In a quiet corner of Compostela, Cebu, wagging tails and hopeful eyes greet visitors to Happy Tails, a humble animal shelter founded by a woman whose compassion has changed countless lives—both human and animal.
Hazel Aguisanda, the heart and soul behind Happy Tails, never set out to become a rescuer. Like many stories of advocacy, hers began with a single encounter—with a stray dog, abandoned and injured, that no one else would help. “I couldn’t just walk away,” she recalls. “I felt that if I didn’t do something, who would?”
That one act of kindness in November 2019 sparked what is now a growing sanctuary for neglected, abused, and abandoned animals. With limited resources but unlimited determination, Hazel turned her own home and backyard into a safe haven. Soon, word spread across Cebu: there was finally a place where the forgotten had a chance to heal.
Building a Shelter with Heart
Unlike large organizations with ample funding, Happy Tails runs almost entirely on donations and Hazel’s personal sacrifices. She juggles multiple roles—caretaker, fundraiser, advocate, and even nurse—bathing rescued animals, giving them medicine, or simply sitting with them so they feel loved again.
Her days begin before sunrise, feeding dozens of dogs and cats, cleaning kennels, and checking on the sick. Nights often end late, with Hazel replying to adoption inquiries or coordinating rescue calls. “It’s exhausting, yes,” she admits, “but every wag of a tail, every adoption, every life saved makes it worth it.”
Stories That Inspire
Each animal at Happy Tails carries a story—some heartbreaking, others triumphant. There was Cali, a puppy thrown into a canal who now lives with a loving family in Cebu City. Milo, once emaciated and near death, now enjoys a second chance as a therapy dog for children.
“These animals teach us resilience,” Hazel says. “No matter how much pain they’ve gone through, they still trust again, love again. That’s why I fight for them.”
More Than Rescues: Changing Mindsets
For Hazel, Happy Tails is not just about saving animals, but also about educating communities. She regularly speaks about responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, and treating animals with kindness. Slowly, she’s seeing change—families adopting instead of buying pets, children reminding their parents not to harm strays.
“It’s a ripple effect,” Hazel explains. “When you show kindness to animals, it grows into kindness toward people, too.”
The Struggles Behind the Mission
Running a shelter is not without challenges. Funds are always scarce, and medical emergencies can overwhelm their small budget. During typhoons, Hazel has had to scramble to keep the animals safe and dry. Yet, she never considers giving up.
“When things get hard, I just look into their eyes. They depend on me. I can’t abandon them like the world did.”
A Vision for the Future
Hazel dreams of expanding Happy Tails into a full-fledged rehabilitation and adoption center, with more space, veterinary facilities, and community programs. But even now, with her modest shelter, she’s already transforming lives—one rescue at a time.
Why It Matters
In a country where stray populations are high and resources are scarce, people like Hazel Aguisanda are rare. Through sheer grit and compassion, she has built more than a shelter—she has built a movement of hope.
As she puts it, “Happy Tails isn’t just about saving animals. It’s about reminding us all that every life—no matter how small, furry, or voiceless—deserves a chance.”
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