The Cor Jesu College Guidance and Counseling Center officially launched this year’s Mental Health Month Celebration through a unique and meaningful activity titled “Pet for a Walk”, held on October 10, 2025.
With the theme “Pets as Partners in Mental Health,” the event underscored the vital role of animal companionship in promoting emotional well-being and mental resilience. The activity was organized in collaboration with the City Government of Digos, through the City Veterinary Office, and with the support of generous local sponsors including MCSEL Petshop and YEN’s Petshop.
The launching featured a “Walk with Pets” activity participated in by students, faculty, and staff, followed by a talk on responsible pet care delivered by DR. NEIL RICHIE S. LAVEGA, Acting City Veterinarian. The discussion highlighted the importance of proper pet health practices, including vaccination, deworming, and responsible ownership. Participants were also able to avail of free pet vaccination and deworming services courtesy of the City Veterinary Office.
Sponsors extended their support by providing pet food, vitamins, and essential items, which were distributed to participants during the event. Their contributions added warmth and generosity to the celebration, reflecting a shared commitment to community wellness and compassion for animals.
Sponsors extended their support by providing pet food, vitamins, and essential items, which were distributed to participants during the event. Their contributions added warmth and generosity to the celebration, reflecting a shared commitment to community wellness and compassion for animals.
Through this initiative, the Guidance and Counseling Center emphasized that mental health care goes beyond self-care—it also includes nurturing kindness, empathy, and connection, values that pets naturally bring into people’s lives.
The “Pet for a Walk” launching event set a positive and compassionate tone for the month-long celebration, inspiring the CJC community to embrace holistic approaches to mental wellness and to recognize that healing and happiness can come from the simple joys of companionship and care.
Photo credits to Karl O. Famoso
