PROUD TO BE AN ASPIN
*** First published in Animal Scene Magazine issue of November 2010
Aspin is a term to mean Asong Pinoy. Since they are products of undetermined breed, Aspins come in different sizes, colors and shapes. But no matter what the look, they are the dogs native to our country.
As opposed to the Askal, an Aspin is not a stray dog. In fact, it could be likened to a pure-bred canine except that it has no pedigree certificate to speak of.
Speaking of pure native Philippine dog, there’s actually no such thing because of the dominant presence of imported dogs. In earlier times, Aspins were called mestizo, to mean a mixed breed.
Aspins like snipers on the roof
Because of their instinct to protect their assigned territories, Aspins are normally used as guard dogs. That’s the reason why Aspins adorn the doorsteps or are tied near the house gate. With their bark, they inform their master of a visitor or even a passer-by.
Like their imported counterparts, some Aspins are treated as house pets. That means they enjoy the comfort of the home and the companionship. Being house pets, they are also not fed with plain leftovers and some are even given dog food.
Our first dog Jedi, inside looking out
Jedi, our very first pet, was a house dog but sometime she is let loose in the yard during daytime. Her imposing figure in the front gate had created fear in the hearts of neighborhood kids and delivery people.
House dogs are commonly for companionship especially to the elders. Aside from the sense of security that they provide in the home, house dogs are good for stress relievers particularly for overworked people.
Momsie is a one-year old Aspin that serves as a therapist in a Marikina nursing home. She is let loose to roam inside and outside the house. The meek and somewhat elusive dog appeals to most of the patients.
Momsie with an elderly patient
By patting Momsie, it seemed that the Aspin could absorb the aches and body pains, professed one of the patients. Another patient said that she feels at home because Momsie reminds her of their dog.
Paris on her throne with her fav stuff toy
Another housedog is Paris (featured in Animal Scene August 2010) who is the pride and joy of owner Ricella Zurbito. Paris has a license to stay in the master’s bedroom and also to occasionally sleep on her master’s bed.
Contrary to common belief that Aspins have no intelligence, they are actually smart. Aside from discerning a friend from a foe, a guard dog is always on the lookout for unusual things like a fire or a coming storm.
One of the most popular Aspins was Saver who knew so many tricks. The celebrity Aspin, owned and trained by Jun Lazarte, could use the toilet, get a cigarette or scratch his master’s back. Sad thing that Saver died last year at age 13.
Boogie showing off atop a motorcycle
Boogie is another intelligent Aspin. He could ride a stationary motorcycle while wearing his fancy sunglasses. Boogie is not intimidated by admirers. Smart dogs like Boogie need no leash.
Our own Tisoy is a car-riding Aspin. In traffic stops, he would bark at anyone who would come near the car. But Tisoy would be excited to see Dang, his favorite newsgirl plying the Cainta Junction.
Unlike other male dogs that urinate on the car’s tire, Tisoy only smells the tires of our car. With good toilet manners, the only problem with Tisoy is his habit of farting that pollutes the atmosphere of the car.
Contrary to tradition, grooming salons are not only for pure-bred and imported dogs. Although seldom but salons have Aspin customers too. Thick coated Aspins like Tisoy are better brought to a salon for complete grooming every once in a while.
Tisoy being pampered in a salon in Tiendesitas, Pasig City
For the formal recognition of Aspins, PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) had organized an Aspin Day in Eastwood City on August 8, 2010. The affair served as an open invitation to the Aspin Club.
Aspin lovers can have their dogs registered after filling out the membership form and shelling out 250 pesos for the membership fee. For the database, the photograph taken was that of the pet together with the owner.
Tisoy posing after the registration with the Aspin Club
After the registration, Tisoy was taken for a stroll inside the Eastwood City mall. From the way he walked inside the mall, Tisoy is surely proud to be an Aspin.
Aspin is a term to mean Asong Pinoy. Since they are products of undetermined breed, Aspins come in different sizes, colors and shapes. But no matter what the look, they are the dogs native to our country.
As opposed to the Askal, an Aspin is not a stray dog. In fact, it could be likened to a pure-bred canine except that it has no pedigree certificate to speak of.
Speaking of pure native Philippine dog, there’s actually no such thing because of the dominant presence of imported dogs. In earlier times, Aspins were called mestizo, to mean a mixed breed.
Because of their instinct to protect their assigned territories, Aspins are normally used as guard dogs. That’s the reason why Aspins adorn the doorsteps or are tied near the house gate. With their bark, they inform their master of a visitor or even a passer-by.
Like their imported counterparts, some Aspins are treated as house pets. That means they enjoy the comfort of the home and the companionship. Being house pets, they are also not fed with plain leftovers and some are even given dog food.
Jedi, our very first pet, was a house dog but sometime she is let loose in the yard during daytime. Her imposing figure in the front gate had created fear in the hearts of neighborhood kids and delivery people.
House dogs are commonly for companionship especially to the elders. Aside from the sense of security that they provide in the home, house dogs are good for stress relievers particularly for overworked people.
Momsie is a one-year old Aspin that serves as a therapist in a Marikina nursing home. She is let loose to roam inside and outside the house. The meek and somewhat elusive dog appeals to most of the patients.
By patting Momsie, it seemed that the Aspin could absorb the aches and body pains, professed one of the patients. Another patient said that she feels at home because Momsie reminds her of their dog.
Another housedog is Paris (featured in Animal Scene August 2010) who is the pride and joy of owner Ricella Zurbito. Paris has a license to stay in the master’s bedroom and also to occasionally sleep on her master’s bed.
Contrary to common belief that Aspins have no intelligence, they are actually smart. Aside from discerning a friend from a foe, a guard dog is always on the lookout for unusual things like a fire or a coming storm.
One of the most popular Aspins was Saver who knew so many tricks. The celebrity Aspin, owned and trained by Jun Lazarte, could use the toilet, get a cigarette or scratch his master’s back. Sad thing that Saver died last year at age 13.
Boogie is another intelligent Aspin. He could ride a stationary motorcycle while wearing his fancy sunglasses. Boogie is not intimidated by admirers. Smart dogs like Boogie need no leash.
Our own Tisoy is a car-riding Aspin. In traffic stops, he would bark at anyone who would come near the car. But Tisoy would be excited to see Dang, his favorite newsgirl plying the Cainta Junction.
Unlike other male dogs that urinate on the car’s tire, Tisoy only smells the tires of our car. With good toilet manners, the only problem with Tisoy is his habit of farting that pollutes the atmosphere of the car.
Contrary to tradition, grooming salons are not only for pure-bred and imported dogs. Although seldom but salons have Aspin customers too. Thick coated Aspins like Tisoy are better brought to a salon for complete grooming every once in a while.
For the formal recognition of Aspins, PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) had organized an Aspin Day in Eastwood City on August 8, 2010. The affair served as an open invitation to the Aspin Club.
Aspin lovers can have their dogs registered after filling out the membership form and shelling out 250 pesos for the membership fee. For the database, the photograph taken was that of the pet together with the owner.
After the registration, Tisoy was taken for a stroll inside the Eastwood City mall. From the way he walked inside the mall, Tisoy is surely proud to be an Aspin.
posted by Sonny G at
9:51 AM
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