Unsung Hero: The Heart of Susan

Paint For Strays Editorial Team- Unsung Hero of
Aug 1, 2015
3 min read

Susan Magallanes Espinosa, 55, from Masbate City, is a familiar name and face in the field of animal rescue all over Luzon- if not the entire Philippines. She started rescuing animals in 2002 when she found a stray dog that got hit by a car. She has had this passion for helping animals since her childhood in Masbate City. Her compassion is contagious and has resulted in the rescue of numerous stray animals, pet fostering and many adoptions. In addition, Susan volunteers for other organizations assisting people and animals. She recently founded the Berlin Emergency Rescue Team. This group was named in honour of a tortured dog that Espinosa rescued. However, due to its failing health condition, it did not survive after treatments. The B.E.R.T. team has only two members working hand in hand during rescue operations, to which she and her partner have proven themselves consistent and effective.

Growing up was another ordeal for Susan. As the eldest daughter in a family of nine children, she had to support herself to college. She helped her parents provide food on the table for the entire family, and yet, she never gave up on her dream of establishing her own animal shelter. There were times she had to skip a semester or a whole year of school due to budget priorities, but she finally managed to get her degree in AB Political Science in 2013. Outside the animal rescue world, she works as a part time office assistant in the municipality of Pasay City- where she currently resides. Susan spends all her remaining time as a hands-on rescuer in her own team (B.E.R.T.) as well as other animal welfare groups.

As admirable as her accomplishments are, just a step into her shoes and one will see a life of sacrifice. When being asked why she still chooses to remain single, her constant reply is her forever vow in devoting her full love and attention to all the dogs and cats that are suffering from human cruelty.

-“I am already happy and contented being single because I have all my dogs and cats with me. Their loyalty and love cannot be tainted as that of humans. When I die, I will never be forgotten, these creatures will always carry my legacy with them in their new home and family.”

Ms. Susan is currently fostering 34 dogs and 14 cats in her humble shelter in Zambales City and is personally looking after their care and treatments.

Her devotion to her noble vocation is a shining example of an unsung hero in making the world a better place.

“Surely I cannot save them all, but I want to continue doing my share to save as much as I can until old age wears me down. I put faith in God and to friends and other animal welfare groups for a constant support. We don't have ready funds to finance our operations, we solely depend on the donations from our kind-hearted donors. Rescue, no matter how difficult the case is can always be possible only if all coordination and all expenses are met. I believe in the old saying "United we stand, divided we fall". We can all do our shares and make it happen together- to finally end animal cruelty”.

- Susan Magallanes Espinosa

To become a contributor to Ms. Susan's work as well as PFS's supporting animal welfare groups, please consider purchasing a giclee painting, making a bid, or simply donating to receive a social media badge through the avenue links listed below.