Mall considers K9 training for adopted stray dogs

AFTER adopting 10 stray dogs, the management of a Taguigbased mall is open to the possibility of giving K9 training for their four-legged family, which can augment their security efforts.

Previously, a video of a stray dog, named “Dog-Dog”, went viral on social media after it became an honorary member of the security team of the mall.

“For now, Dog-Dog is just an honorary member. Maybe eventually down the line if he has the proper training and skills, why not?

“Dogs and cats are animals capable of being trained. Of course, they need to undergo actual training,” Bryan San Andres, Vista Malls corporate marketing officer, said.

“We will see what other possibilities we can give to Dog-Dog and all other dogs,” he added.

To keep mall-goers safe, San

Andres said they are studying if their adopted dogs can undergo training for crime prevention tactics of K9 units.

“Of course. Just as long as the dogs are given proper training. It takes training and skill for animals to acquire that capacity,” he said when asked if their adopted dogs can be trained to deter crime in the mall.

“Dog-Dog has to be evaluated by licensed trainers but we are already looking into this,” San Andres said in a separate text message.

Rico Suco, one of the security guards who brought Dog-Dog home, said the mall and its personnel adopted 10 stray dogs, some of them puppies of Dog-Dog.

“We take care of 10 dogs. I also adopted four full-grown dogs,” Suco said in an online message through Facebook Messenger.

For Suco, he wanted to give a home for his furry friend, Dog-Dog, who is staying within the vicinity of the mall.

“Our admin is really kind. They permitted the stray dogs to stay because they are also dog lovers,” Suco said.

The mall and its personnel are

also ensuring the safety and health of dogs by giving vaccines and other pet needs, San Andres noted.

The mall’s relationship with the City’s Veterinary Office allows for the adopted four-legged animals to undergo regular checks. — Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

In safe hands: A worker showing the stray dogs adopted by the Taguig mall. — Philippine Daily Inquirer/ ANN