Mama’s Cradle Sanctuary

“Baka raw gusto ninyo sumama sa weekend, tree house sa Cavinti.” Being the full-time home-based mom that I am who only sees the four corner of our house all-day, everyday, I immediately said yes without even knowing the specifics. Little did I know we’re about to visit Mama’s Cradle Sanctuary, a rescue shelter for dogs.

Mama’s Cradle Sanctuary

Our trek buddy to the base camp of Mount Everest Doc Rhoda owns and runs a pet clinic in Better Living. One of her clients is the owner of the dog haven, Miss Carina Noralyn Suarez.

Miss Carina is a business owner and an animal lover who has devoted most of her life caring not just for her family but also rescuing neglected, abandoned, and abused Aspins (Asong Pinoy). I didn’t get the chance to speak with Miss Carina that much because Ilog is already a handful. During the short time I was able to listen to her rescue stories, I could sense how much she loves and cares for her babies as if they are really hers. Aside from this, she is really kind, humble, and accommodating even to us humans. 😀

Doc Rhoda (along with other vets) who is generously donating and administering vaccines to the rescued dogs named some of them as Beauty, an old pooch who had heart worm and severe parasite infestation, Peter who couldn’t walk properly after getting hit by a car, and Bella who is also a victim of a vehicular accident. These three and the rest of the dogs residing in the sanctuary are, if not at their best, getting better and are being well taken care of. “May Hachiko-like story din. Abandoned sa isang bahay pero naghihintay lang siya sa harap ng bahay. Payat na payat na siya,” she said.

Of course, Miss Carina don’t just pick up all the dogs she sees on the road. 😀 She does thorough checking first before rescuing the dog. How bad is it? Where are the owners? Can the LGU help?

The shelter isn’t just a holding place for these rescued dogs. It is also a rehabilitation center. Miss Carina ensures that her babies, no matter how bad their conditions were during the time of rescue, are fed, treated, and rehabilitated properly. At the moment, there are 30+ dogs in the shelter. Some are waiting for a new home and new parents, some may no longer adoptable due to age or illness.

Mama’s Cradle Sanctuary is located in Barangay Lumot, Cavinti, Laguna and is open to visitors who would like to visit the dogs or to simply have a quick getaway from the polluted cities of Manila. The shelter has a bungalow with a loft and a tree house that can accommodate large groups, but it is also very much a great camping ground.

Visiting the sanctuary is absolutely free. Miss Carina only requests that visitors bring something for her babies. Dog food, medicines, supplies, or anything that can help with their rehabilitation. Donations, in cash or in kind, are very much welcome. You may reach out to her via Facebook.

Here are a few more photos within the sanctuary.

Side trip to Bumbungan River Ecopark

When Miss Carina heard us discussing who should go take a bath first before we head back home, she suggested we drop by the Bumbungan River Ecopark. The ecopark is just a few-minute drive away from Mama’s Cradle Sanctuary, and only charges a minimal Php 30 for entrance fee (for non-residents). They also rent out cottages for those who wish to stay longer.

Back in the days (maka-back in the days kala mo sobrang tagal na lol), Bumbungan River was dammed and its now-spillway was part of the Lumban – Caliraya – Cavinti Road. Over time, the water from the river overflowed the road forming the small waterfall. The Cavinti bridge was later built as a replacement of the road that is now part of the Bumbungan Eco Park for vehicles traversing the so-called Laguna Loop.