MANILA -- The Quezon City government on Saturday led a Santacruzan-inspired parade of pets and fur babies at the QC Memorial Circle, where they also offered free anti-rabies vaccines and deworming services to participants.

The "Furries de Mayo" event, organized by the QC Veterinary Department and the Animal Kingdom Foundation, aimed to promote responsible pet ownership.

Fur babies wore colorful costumes and marched under vibrant arches for a Santacruzan with a twist.

Christian Bondoc, lead volunteer of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, said this is the third edition of their celebration, and the biggest so far. They are also planning to continue these kinds of events for their advocacy.

"Yung Santacruzan kasi is a celebration and yung mga pets natin part na ng daily life natin so we thought of why not include them din in a celebration like this one. Inakma lang natin 'yung event sa kanila, para mas inclusive siya pakinggan," said Bondoc.

(The Santacruzan is a celebration and our pets are part of our daily life so we thought of why not also include them in a celebration like this one. We just adapted the event to them so that they are more inclusive.)

"We are taking this opportunity din to raise awareness on responsible pet ownership, proper pet care and maipaalam din sa ibang tao yung iba pang issues and concerns on animal welfare," he added.

(We are also taking this opportunity to raise awareness on responsible pet ownership, proper pet care and also inform other people about other issues and concerns on animal welfare.)

Asked if the Santacruzan-theme for pets contradicts the values and traditions of the Catholic Church, the organizers say they see no problem.

"I don't think, wala namang magiging problema with the Church. May mga saints naman for animals," Bondoc pointed out. "The Church teaches us to love all creatures. Included din dapat ang mga animals doon, 'cause they are even creatures and they also deserve yung love and care."

(I don't think there will be any problem with the Church as there are saints for animals. The Church teaches us to love all creatures. Animals should also be included because they are even creatures and they also deserve love and care.)

EXCITED FUR PARENTS

For 22-year-old Sheila Mae Lorica, a fur parent to Chicky -- a one-and-a-half year old Shih Tzu -- it was exciting to register and prepare her fur baby for the celebration.

"Bilang paghahanda, pinakain ko and pinalakad-lakad ko. Sanay naman po siya sa mga damit kasi lagi ko siya dinadamitan," said Lorica.

(As preparation, I fed her and took her for a walk. She is used to clothes because I always dress her.)

She added, "Isipin niyo po na nakaisip sila ng ganitong event na main character yung mga alaga natin. As isang walang anak, siya po kasi 'yung anak ko. Masaya po na parang 'yung anak ko yung sinali ko sa ganitong event na nakakagaan po ng puso."

(Imagine that they came up with an event like this where our pets are the main characters. As a childless person, he is my son. I am happy that my son is the one who participated in this event, which makes my heart lighten.)

Another fur parent, Mary Ann Dela Cruz from Cubao, shared the same sentiments. She registered her three-year-old Pomeranian-Shih Tzu and dressed her fur baby as a Reyna Elena.

Dela Cruz said, "Sanay na sanay siya sa ganitong mga event kasi lagi kaming naglalakad dito and lagi ko siyang sinasali sa mga ganitong activities. Ako mismo 'yung gumawa ng gown niya and 'yung anak ko yung gumawa nung crown niya."

(She is very used to these events because we always walk here and I always join in these activities. I made her gown myself and my daughter made her crown.)

"Tingin ko maganda yung ganitong klaseng mga events kasi mas nagiging aware yung mga tao na alagaan pa natin yung mga alaga nating aso," she added.

(I think these kinds of events are good because people are more aware that we should take care of our pet dogs.)