Fernando Zobel de Ayala praised for kindness towards aspins

FernandoZobeldeAyalapetsstraydogatAyalamallPhoto/s:ScreengrabfromFacebook|GreenfieldRamirez

Business tycoon Fernando Zobel de Ayala once again shows that high social status is not a hindrance to expressing love and affection for dogs, regardless of their breed.

As a prominent figure and board member of the 187-year-old Ayala Corporation, Fernando recently won the hearts of netizens after a Facebook user posted a heartwarming photo of him petting a stray dog at an Ayala Mall.

Read:Jodi Sta. Maria, Fernando Zobel de Ayala show love for rescued animals

Greenfield Ramirez, who shared the photo, mentioned that the dogs, named Marty and Bully, have been well-known to mall visitors for years.

These dogs, considered community pets, have become a familiar sight for those who frequent the mall.

She captioned the photo with: "So happy to see this photo. The Ayalas are here, greeting the dogs who have stayed in their premises for years now.

"Marty and Bully, the community dogs. Why can't others do this?"

This straightforward yet powerful message struck a chorAyald with many, pointing out the Ayala family's compassion for animals that have found refuge within their commercial properties.

The kindhearted actions of Fernando did not go unnoticed by the online community.

Netizens were quick to commend the Ayala Corp. director for his kindness and compassion.

One user remarked, "FYI, The Ayalas have been supporting dog pounds too!"

Another added, "Tunay na mayayaman at may puso," reflecting the sentiment that true wealth is measured by one's compassion and actions rather than just material possessions.

The story also spread on Reddit, where users continued to praise the 64-year-old businessman for his care for aspins (native Filipino dogs).

One Redditor noted: "Dati pa ako nakakakita ng article na may alaga siyang aspin kaya nakakahiya dun sa mga nagpopost sa fb na nanghihingi ng aso/pusa pero gusto may breed hahaha."

Read:Netizens in awe of casual chat between billionaires Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Lance Gokongwei

FERNANDO AND THE AYALAS' PASSION FOR DOGS

This is not the first time the Ayala family has shown their love for stray dogs.

In 2022, they were also spotted at the PAWSsion Project Summer Camp, with Fernando bending over to pet them.

This is particularly telling since the Ayalas are known to be a very private family rarely seen in public.

However, every chance they do get snapped outside, it’s not surprising that most of these occasions capture their compassion for dogs.

Fernando's love for animals extends beyond casual interactions with stray dogs.

He is a known supporter and patron of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), actively promoting its causes and supporting its various initiatives.

In 2020, Fernando welcomed two new furry friends into his home from PAWS — Bonito and Charlie — as featured in a special edition of a lifestyle media brand.

He also opened his heart and home to three other dogs from PAWS and generously provided shelter for six horses from Southern Luzon following the eruption of the Taal Volcano.

PAWS is dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals in the Philippines, and having high-profile supporters like the Ayalas significantly boosts its visibility and outreach.

Such widespread admiration for the conglomerate descendant’s actions underscores the impact that kindness can have on a community.

It also highlights the importance of public figures using their influence to promote positive values and actions.

By showing genuine care for stray dogs and supporting animal welfare initiatives, Fernando was able to inspire others to follow suit.

Read:Forbes Philippines' 50 Richest 2023 list: Sy siblings, Manny Villar remain on top

ASPIN TRIVIA

Among the various dog breeds in the Philippines, aspins stand out as long-standing companions, having been part of human lives for generations.

Ancient dogs, especially aspins in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, are considered the ancestors of modern domesticated dogs.

A 2015 study published in Nature revealed a genetic split between gray wolves and Southeast Asian dogs dating back 33,000 years.

Research on dogs in Southeast Asia indicates that a group of dog ancestors migrated from this region to the Middle East around 15,000 years ago.

This migration eventually spread their presence to Africa, Europe, China, and the Americas over thousands of years, highlighting the historical journey and wide-reaching impact of dogs as beloved companions across continents.

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