who are looking for adopters that will change their lives for the better. Adoptable cats and dogs of PAWS are all spayed/neutered and vaccinated. 

Yap emphasized the importance of cat and dog adoption and how it can save more than just one animal’s life.

“You're also helping two animals when you adopt from PAWS or any other shelter or city pounds. First is the animal that you're adopting. Kasi, you're giving him a second chance. Meron siyang forever home. And, the second animal is the animal that we are able to rescue. Kasi, we have a space at the shelter kasi nag-adopt ka,” she said.

She also reminded people not to get a pet if they are still not ready for a responsibility. Because compassion towards animals can lead to animal cruelty if not going to be a responsible rescuer. 

“Before getting a pet, you have to consider that it's a lifetime commitment. Not your lifetime, but the lifetime of your pet”, Yap said. 

She added that it is important for rescuers to be responsible enough to have their rescued animals spayed or neutered to prevent unplanned animal pregnancies.

Donate and save a paw friend’s life

There were a lot of struggles and challenges in maintaining the shelter and the Project CALM, since they are a Non-Government Organization, financial stability is one of their main dilemmas. Hence, they have fundraising events and have to be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. According to Yap, the organization can’t always rely on donations, especially if it is fluctuating.  

“Kaya, we also developed several programs na to help us earn. Hindi man monetary, but in kind. Tapos, may mga feeding program kami. So, at least one day, libre na yung pagkain ng mga shelter animals.’, said Yap. 

Moreover, the developed programs also served as a way to educate people as most of these are geared to prevent animal cruelty and overpopulation of pets.

For pet lovers or people in general who want to donate, the shelter accepts books, and in kind donations such as dog and cat food. However, there are also special cases that need specialized food like canned food or an expensive diet to help the animals in their recovery. 

For everyone who wants to donate, you may check their Project CALM through their website, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).