Fureedom Wall

A note from the editor

Ihonestly thought we wouldn’t have a January issue. Five days before I started writing this note, my father passed away unexpectedly, leaving me and my family heartbroken. It was two weeks before Christmas. Looking back, I realize how my entire year was peppered with loss, starting with the passing of our beloved editor, Charlene; then of Allura, the foster cat who stole my heart; and finally, of my father. I have mourned more losses than mentioned above -- it is not only through death that we lose those we love -- but that’s enough selfish fixation on grief for now. After all, it’s the New Year! For many of us, the season means turning a new leaf and moving forward. Let’s start the year right by reading Marielle Almario’s tips on keeping our animal companions safe and comfortable even as we celebrate 2019 -we don’t want firecrackers to spook dogs and cats, for one. Speaking of fresh beginnings, Maxine Louise Lagman talks about how the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association wants to change the norm. Alex Bichara then talks about the problem with zoos -- after all, we need to know which ones are okay. When we talk about moving forward, we talk about beginnings and endings. One particular ending we are trying to put a stop to is the extinction of endemic animals, something Michiko Manalang writes about in this issue. Lastly, even as we deal with death and loss, we know that moving forward does not mean forgetting. We keep the memories with us, something we can do better if we know how to take good pictures! Thank goodness Gia Lara writes about the A to Z of pet photography this month. Speaking of memories, some good ones are hard to forget, such as Pinoy chihuahua Coco Chanel’s rise to fame in New York. Here’s to cherishing the good, learning from the bad, knowing when to let go, and forgiving each other as we usher in the first month of 2019. Let’s always keep the animals in mind as well, knowing that our main role as a species is to protect them and keep them safe. Just because we’re ready to move forward doesn’t mean we should leave them behind, does it? And if you decide to keep animals off your plates, thank you from the bottom of my heart. From everyone at Animal Scene, Happy New Year!!!