Alden Richards shows love for aspins in new campaign
Through the years, Alden Richards has managed to capture our hearts not only with his striking looks and talent in acting, but also with his heart of gold. And it looks like he's going to charm the world even more with his love and appreciation for our native dogs.
When it comes to pet dogs, society seems to value those with luxurious breeds and expensive price tags. Not much appreciation is given to aspins or native street dogs because, thus leaving many of them to fend for themselves in the streets.
But Alden is having none of that.
As the country celebrates National Aspin Day on Aug. 18, the Kapuso actor has been named by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as the newest celebrity spokesperson of the organization’s "I (heart) My Aspin" campaign. He is joining fellow Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista, who is also a spokesperson for the movement.
PAWS is one of the country's leading animal welfare organization. Their "I (heart) My Aspin" campaign advocates for the appreciation of street dogs by encouraging Pinoy aspin owners to be proud of their native dogs and to always take care of them.
"My family has always had dogs. May purebreeds, may aspins. We love them all equally," Alden said regarding his motivation to join the campaign.
"I can say na grabe din sila magmahal, unconditionally. Pero napuna ko na merong talagang discrimination — pag may nagtatanong kung anong breed yung aso nila, ang usual na sagot 'Aspin lang, bakit ka pa gumastos sa vet aspin lang naman yan?’ Pag naririnig ko yun, nasasaktan ako for Chichi.'"
Chichi is Alden's beloved seven-year-old aspin, who is set to appear with his owner in various ads to promote aspins and aspin adoption.
"Napakalambing ng mga aspins. I really feel bad pag nakakarinig ako ng mga comments na minamaliit ang aspin. Lahat ng aso, dapat tinuturing na part of the family," Alden said.
The actor has made sure that every single one of his furbabies receive quality care regardless of their breed. This is what led Alden to spay Chichi, because he believes in the importance of preventing animal homelessness by spaying and neutering pets, which he encourages other pet owners to do.