‘Hero dog’ merits befitting burial

KALIBO, AKLAN–A six-year-old Dachshund is being considered by her family a hero for her role in the pandemic.

Donna Gallardo of C. Laserna Street said that the Stephie died of a cardiac heart disease on 10 February.

The family bought her a customized casket for dogs and mourned it for nine days.

On 20 February, the family buried her in the newly constructed family mausoleum in Ibajay, Aklan.

The burial ceremony was complete with a simple mass burial ceremony at the St. Ibajay Parish.

“Stephie has given us much joy during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Especially last year, where a series of community quarantine lock downs are being experienced, Stephie was our antidepressant,” Donna said.

At the height of the pandemic, Stephie was not allowed to exercise at the nearby Pastrana Park for a walk and run.

“During those times, Stephie especially comforts Donna’s father who is a diabetic. Her father Lt. Domingo V. Gallardo Jr. is an army retiree.”

During the days of mourning, neighbors and friends of Gallardo visited the wake to show their love and compassion for the dog who once brought joy to the family.

Earlier, Mayor Emerson Lachica, during a dog-show competition here, acknowledged the pets role in allaying the mental toll of the pandemic.