HIS love for pets, especially dogs, is unwavering. Dr. Ken Anthony Lao grew up in a pet-loving home. At age seven, his parents gifted him and his younger sister with a German Shepherd dog.
Caring for this dependable, strong, agile dog made him realize the joy, companionship, and loyalty that pet dogs bring to their owners.
Hence, it came no surprise when he acceded to his father's wish that he pursue a veterinary medicine course in college.
"Becoming a veterinarian is the job for me," said Doc Ken, as he is fondly called by clients.
Born in Cebu City and raised in Manila, Doc Ken became a veterinarian in 1999, graduating from University of the Philippines Los Baños.
On the same year, he married Cris, another veterinarian and schoolmate at UPLB, and moved to Davao City in 2000.
Raising a family in Mindanao, Doc Ken said, "I didn't know what to expect when we moved in."
But soon, Doc Ken saw the opportunities for responsible pet ownership here thus, the birth of Doc Ken's The Ark Animal Health Clinic at the Malayan House in Bajada in early 2001, which he shared with his wife.
The need for veterinary field of specialization brought Doc Ken and Cris to Adobe Animal Hospital in California, USA in mid 2001 with a long term plan in mind of practicing vet med in Davao, their newly-found home.
Then came his bigger tasks and dreams: manage The Ark; organizing dogs; health activities; and anti-rabies awareness campaign.
"I am happy with the improvement of how Dabawenyos have become responsible pet owners. You see them walking on the beach with their dogs," said Doc Ken who has been the show vet of the Canine Club of Southern Mindanao and Davao Canine Sports Club.
He is also the adviser of several dog clubs in the city -- German Shepeherd Club, Pug Club of Davao, Labrador Club, Golden Retriever, Duschund Club, among others.
Doc Ken is proud to say that not only the rich owns dogs, even the middle income earning people own one or two.
"And they buy the best food for their pets."
In 2008, his active involvement in dog events and the demand for more house calls from clients prompted him to give up the Ark Animal Health Clinic.
As of date, Doc Ken attends to more than a thousand clients. "The busiest days are weekends and holidays," he said. "It's an achievement to be able to treat animals who are unable to speak."
Dabawenyos may not know it but Doc Ken is responsible for the implant of an "identity microchip" on "Kabayan" and 30 other Philippine Eagles before they are released into the wild.
Recently, Doc Ken and his wife have stepped up on an anti-rabies awareness campaign. They have conducted several forums on anti-rabies in schools and hospitals for the past months -- a campaign they intend to pursue until all Dabawenyos realize the importance of having their dogs immunized for rabies.
"In our lifetime, we would want to see a 100 percent rabies-free Davao City," Doc Ken said.
He is more encouraged and motivated to conduct more dog healthy activities in the city, which has become a second home for him, wife Cris and two daughters -- Lois, 10 and Lana, 5 months old.
The year 2010 has been a significant year for Doc Ken due to the successful Dog Summit held during the Araw ng Dabaw celebration, and last month's "Water Rescue" competition -- Labrador breed dogs rescuing a simulated drowning person.
Other dog sport activities like swimming and marathon are now being put in place. "There's more to a dogs' life than just a dog show," he said.
And it will not just be for breed dogs because Doc Ken said it?s about time to involve our "ascals (asong kalye)."
"We want to give the ascals the opprotunity to shine."
Soon, Doc Ken plans to start with the castration of dogs and cats. "Rabies can be controlled with the the control of dog and cat population."
"I'm encouraged by friends, breeders, pet owners, family who appreciates and responds to my efforts to give love and care for dogs. Of course, The Ark Animal Clinic will soon have a new home somewhere in Obrero or Torres Street."
Every day, he dreams of having an organized group that looks after the welfare of animals -- one that is similar to the US' Society for the Cruelty of Animals or the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (Paws).
It's a dream for Doc Ken to have a volunteer-based non-government organization in Davao City whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy.
A more peaceful society starts with man's compassion for animals and a society that respects animals, practices responsible pet ownership and protects wildlife.
"Me and my wife would go out of our way to make these visions come true," he said adding that they have been holding activities despite meager resources and to the extent of shouldering the expenses themselves.
By the way, Doc Ken and Cris own 15 dogs, which bring to 17 the number of their children. Of the 15, nine live stay with them at their house while six are at their mango and goat farm.
Working with animals and having a job that can do so much for the community are way better than the any negative aspect of being a veterinarian. In the end, Doc Ken believes being a vet is just the perfect job for him.