"May FUR-ever Valentine" sparks joy at UPLB Feb-Fair 2024

The UPLB BARKada at CATropa Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) Program of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs conducted the “May FUR-ever! A Furry Valentine Celebration for the February Fair 2024.” 

This activity aimed to serve as an avenue for UPLB constituents to destress, interact with the program’s resident PAWtner animals, and know more about the AAI program and the available volunteer opportunities. More than 500 UPLB constituents participated in the five-day activity held from February 12 to 16 at the AAI Corner of the LRC Learning Hub, Student Union Building. 

The activity included the distribution of brochures on the program, which were developed in partnership with students from the College of Development Communication, a photo booth, and the distribution of freebies such as dog stickers and photo cards. Visitors were also generous in giving out donations for the PAWtner animal treats.

For the five days, certified therapy dogs and therapy dogs-in-training were stationed at the AAI corner photo booth; pictures were posted on the UPLB BARKada at CATropa Facebook page with the participants’ consent. 

The handlers of the therapy animals, as well as volunteer PAWcilitators, held short kumustahans with the visitors. Dr. Maria Catalina “Doc Rina” T. de Luna, proponent and trainer of the AAI program, together with the AAI Core Team and program volunteers called “PAWlunteers,” ensured the smooth flow and implementation of the week-long activity.

For Day 1, the PAWtners assigned were Blue and Boobear and their handlers, Shaylina Cabe and Penelope Cruz, both Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. It was the turn of Mattie, the Border Collie, and her handler, Gabriel Escultos, a BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering alum, on the second day. 

Gorgeous Samoyeds Zuko, Mai, and Katara graced the event as guest PAWtners on the third day together with their trainer, kennel helpers, and their handler, Dr Reuter Bernardo, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine alum. 

LRC’s two fur staff Corgis, Sylvie and Bobbi, delighted the crowd on the fourth day with their handlers Justin Earl Bernardo (BS Applied Mathematics alum) and Von Dela Cruz (BS Forestry alum). They were also joined by a guest Corgi named George and his handlers Katherine Loren Tan and Cyrez Ronquillo (BS Computer Science alum). On the last day, the program’s first therapy dog, Marley, and Doc Rina, his handler, concluded the five-day activity with surprise snacks for everyone as thanksgiving.

According to one of the participants, Eunice Reyes (BS Development Communication student), the activity helped her relax and destress that week. “Seeing the dogs loved and cared for made my day better. It was not just for entertainment or enjoyment, but it was for our mental health as well."