Lapu-Lapu City to hold festival for pet lovers

THE Lapu-Lapu City Government will hold a post-Valentine’s Day festival for dogs and their owners next week.

Dubbed “Bark for Love,” the event will feature a free clinic for dogs and lectures on responsible pet ownership. It will be held on Feb. 24 at the Mactan Shrine.

The event is organized every year by the D’Dog House Café and Grooming Salon, City Health Office and the City Veterinary Office.

Focusing on fun

“Last year, it was more on information dissemination. This year, it will be more fun for dogs and dog owners,” said Bark for Love organizer Aileen Radaza in a press conference last Friday.

Several activities are lined up, including a modified triathlon for dogs.

“We are gearing towards teaching responsible pet ownership,” Radaza said, adding that the event offers families an opportunity to bond. “We want it to be a wholesome family event.”

Anyone with a dog can join the event for free. But as a precaution, organizers will not allow entry to dogs without leashes.

Alcoholic drinks are also prohibited.

The event will also feature a “speed dating” with actors Matt Evans and KC Montero, and an adoption booth for dogs.

Different dog clubs in Cebu will participate in the parade that will kick off the festival, said event coordinator Issa Castillon.

Schedule

The parade will start at 8 a.m. at Mactan Newton and will end at the Mactan Shrine.

City Veterinarian Dr. Janice Togonon said a clinic will be put up to offer free anti-rabies vaccine, vitamin supplements, deworming, neutering or “kapon” and consultation.

The event is part of the City’s campaign against rabies, Togonon said. “We want a rabies-free city,” she said.

Dr. Rodolfo Berame of the City Health Office said the office recorded only one case of rabies infection last year.

For this year, Berame said, the City has allocated P1 million for anti-rabies shots.