BUBOY, the dog who made us cry, made us cry again.
Not because his new foster parents also died. Nope, he had none like that. But because this loyal dog we call as askal (Asong Kalye) was laid to final rest.
This, after he died in a tragic hit-and-run several meters from where he and his friend-teacher, who died recently, built a wonderful relationship.
The Pinoy Hachiko was buried Thursday, June 13, at the pet cemetery of Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) in Capas, Tarlac. AKF is a non-government organization (NGO) that advocates for animal welfare.
The story of Buboy and his friend Professor Carmelito Marcelo of Mabalacat City College (MCC) was made famous when the loyal dog kept waiting for the latter to emerge from his classroom. Unknown to the dog that his friend died of heart attack.
Videos of the dog waiting at the doorsteps of Marcelo’s classroom and also footages of Biboy visiting the wake found their way to social media and even primetime news networks. Foreign media also devoted some space on the poignant story.
No one knew that several days after the demise of Marcelo, Buboy would follow. Albeit in a tragic accident when Buboy purportedly followed a guard’s way out of MCC campus up to the national highway where a speeding white van ran over the poor creature. The vehicle sped away from the scene without stopping.
The AKF, in its FB account states:
“Buboy’s remains were transferred this afternoon at our pet cemetery in Capas with permission from his owner. The sanctuary will be his final resting place. Our volunteers prepared a simple yet decent shrine for this very special mutt.”
“We have also been getting suggestions from netizens of immortalizing Buboy through a statue similar to that of Hachiko. We welcome this proposal, however we might need help on its funding and construction. Get in touch with us if you want to make this happen.”
“Those who wish to pay their respects to Buboy may visit the AKF Rescue Center in Cubcub, Capas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visiting our shelter is always free of charge. But bringing treats for our rescues is, of course, voluntary.”
“While you're at the sanctuary, feel free to bond with our shelter rescues. Like Buboy when he was still alive, these dogs are also in dire need of pats, belly rubs, and some good hooman lovin’.”
Members of the AKF actually rushed to the scene of the accident from Capas last Wednesday but all they could catch was a lifeless dog.
“Run free Buboy. Gone too soon. Every animal-loving Filipino mourns today,” the AKF immediately posted after it confirmed the death.
The AKF also reminded everyone to hit the break for animals as part of its advocacy.
After Marcelo’s interment, Buboy was officially taken in by MCC where teachers, students took turns in feeding and bathing him. Even private individuals from other places also visited and checked on the dog’s condition.
Sadly, an accident no one ever wanted or to happen, claimed the dog’s life.
If the saying “All dogs go to heaven” is true, then Buboy may just be happy now in reunion with Marcelo.