KOTA KINABALU: Christiano Dee Aldrin, a compassionate teenager with a love for animals, has always had a strong urge to help injured dogs in need. Often, his parents would return home with an injured stray after Christiano insisted on rescuing them. Growing up around rescued animals, particularly dogs, Christiano’s passion for animal welfare only grew stronger.
16-year-old Christiano shared, “From the day I can remember, I have been around dogs and that is why I grew to love them a lot and cannot bear seeing them in pain.”
In addition to his studies, Christiano’s daily routine involves caring for the cats and dogs at home, cleaning their designated areas, and ensuring they are fed and nurtured. Christiano’s empathy for animals leads him to take immediate action whenever he encounters an animal in distress. He ensures that his parents provide the necessary care or take the animal to a veterinarian for treatment.
Christiano’s first blind puppy rescue in 2009.
The dedicated teenager is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian, aiming to make an even greater impact on the welfare of helpless animals. Christiano stated, “Now, I focus very much on my studies because I want to make sure that I get good grades and go on to further my education in veterinary medicine.” While he also spends time with friends like any other teenager, his ultimate goal is to change the way society treats animals, striving for a world where no cat or dog is neglected or harmed.
Christiano’s compassion for animals is one of the driving forces that led his parents to establish a non-profit organization called Animals Lovers Independent Rescuer (Alir) in 2016. Diana Romana Fransisca, Christiano’s mother, expressed admiration for her son’s love for rescued animals, which motivates her to continue their rescue efforts despite the challenges. She fondly remembered the first time she witnessed Christiano’s deep empathy for strays back in 2009, when he pleaded for them to bring home a blind puppy they encountered on the roadside.
Diana explained, “Since then, whenever he sees cats or dogs that are sick and injured, he will beg me to rescue them and would not stop crying until we get them treated.” Before officially registering Alir in 2016, Diana, her husband Aldrin Ham, and their children actively participated in rescuing strays. Their dedication to animal welfare also extends to running a pet taxi and pet supply business from their home.
Diana credits the success of their efforts to their team of volunteers, friends in the veterinary industry, donors, contributors, as well as the unwavering support of her husband and children. Her ultimate aspiration is to witness a positive transformation in people’s attitudes towards pet ownership and the treatment of animals. Alir deals with numerous rescue cases and daily calls for assistance, while Diana’s home and shelter serve as a sanctuary for hundreds of stray animals and those in foster care.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
