Iza Calzado calls for cleaning up trash after pet dog dies from eating plastic
For true pet lovers, losing a pet is losing a loved one — a constant companion and a loyal friend.
Such was the case for actress Iza Calzado, whose beloved dog Hugo passed away three weeks ago, as she shared on an Instagram post yesterday, May 6.
Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
“As we write this, we are still filled with sadness, anger and guilt. I am no stranger to death but this is the first time I have lost a loved one that I am fully responsible for,” said a heartbroken Calzado.
The dog was fiancé Ben Wintle’s best friend who accompanied them on beach trips and hikes. “Hugo was an explorer always wanting to march forward, but never without others,” Calzado recalled fondly.
Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
Adding more to the pain is that Hugo, a Norwich terrier, was gone too soon at only 5 and a half years old. On average, dogs can live up to over a decade.
Hugo’s death was not just through any ordinary cause such as an illness.
“He ingested part of a plastic bag that likely contained some leftover food (someone’s misplaced litter) when he was on a walk or off leash at a park,” said Calzado.
“He loved all humans so much but ironically it was human behavior that orchestrated his demise,” a heartbroken Calzado lamented.
Ben Wintle and Hugo. Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
She advised followers to “reduce the use of plastic” and to “pick up other people’s litter.”
“Everyone knows that plastic kills sea life but this has been a stark wake-up call that plastic can kill in our home,” she said, and added that the Philippines “is a Top 5 global consumer of plastic and it’s set to double within 8 years.”
A 2017 Greenpeace audit reported that “the Philippines is the third biggest source of plastic ocean pollution” and cited that multinational corporations are the major contributors to “cheap, disposable plastic.”
Calzado also advised pet owners to do more consultations and tests to determine a pet’s illness. She stated, “Our vet conducted a barium x-ray study… [and found] objects in his gastro tract when it was too late.”
“We hope this incident becomes an educational anecdote reminding us that our day to day decisions have a far-reaching ripple effect,” concluded the actress. “If you have a dog, please give him an extra hug for us.” JB
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