13/11/2025
Angel: The Cat That Built An Animal Santuary
"I remember the day Angel walked into my life, emaciated and dirty, yet exuding a sense of determination. He looked up at me with piercing eyes, as if to say, 'I've been searching for you.' I was taken aback, but my initial reaction was to shut the door - I have already so much work on my hands, I do not want the added burden of taking care of an emaciated dirty looking stray cat. I was hungry and all I was thinking was to be home, cook my favorite dish of pork curry and stir-fried mix vegetables. But Angel was persistent. He meowed and scratched at the door, refusing to be ignored. I caved, and he slipped in, making himself at home.
As the days went by, Angel became a constant presence in my life. He'd sit beside me, looking up at me with an unwavering gaze. The sound of his purrs and the feel of his fur were constant reminders of his presence in my life.
I lived alone, and my work had become my everything. But with Angel around, I found myself talking to him like he was a human willing to listen. I'd share my thoughts, my fears, and my dreams with him, and he'd listen intently, his ears perked up and his eyes locked on mine. It was liberating, and it made me realize that it was okay to talk to oneself. That it was okay to process my thoughts and emotions, and that sometimes, the best conversations are the ones we have with ourselves. He became my confidant, my partner in conversation, and my best friend.
As a human rights activist, I'd always fought for the rights of marginalized communities. But Angel made me see that the fight for justice doesn't stop at species. He showed me that animals, too, have rights that need defending. This realization sparked a new sense of purpose in me, and I began to see the world in a different light. Angel's presence was a reminder that compassion and empathy should extend to all beings, regardless of species.
Together, we built a sanctuary for stray cats, Humane Animal Treatment and Care (HATCH), and I found a new sense of purpose. Angel became the heart of the operation, inspiring me to keep going even when things got tough. He had a way of making me see the world differently, and his compassion was contagious. I remember the day we took in a group of pregnant cats, and Angel was right there, helping me care for them. He was a true leader, and I was grateful to have him by my side.
But as the days went by, I noticed Angel's health was declining. He was eating less, and his energy was waning. It was as if he knew his time was limited, but he refused to give up. He continued to work, to inspire, and to love. He would sit beside me, looking up at me with a deep sense of purpose, as if to say, 'Finish what we started.'
When Angel finally passed away, “incurable disease,” said the vet. I was heartbroken. But as I looked around at the cats
he'd helped, I knew he'd left a lasting legacy. He taught me the value of compassion, empathy, and unconditional love. He showed me that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. And he reminded me that sometimes, it's the ones who seem the most vulnerable who possess the greatest strength and determination.
Today, HATCH continues to operate, albeit at a smaller scale. We've had to scale back our operations due to financial constraints, but our mission remains the same: to provide a safe haven for cats in need. We focus on rescuing pregnant cats, kittens left alone, and cats who come knocking at our door, just like Angel did. It's a challenging journey, but with the support of compassionate individuals like you, we can keep Angel's spirit alive.
Currently, we're caring for 74 cats, including 7 mothers and 24 kittens. Your support will help us:
- Provide emergency care for pregnant cats and kittens
- Offer shelter and food for cats in need
- Support advocacy efforts for animal welfare
To support HATCH, please visit our Go Fund Me campaign: [link to be provided)
You could also send your donations via our GCash Acct, and our bank accounts. Please see comments for details.
You can also volunteer, donate supplies, or spread the word about our work. Every bit counts, and together, we can make a difference.
Let's keep Angel's legacy shining bright and ensure that HATCH continues to be a safe haven for cats in need.
