It started with Philippe: How one rescued cat inspired Pawsome Paws Community
One rescued cat named Philippe started Pawsome Paws Community in La Union — now a network of rescuers, vets, and volunteers that has helped 100+ animals. Read the founder's story and learn how to join or support the cause.
COMMUNITYPETS
PJ Valenciano
7/8/20265 min read
If someone asked me how Pawsome Paws Community began, I'd answer with one name: Philippe.
Philippe inspired more than a rescue. He was the first rescued cat in La Union, and he changed the course of my life.
When Philippe came into my care, I wasn't thinking about building a community or an advocacy. I simply met an animal who needed someone. At the time, I believed I was giving him a second chance. Looking back, he was the one who changed me.
Because of Philippe, I started paying closer attention to the animals around me — community cats waiting outside homes and small businesses, abandoned kittens needing medical care, dogs wandering neighborhoods with no one looking after them. Every rescue had its own story, and each one reminded me that compassion often starts with one simple decision: choosing to care.
As more animals came into my life, I realized rescue was never about collecting animals. It was about responding whenever I had the ability to help. Some stayed with us. Others found homes. Many remained in their own communities, supported through feeding, veterinary care, and people who refused to look away.
That journey became Pawsome Paws Community.
It was never built to be a formal organization. It grew through relationships with people who believe compassion is something we practice together. Our Facebook group became the place where those relationships took root — animal lovers, volunteers, veterinarians, businesses, educators, fellow solo rescuers, and community members sharing knowledge, celebrating rescues and adoptions, and showing up whenever help was needed.
Today, the work continues
One of the greatest gifts this journey has given me is the chance to work alongside people who believe meaningful change happens when communities come together.
Over the years, Pawsome Paws Community has partnered with veterinarians, educators, businesses, artists, volunteers, and fellow solo rescuers, each bringing their own expertise. One of our most meaningful partnerships is with New Creation Animal Clinic and Dr. Jerald Camba, which led to the Pawsion Program — expanding access to spay and neuter initiatives, vaccinations, and responsible pet ownership education. We're equally grateful to Carchimillican Animal Health Corporation and Mi Amore Pet Food, whose support has strengthened our veterinary work and helped feed rescued and community animals.
Compassion takes many forms. Sometimes, it begins with people coming together to give an animal the care it deserves
Education has become part of this work too. Through the VKV–VLV THETA Chapter of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, students have taken part in community-led animal welfare initiatives. Our work with Lorma Colleges has reinforced the value of volunteerism and responsible pet ownership.
Businesses have become real partners as well — Fair Anita, KB Wellness, Adobee, Dunsk Khuner, Guada Tagalog, and several retail partners across La Union have shown what's possible through fundraising, purpose-driven products, and awareness campaigns. Communities like Joyous Journeys and Critters Breakout, along with countless veterinarians, foster families, adopters, and volunteers, keep strengthening this network.
Individuals have sponsored veterinary care, donated food, medicine, cages, carriers, and transportation. Others opened their homes to foster animals, or simply asked how they could help. Looking at Pawsome Paws Community today, I don't see the work of one person. I see a community that chose to care.
A community built through collaboration
As of March 2025, we had supported the care of more than 100 cats and dogs through rescue, veterinary assistance, foster support, adoption, and ongoing care for community animals. That work has kept growing since.
Together with our partners, we launched the Pawsion Program with New Creation Animal Clinic and Dr. Jerald Camba, organized free and low-cost spay and neuter events, supported fellow solo rescuers through shared resources, and built partnerships across veterinary, education, and business sectors committed to grassroots animal welfare.
These numbers matter, but they've never defined our purpose. Our commitment has always been thoughtful, compassionate care and partnerships built to last.
Creating a kinder world begins by giving one life the chance to feel safe, cared for, and loved
The impact we've built together
This year brought one of the most challenging chapters in our journey: relocating cats and dogs from La Union into safer environments, coordinating veterinary care, securing foster homes, and making countless decisions in a short window of time.
What carried us through was people stepping forward — foster families opening their homes, volunteers helping with transportation, veterinarians providing urgent care, adopters welcoming animals in, and fellow advocates showing that compassion is strongest when shared.
Many of the animals are safe now, but the work goes on. We remain committed to veterinary care, foster and adoption efforts, emergency response, and safe housing for rescued and community animals, along with continued support for fellow solo rescuers.
Pawsome Paws Community has always believed that meaningful impact is built through consistency. Caring for community animals begins with showing up—day after day, one bowl at a time
This chapter also brought real financial responsibility. Veterinary care, transportation, foster support, and daily needs continue well beyond the relocation itself. That's why I'm extending this invitation — not simply to ask for support, but to welcome more people into a community that believes compassion grows stronger when it's shared.
Become part of the story
This is the first time I've shared this part of my journey publicly, and I'm grateful to It Happens for creating space for stories about compassion and community.
There are many ways to get involved. You can collaborate through your business, school, organization, or creative work. You can introduce us to someone who shares this cause. Or you can extend a financial gift that helps sustain veterinary care, foster and adoption efforts, emergency response, and support for rescued animals, community animals, and fellow solo rescuers.
Join the Pawsome Paws Community Facebook group
Follow Pawsion Program PH for updates on veterinary missions and upcoming programs
For collaborations or financial support, reach out to the It Happens team, who can share available QR codes and payment options.
Philippe inspired the beginning of Pawsome Paws Community. Everything since has been possible because people chose to care. I hope his story keeps inspiring compassion, and reminds people that small acts of kindness can grow into something far greater than we imagine.
Read more about our journey
Circle of Care (Malaya) — a reflection on community and the people who make this work possible
Making a Difference, One Cat at a Time (Philstar.com) — a feature on our spay and neuter initiatives and the partnerships behind them
Partnerships like the Pawsion Program demonstrate how community collaboration and accessible veterinary care can create lasting impact for rescued and community animals alike