Dear Pawrent,
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work for a pet food brand in the Philippines? Let me share a glimpse through my experience volunteering at Maxime’s Hope FurReal Shelter Outreach.
Hi! I’m Carla from the Brand and Reputation Team of Aboitiz Foods. Last month, I joined Maxime’s first shelter outreach for the year. The Hope FurReal Shelter Outreach took place on January 24, 2026, at Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines Incorporated (SECASPI) in Calamba, Laguna.
We arrived early, and while waiting for the program to begin, I met Ms. Cherry Licup, SECASPI’s overall operations representative, along with the kuyas and the ates who care for the shelter animals every day, the student veterinarians from the University of the Philippines’ Venerable Lady Veterinarians (UPVLV), and our partner agency that helped organize the event. I toured the grounds and met the shelter’s dogs and cats. We played, got acquainted, and I handed out Maxime treats—which, judging by the excited jumps and eager muzzles, were a big hit!
Listening to Real Stories
The program opened with introductions and a Real Stories Circle where Ms. Cherry Licup shared how SECASPI began in 2018 in Caloocan and eventually found its home in Laguna. She spoke candidly about the struggles of running a shelter—the limited resources, the emotional toll, and the constant balancing act between rescue and capacity.
What struck me most was their commitment beyond rehoming. Unlike many shelters, SECASPI monitors adopters even after pets go home. They request regular updates to ensure their rescues remain healthy and safe. If they don’t hear back, they follow up and, when necessary, they personally check on the animal.
That level of accountability and care speaks volumes. It reinforces that adoption is not a decision to be taken lightly, but a lifelong commitment rooted in love, care, and proper nutrition.
To maintain a safe environment, SECASPI follows a one-in, one-out policy in line with government regulations to prevent overcrowding. As much as they want to rescue every stray, they must operate within capacity. Too often, shelters are treated as dumping grounds for unwanted pets, and that is why SECASPI is firm in discouraging abandonment and advocates strongly for adoption. Every responsible adoption creates space to save another life.
Turning Purpose into Action
After the sharing session, we were divided into our respective teams—Team Play, Team Lunch, and Team Vaccination. As a big pet lover myself, I was happy to be assigned to Team Play!
We brought toys, clothes, and photo backdrops to make the experience even more memorable for everyone. Some dogs were noisy and attention-seeking, others were shy and observant. A few were playful and hyper, some clearly food-motivated, and many simply wanted to sit close and be held. I was specifically drawn to one that was very hyper yet incredibly sweet. He kept approaching people, asking for belly rubs at any given chance. Despite everything they may have gone through, they welcomed us warmly. All they wanted was time and affection.
Lunch followed soon after—an exciting meal for the shelter pets because we prepared Maxime dry food, which we mixed with veggies and meat. All the dogs were swarming over the pet food bowls that we prepared, all excited to get a taste of the delicious food prepared by the SECASPI staff and Team Lunch. Of course, all bowls were licked clean after just a few minutes, indicating satisfied furbabies!
Then came the vaccination drive. All dogs received 5-in-1 shots, while the cats got 4-in-1 anti-rabies shots, administered by our official partner student organization from the University of the Philippines’ Venerable Lady Veterinarians (UPVLV). I watched in admiration as these future veterinarians worked with patience and care. Some animals were nervous and needed gentle restraint, but the team handled each one compassionately.
After several hours, we successfully vaccinated 113 dogs and cats. It was no small task, and it would not have been possible without the coordination between UPVLV and the SECASPI staff.
More than just a Volunteer Day
We ended the day with a donation turnover and closing remarks delivered by our host and Maxime representatives. In total, Maxime donated 15 sacks of dog and puppy food and 21 sacks of cat and kitten food. 84 volunteers came to spend their Saturday, giving their time, effort, and love to the shelter animals.
Maxime has always had a special place in my heart, along with Woofy and Tommy, the pet food brands under Aboitiz Foods. These were the first brands I worked on when I joined the company in 2022 before transitioning to the corporate brand. As a dog lover, creating campaigns and content felt personal. I’ve always known Aboitiz Foods for the love and care they give to dogs, cats, and our local communities in the Philippines and Vietnam, with pet shelter partnership as my first big project that I worked on previously.
Beyond developing science-backed pet food formulations that are thoroughly checked for safety and quality, and meticulously created based on pet needs and health requirements, the Maxime brand has always been an advocate for responsible pet ownership and nutrition—the kind of nutrition that allows pets to live happy, long, thriving lives. This is our hope for all pets around the world.
I came home from the outreach feeling both happy and sad. Happy, because the day reminded me of the pure, immense love pets have for us humans. Dogs and cats give love freely, without expecting it in return. If anyone wonders what it’s like to visit an animal shelter, you’ll be surprised by how friendly and sweet the animals are despite going through abandonment or trauma. Often, all they really ask for is a chance.
Yet I also felt the weight of how much work remains. We still need stronger education around responsible pet ownership and adoption. We still need more voices championing compassion.
What gives me hope are the everyday heroes I met that day—individuals who adopt out of love, volunteers who build shelters with limited funding, veterinarians who treat animals at personal cost, staff who show up daily to feed and clean, and comfort, and students who dedicate years of study to healing those without a voice.
Because of them, lives are saved.
With hope,
Carla.
FAQs:
- What is the Hope FurReal Shelter Outreach?
Hope FurReal is Maxime’s shelter outreach that helps provide nutritious food for shelter animals. Through food donations, volunteer support, and basic veterinary care, the program gives dogs and cats the nourishment they need. - Who is SECASPI?
Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines Incorporated (SECASPI) is a Laguna-based animal shelter that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes stray and abandoned dogs and cats while promoting responsible pet ownership. - How many animals were supported during the Hope FurReal Outreach?
During this outreach, 113 dogs and cats received vaccinations, and the shelter received 36 sacks of dog, puppy, cat, and kitten food. - How can I adopt from a shelter?
You can contact shelters directly through their official social media pages or websites to inquire about available pets, screening processes, and adoption requirements.
