By Elreene Venice C. Hufana

She says she’s really nothing special. She is just a regular woman doing her best to balance everything. She manages work and cares for her parents and pets. She also makes time for a few hobbies. Would you still believe Ms. Belle Bugador, Community Engagement Manager, if these are her thoughts?

I dream of a society where every animal is valued, treated with kindness, and rights are respected. A place where responsible pet ownership is a norm, stray animals are given second chances, and veterinary care is affordable.

Humans may be the most intelligent beings, but it’s the animals who truly possess the purest hearts.  They do not judge their person based on the looks, status, or wealth. They love with no conditions, and they stay loyal no matter what.  I just don’t get it why animals such as dogs, can remain so loving and faithful even to people who treat them badly. Their capacity to forgive and love is simply extraordinary.

This is the reason why I chose animal welfare as my advocacy: to be the voice for those who cannot speak. We have to change the way we see animals—they are not lesser beings; they are souls who deserve love and kindness.

At home, Belle cares for a 3-year-old Aspin named Poncio and a 2-year-old yellow Labrador named Cocoy. During the pandemic, Poncio was offered to their family by a cousin. The puppy was the tiniest and the weakest of the litter from a mother dog that died after giving birth. Reluctant but soft-hearted, Belle could not turn a blind eye on the frail puppy. Bringing home Poncio became one of her best decisions ever.

Though their family used to own four dogs, caring for Poncio and Cocoy was the first time that Belle was solely responsible. Cocoy joined the family to ease Poncio’s loneliness. Poncio was always left alone at home when the pandemic ended and work resumed. Cocoy became Poncio’s buddy, growing up like true brothers. The dogs always go on trips with the family.

My sweet boys: Poncio (the Aspin) is the calm and protective one, always alert and smart. While Cocoy (the Labrador), the playful and clingy ball of energy who follows us everywhere and always wants attention.

However, we all know that having pets is not always rainbows and butterflies. Belle, recounted her family’s struggles, challenges and frights for having two active dogs:

We had to make some adjustments since we got two big dogs. First, we had to dog-proof our home. We removed unnecessary items or decors at home because as playful puppies, they chewed on almost everything they could find. We even had to replace our front door after Cocoy nearly destroyed it during his “zoomies”. Since we live in a condo, we couldn’t just install any door—we had to comply with the admin’s approved color and design, which added another layer of difficulty.

Second, I used to be a homebody but since Poncio and Cocoy came into our lives, daily walks became non-negotiable—two to three times a day at least 30 minutes each. They are both potty-trained, so rain or shine, I needed to take them out to do their business. There were even moments, like when Poncio woke me up at 3:00 a.m. ‘coz he had to pee outside.

But by far, the most difficult challenge was dealing with health emergencies. Just after his first birthday, Cocoy had to undergo major surgery after swallowing a sock—yes, that’s how playful (and mischievous) he is. He stopped eating and drinking and started vomiting blood. It was heartbreaking. Every time I looked into his eyes, it felt like he was trying to tell me how much pain he was in. Thankfully, we found a vet clinic with complete equipment. The operation lasted for an hour and the vet found several more foreign objects inside him. Cocoy had to stay confined for five days, and during those times, we barely slept, constantly worrying about him. Poncio also became lethargic. It was one of the scariest experiences we’ve ever gone through as fur-parents.

Yes, it’s not always easy but life with dogs is very lively and lovely.

My pets are my ‘mental and emotional health’. No matter how tiring or frustrating my day has been, the moment I step through the door and greeted by their excitement and love, all the stress just melts away.  Our house may be messy at times, but thanks to my pets, it’s transformed into a real home, filled with laughter and joy. I felt happier, more relaxed and more positive about life.

Also recently, they even inspired me to embrace a more active lifestyle. I realized I needed to stay strong so I can keep up with their energy. I got to be healthy so I can take care of them in the best way possible.

Because of my pets, I’ve also developed a deeper appreciation for nature—whether it’s rivers, mountains, or beaches, being outdoors and sharing adventures with them—it’s a breath of fresh air. I grateful for whatever it is I have now, because of my pets.

Visited an animal shelter in Bulacan and learned about their stories of survival and resilience. That’s when it hit me—we have a growing number of stray animals, and none of them deserve the suffering they endure.

Having Cocoy and Poncio changed Belle’s perspective about caring for animals:

Before, I hardly paid attention to stray animals. I would see them on the streets, but I never really understood the hardships they faced. Now that I have Poncio & Cocoy, my perspective about life changed. I’ve come to this realization: animals, just like humans, are creations of God. Therefore, they have purpose and a rightful place in this world. They have the right to live. Who are we to deny them the basic rights they were born with?

I also realized how difficult life must be for animals, especially because they cannot communicate their needs and pain, the way we humans can. Humans can speak, can cry for help, and make our voices heard. We can fight for our rights. But animals, being voiceless and helpless, often suffer in silence. They’ve become easy targets for cruelty and neglect as if their lives do not matter. They mean no harm; they simply wanted to live– again it’s their right, but they are still treated less worthy. It’s just so heartbreaking.

Before starting her journey for animal care, she was first inspired by great people:

I’ve seen individuals, many living simple lives, still go out of their way to help and save stray animals in any way they can.  It moved me deeply and showed me that making a difference doesn’t require wealth or status – just a big heart and the desire to show up.

I hope that more people will respect animal rights. I dream of a future where there are no more strays, no more cases of animal abuse— because humans finally understand that animals have the right to live safely.

Meet the hearts behind the paws. The dedicated officers of NLEX Pet Society.

I dream of taking a more active role in educating animal welfare. But for now, my focus is on building a strong foundation for NLEX Pet Society. We have many employees who share the same passion for animal welfare, and together with the club officers, we want to keep that fire alive and burning.

Our goal is to educate people about responsible pet ownership, lessen the number of strays, eliminate the stray-animal incidents along our expressways, and inspire more individuals to become advocates for animal welfare. We would like to create a ripple effect that will lead to a kinder, more compassionate society for animals.

She also encourages everyone to listen and open our hearts:

Be an advocate. Use your voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Pets are not gifts nor accessories – they are living beings who deserve a lifetime of care and love. They have their own needs, emotions, and rights, just like us. When you welcome a pet into your life, it’s a lifelong commitment, not just a passing phase.

If you feel you have a little more love to share, you might consider adopting a stray. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can do. Strays may carry scars from their past, but they never lose their capacity to love and be loyal companions.

And if you have time, try to visit an animal shelter. Listen to the stories shared by the volunteers – the heartbreak, the resilience, and hope. I swear it will open your heart, and it might just inspire you to become part of something truly meaningful. 

This is Belle’s story outside NLEX. She may be making a mark outside NLEX. It’s certain that she’s made a name at NLEX for her 19 dedicated years of service. She works with a team that develops and implements CSR programs that support host communities. She takes pride on building positive relationships with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

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