In the heart of Metro Manila, an otherwise ordinary group of Dogs is living their best lives — they’re also learning to save lives.
Every Dog parent knows the joy of coming home to a wagging tail and excited yips. But what if that same furry friend could be trained to not only fetch but also find someone trapped under the rubble? The UP-MMDA-Vanguard (UPMV) K9 Search and Rescue Corps is turning this seeming fantasy for most Dog parents into a well-earned reality.
Metro Manila, like many urban centers, can be a challenging environment for Dogs. Limited space, noise, and a fast-paced urban lifestyle can lead to stress for both animals and their guardians. The UPMV addresses these challenges head-on by helping create a supportive community where Dogs can thrive and actively contribute to public safety.
The UPMV transforms Dogs and their human guardians from casual companions into trained search-and-rescue teams.
ALL DOGS CAN BE HEROES
One of the key philosophies of the UPMV is that a well-trained Dog is a happy Dog.
Training sessions focus on obedience, agility, and scent work, providing dogs with both physical exercise and mental stimulation. These activities are not only fun but also essential for a dog’s well-being. After all, active Dogs are happier Dogs, and the structured training they receive with the UPMV helps to reduce anxiety, improve behavior, and strengthen the bond between them and their owners.
BEYOND HEROICS
The trust built through training sessions extends beyond the training ground and into everyday life, leading to more harmonious households and well-adjusted pets.
For many Dogs, especially those who thrive on having a job to do, this kind of work can be deeply fulfilling. And it’s for every Dog!
Imagine the satisfaction of not just a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois but also a Chihuahua or an Aspin excelling in scent detection, doing something that they truly love to do. Little do they know that they’re contributing to something greater: They aren’t just companions; they’re also heroes in the making.
TRAIN TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER
Dog parents benefit from the program, too. Aside from first aid, rappelling, search-and-rescue, and other basic survival skills, human guardians are taught to become more responsible and to communicate better with their animal companions. This fosters stronger bonds and a deeper understanding between them.
Such a bond is crucial, not just for the effectiveness of the training itself, but also for the animals’ overall happiness. Dogs thrive on clear communication and in knowing that they have a place with their human family.
Dogs trained through the UPMV program are more than just companions — they’re cherished members of the community: happy, fulfilled, and living the rich lives they deserve.
Perhaps as important is how they are heroes waiting in the wings, ready to leap into action when needed. For any Dog lover, that’s a cause worth barking about.
UPMV K9 CORPS TURNS 7 IN SEPTEMBER!
Join UPMV K9 Corps in celebrating seven years of resilience and community spirit!
This year, they’re going all out with fun and games, because disaster preparedness is always better with family, friends, and of course, fur babies by their side.
“Aso ni Juan: Getting Ready for the Big One! Presents BARK-kada!” is a four-week festival dedicated to partnership in disaster preparedness.
A whole month of bonding, learning, and playing, all aimed at getting participants ready for anything that comes their way. When the going gets tough, the tough get barking!
TEAM WORK
This event is made possible by official partners UP Vanguard Inc. – Makati Chapter, the Philippine Coast Guard, and OCR Dogs Pinas; animal welfare partner Animal Kingdom Foundation; disaster preparedness partners Team Rescue 8 and Technical Rescue Assistance Unit & Medical Aid (TRAUMA); and media partners The Manila Bulletin and Animal Scene.
WANNA JOIN?
To register for BARK-kada! and to learn more about volunteering for K9 training, visit upmvk9.org/upmvk9-anniversary. Don’t forget to like and follow on Facebook for updates.
