From grief to gratitude

How Entrego Marketing Head Erika Salinas-Bolante dealt with the heartbreak of losing her beloved pet by helping out animals in need

Remember when you were younger, and how, during this time of year, you would hear the festive Christmas carols being sung, you could smell the bibingka and puto bumbong across the street, and you could see your neighbor’s Christmas lights shining on your window? You also hung a sock on your Christmas tree and hoped Santa heard your wishes.

Indeed, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For Erika Salinas-Bolante, Marketing Head of Entrego, their family celebrates it in a simple and intimate but joyous way.

”No matter how simple the celebration is, what is important is that we are complete during the birth of Christ,” Erika says. “We always hear mass before the main celebration and share our blessings with those in need.” 

She cooks their Noche Buena dinner every year, and often by her side in the past was Coco, her dog and co-chef, who was more of a food taster.

“We always make roast chicken and macaroni salad. The simplest and most sumptuous roast chicken recipe is made only with soy sauce and calamansi. Marinate it overnight, and voila, enjoy the feast!”

Cooking with Coco, attending the Eucharistic celebration, and extending their hands to those in need was the family’s tradition for over a decade. 

This year, however, it will be different. Erika recently lost Coco, a beloved member of her family.

Broken

“When I lost my best friend, Coco the Beagle, I was so broken, crushed, and defeated,” Erika says. However, her grief and feeling of emptiness made her realize that life is still beautiful. “The experience allowed me to help other dogs needing affection and love. We can encourage all those battling mental illness, anxiety, and stress from losing a loved one to divert their attention to helping and supporting those in need, whether animals or people.”

When she started visiting animal shelters with her teammates, not only did Erika feel relieved, but she also had an eye-opening experience. It became her advocacy to ensure that there would be no paw left behind, and she has made it a goal to set up her own animal shelter. “I suppose the desire to serve others kept me sane and alive. Being able to help is the most priceless feeling in the world,” she says.

Losing Coco may have been a devastating experience for her, but Erika remains hopeful, and grateful for what she has. “I can say that I am not fully healed yet, but I’m thankful for the incredible years with Coco—from the Christmas Noche Buena moments to silly and goofy times. I am also thankful for the five gifts—good health, family, having an income and work during this time of uncertainty, my team who shares the same advocacy as I have, and the gift of having a hopeful heart,” she says.

As a “furparent,” Erika plans to continue supporting her newfound advocacy. “I am looking forward to visiting and helping more animal shelters. I am hopeful that our local government and non-government organizations will patronize, prioritize, and visualize a better life for these animals. I am keeping my hopes high that eventually, we will be able to help them, and not just during the holiday season.”

Erika and her team plan to make another trip this December to share Christmas treats and necessities such as grooming kits and disinfectant supplies with their chosen shelter, Pawssion Project in Bulacan. She excitedly adds, “We also aim to raise awareness about animal shelters, dogs, pet adoption, pet care, and more!”

Transforming your grief into gratitude is challenging, but with help from family and friends, the burden can be a bit easier to bear. And with your passion for helping, maybe, just maybe, the Universe will move in your favor. 

Tips for ‘furparents’

Erika shares some tips for furparents during the holiday season:

• Try to be with them, especially on New Year’s Eve. Most animals are afraid of fireworks, and they often experience anxiety and stress because of the loud noises. A simple act of affirmation like a cuddle or a scratch on the back will make them feel at ease.

• Cherish the time you have with them. Take them for walks, give them treats, or play fetch with them.

• Take them with you on a holiday break.

If you’re looking for some pet-friendly holiday destinations, check out this list:

1.) La Union – Take them to the beach and let them play and dig in the sand!

     Where to stay: Casa Marikit
     Place to visit: San Juan Beach

2.) Baguio – Being outside is healthy for dogs. Wander around Baguio and enjoy the cool weather with your pet.

     Where to stay: Kamiseta Hotel
     Places to visit: Burnham Park, Vanilla Cafe, Botanical Garden

3.) Cebu – Cebu is the best of both worlds, city and beach life.

     Where to stay: Malapascua’s Tepanee Beach Resort
     Place to visit: Adlawon Vacation Farm