The Philippine Animal Welfare Society is a nongovernment organization with a mission to protect and promote the humane treatment of animals. Through the years they’ve helped create the Republic Act 8485 (also known as the Animal Welfare Act), rallied against dolphins in captivity, gone to court to put dog-meat traders in jail, and even protested the unethical killing of impounded dogs via tambucho poisoning.

Since it’s volunteer-based, PAWS runs its operations on donations from kind-hearted people like, oh, say, YOU. How to help? Easy:

Volunteer. Volunteering your time is the best way to help PAWS. They are in constant need of people willing to spend some time helping out at their shelter, the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC).

Donate. Money is appreciated (hey, those dog kennel repairs cost a lot!), so if you’re feeling generous, deposit your donations to their BPI Account No. 3944-0021-61. But donations in kind are also very much welcome. Right now, PARC is in need of the following: Cat food, detergent, old collars and leashes, kennel cabs, Selederm (a special shampoo for skin conditions), Vibravet or Doxycycline paste for cats, old newspapers, old towels, XL garbage bags, feeding bottles for kittens, and office supplies.

Adopt. If you’re thinking of welcoming a four-legged friend into your home this Christmas, consider adopting from the shelter. There are currently 258 cats and 54 dogs at PARC, all looking for a forever home.

Buy. Skip the Starbucks GCs this year and give a Gift of Life card instead, where a donation of P200 will be made in the recipient’s name. PAWS also has a ton of merchandise that make great stocking stuffers, such as wall clocks (P550) and mugs (P150). Sign them off with a PAWS Christmas card (P50). All sale proceeds go to PARC.

Every little bit counts. Call 4751688 or 9750048. Visit the animal shelter at PARC, Aurora Blvd., Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, QC; or visit their website, www.paws.org.ph. Maui R. Drilon