Everyone Can Save a Life: Rescue, Spay, Feed a Stray

By Mariana Burgos

On a hectic day in 2015, along the chaotic San Mateo Road in Quezon City, a tiny, terrified puppy desperately ran between the speeding cars, her one remaining eye wide with pure fear and vulnerability. The deafening blare of horns and the roar of engines only amplified her terror, drowning out hope. In that overwhelming moment of despair, two brave and compassionate women leapt from their vehicle, their hearts pounding with urgency and love, waving fiercely to make the drivers pause. They chased after that trembling soul, their own hearts pounding as they navigated the dangerous road, fueled by unwavering determination. After what felt like an eternity but was really a whirlwind of courage, they finally caught her in their arms, trembling with relief, and rushed her to the nearest veterinary clinic. They named her Princess—a symbol of resilience and hope.

Just a few months earlier, another tiny life fought with every ounce of her being to survive on the unforgiving streets of Manila. Rida, as she would come to be called, was hit y by a motorcycle, and suffered a devastating injury that caused her left eye to protrude painfully from the impact. The same heroic women who rescued Princess sprang into action then and organized her urgent transport to the vet. There, a difficult decision was made—to remove her broken eye, to save her from further suffering and infection. Despite the trauma she endured, Rida’s spirit remained unbreakable, shining brightly through the pain, as she embarked on her healing journey with an indomitable will to live.

These two adorable puppies offer only a fleeting glimpse into the heartbreaking yet profoundly inspiring stories of over 1,000 dogs and cats saved by Save Animals of Love and Light (SAVE ALL). For the past 12 years, this incredible non-profit organization,  registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has been a shining beacon of hope, its officers and members pouring their hearts and souls into rescuing, healing, and giving a second chance to animals trembling in despair. Their unwavering compassion and relentless dedication ignite a powerful hope that no life is beyond rescue—and every life truly matters.

The Genesis of a Mission

The incredible journey of SAVE ALL was born from a heartfelt and unwavering vision: to help  stray and abandoned animals to alleviate their pain and suffering. Driven by an intense compassion, a group of passionate, caring souls banded together, fueled by a desire to create real and lasting change. As shared in the heartfelt Facebook posts of SAVE ALL, their first steps were fierce and urgent—rescuing animals trapped in desperate, life-threatening situations, pouring love and immediate care into their fragile lives, and tirelessly searching for safe, loving homes. Within a week – from November 29 to December 6, 2013–they did what was then considered impossible: They got out 36 dogs and cats from the Quezon City pound who were due to be put to sleep.  Their campaign called “Efforts to Save 20 dogs from Death Row” succeeded, even surpassing their goal. Instead of 20 dogs, they were able to rescue 36 animals. This pound rescue in bulk was the first such rescue in Metro Manila.

But their mission did not stop there. It grew into a powerful movement which expanded into rescue operations filled with hope, medical care infused with compassion, fostering and adoption programs that offer second chances, and advocacy for those who cannot speak for themselves. This is a story of hope, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to give every animal a chance to live, love, and be loved.

Beyond Rescue: Fostering and Adoption

Rescue is just the beginning of SAVE ALL’s work. The organization recognizes that providing temporary care and finding permanent homes are crucial steps in the rehabilitation process. SAVE ALL has established a robust fostering program, relying on the generosity of volunteers who open their homes to rescued animals. Foster families provide essential care, socialization, and love, preparing the animals for their transition to permanent homes. The fostering program allows animals to recover in a nurturing environment, away from the stress of shelters.

The adoption process is carefully managed, ensuring that each animal is matched with a suitable family. SAVE ALL conducts thorough screening of potential adopters, prioritizing the animals’ well-being and ensuring that they are placed in homes where they will be loved and cared for. The organization provides ongoing support to adopters, offering guidance and assistance as needed.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

SAVE ALL’s impact extends beyond individual rescues and adoptions. The organization actively engages with the community, raising awareness about animal welfare issues and promoting responsible pet ownership. Through educational campaigns, SAVE ALL aims to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering, proper pet care, and the humane treatment of animals.

To educate owners on the proper care of pups, kittens, dogs and cats to prevent illnesses and harm, SAVE ALL holds talks, and prepare the Pets page of Manila Standard, a great vehicle for animal welfare awareness.

The organization also advocates for stronger animal protection laws and policies. By working with local authorities and other animal welfare groups, SAVE ALL seeks to create a more compassionate and just society for all animals and animal lovers alike. These advocacy efforts are essential in addressing the root causes of animal suffering and preventing future cases of neglect and abandonment.

Ongoing Commitment: Stray Feeding Initiatives

SAVE ALL’s dedication extends beyond rescue and adoption. The organization recognizes the importance of addressing the immediate needs of stray animals, particularly those living on the streets. To this end, SAVE ALL continues its vital stray feeding program, providing food and sustenance to animals in various locations.

The organization supports stray feeders in several areas within Luzon, including:

• Meycauayan, Bulacan
• Pasay
• Antipolo, Rizal
• San Mateo, Rizal
• Baras, Rizal
• Quezon City
• San Juan
• Mandaluyong
• Makati
• Pampanga

A Network of Support

SAVE ALL’s diverse initiatives—including rescuing and feeding stray dogs and cats, providing food for both adopted and stray animals during and after disasters or emergencies, organizing neutering and spaying programs for stray and adopted animals, conducting vaccination campaigns against diseases and rabies, and promoting public awareness through educational campaigns on animal rights and welfare—require adequate funding.

The success of SAVE ALL is a direct result of the dedication and collaboration of its volunteers, supporters, and partners. The organization relies on a network of individuals who donate their time, resources, and expertise. Veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and other professionals provide crucial support, ensuring that rescued animals receive the best possible care.

Fundraising efforts are essential to sustain SAVE ALL’s operations. The organization relies on donations, sponsorships, and other fundraising initiatives to cover the costs of medical care, food, shelter, and other essential needs. The generosity of supporters enables SAVE ALL to continue its vital work, providing a lifeline for animals in need.

The Transformative Power of Love

Rida and Princess are not just stories of survival, they are symbols of resilience and hope. Rida, now a vibrant and spirited dog, continues to thrive in the loving care of her foster family, embodying the strength that SAVE ALL instills in all its rescues. Princess, once a frightened puppy, has blossomed into a joyful companion, cherished in her forever home.

These transformations are made possible through the collective efforts of the community, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters who believe in the mission of SAVE ALL. The organization not only rescues animals but also educates the public on responsible pet ownership, advocating for spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation and suffering.

Join the Movement

As SAVE ALL celebrates its twelfth anniversary, it invites everyone to join the movement. Whether through volunteering, fostering, or simply spreading the word, each person can make a difference. Together, we can create a world where every animal knows love, compassion, and the safety of a forever home.

In the words of SAVE ALL, “Everyone can save a life: Rescue, Spay, Feed a Stray.” Let us all take a stand for those who cannot speak for themselves and work together to ensure that no animal is left behind.

This article also appears in the Manila Standard

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 18 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.