Christian Bables and his dog Hope (rightmost). Images: Instagram/@christiaaan06, Facebook/Christian Bables
Christian Bables sought an apology from an Antipolo-based pet crematorium after neglecting his dog Hope, who died last June 15, as he noted that his pet was even treated like a “pig in a market.”
In an ABS-CBN News interview via YouTube on Tuesday, June 18, Bables called out the Haven of Angels Memorial Chapels & Crematorium, saying he asked the crematorium to handle his dog’s remains at 7 p.m. but had to follow up on his request at 8:45 p.m.
The actor said the crematorium claimed that it couldn’t pick up his dog right away due to “traffic,” but stressed that his house was only “10 to 15 minutes away.”
“Hindi ko maintindihan bakit inabot nang [matagal] na oras ang pagpunta sa bahay. Merong nasabi sa’kin na naligaw daw. Hindi daw alam kung saan ang address,” he said. “Hiningi nila ‘yung address sa’kin twice over the phone habang binobook ko ang crematory services nila at sa form na na-fill out ko for cremation. I don’t understand ba’t ga’nun ang nangyari.”
(I don’t understand why it took so long for them to get to my house. They told me they got lost and they didn’t know the address. They asked for my address twice: over the phone and when I filled out the form that books the crematory service. I don’t understand why this happened.)
The crematorium ended up picking up Bables’ dog at around 9:30 p.m. However, the actor recalled that his dog was mishandled even while it was set up for viewing, comparing Hope to a “pig in a market.”
“Nakita ko si Hope, nakabalandara lang ‘dun. Para siyang baboy sa palengke. Hindi man lang inayos. Ang panget sa pakiramdam kasi ‘yun na ‘yung last time makikita ‘yung someone I dearly love. I am sure hindi lahat maintindihan ang bigat na nararamdaman ko. Pero pamilya ko ‘yun. Malaki siyang part ng support system ko,” he said.
(I saw Hope just lying there, like a pig in a market. They didn’t fix Hope up. It upset me because it would be the last time I’d see someone I dearly love. I am sure not everyone won’t understand what I feel, but I consider Hope as family. She is a huge part of my support system.)
Following the incident, Bables stressed that animals should be “treated with enough respect,” and shouldn’t be seen as “mere” living things.
“It’s about time for someone who has a voice, or a small voice, to speak up. Animals of all kinds and sizes should be treated with enough respect and decency,” he said. “Buhay man po na kasama natin or namayapa na, buhay po ‘yan na dapat pahalagahan at ingatan (Whether they’re dead or alive, it’s a life that should be taken care of and treated with care).”
‘May Hope rest easy’
On the same day, the crematorium addressed the incident in a Facebook statement, while claiming that Bables “had more expectations” regarding Hope’s “viewing process.”
“We placed Hope inside the chapel and on the table with flower arrangements,” it wrote. “However, Mr. Bables had more expectations to give Hope a memorable send off, which, unfortunately, we were not able to meet. We understand the importance of this process and the emotional significance it holds to him as a pet owner and fur parent.”
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Haven of Angels Memorial Chapels & Crematorium
The crematorium nonetheless said sorry for the incident, adding that the incident is being “reviewed” and the concerned employees were already notified of the next steps.
“We have given them the opportunity to be heard and explain their side. We nevertheless reminded our staff to extend best service to our clients knowing the pain that comes with the demise of our beloved pets. We understand that they are regarded as extensions or family to many of us,” it added.
In the statement, the crematorium assured that the incident won’t happen again while assuring that “every pet entrusted to [them]” will be treated with “utmost care and attention.”
“We will implement measures to better our services with the hope of meeting the expectations of our valued clients. We extend our condolences. May Hope rest easy and run free over the rainbow bridge,” it said.
Bables responded to the crematorium’s apology shortly, as he added that acknowledging its “accountability” is a step towards “brighter days.”
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Christian Bables
“I believe accepting your apology and accountability is a step towards brighter days for me and my beloved dog at the Rainbow Bridge, Hope. I hope and pray we all learn from this experience and ensure that the future of all living and breathing animals is filled with the love and care they deserve,” he said.