Dogs are truly man’s best friend.
On Sunday, Facebook user Ian Capoquian shared a now-viral photo of a teenager studying in a street in Ermita, Manila. Alongside him was his dog holding a tiny bucket with his mouth, asking for alms.
Capoquian identified them as 16-year-old Eddie Aquino who is a grade 9 student and his dog Black Jack. Capoquian shared in the post that Aquino’s mother lives with her new family, while his dad, who was “weakened by years” lives with him.
“With this situation in hand, Eddie had to work and earn for their family,” he stated in the post.
Capoquian went on to say that Aquino continues to endure life on the streets, but with the help of his “smart dog” Black Jack.
“While Eddie is busy studying, Black Jack approaches people to donate even the slightest of their hearts to fill in the small bucket carried by man’s best friend,” he wrote.
“It’s a mix of emotions when you see them. Saddening but inspiring,” said Capoquian.
He added that he posted the photos to help Aquino. “I want him to study inside a room, a well-ventilated space, with proper lighting and proper learning materials. I want to help him.”
He ended the post by urging netizens to contact him for concerns on how to help Aquino.
This isn’t the first time the pair went viral. In December 2016, Black Jack also performed tricks like counting and dancing on the street. They were also featured on ABS-CBN News last year.
Capoquian’s post now has over 27,000 likes and 17,000 shares. Touched by the photos, a lot of netizens have expressed their concern for Aquino in the comments:
Facebook user Angie Manarin wrote in Filipino: “Poor kid, help them out if there is someone out there kindhearted enough.”
Kristel Mae Ancero also took notice of how loyal Black Jack is to his master.
“I hope everyone will notice this child. He is an inspiration to us all. Help him for his future,” wrote Aida Pisano in Filipino.
JP Garcia added that he hoped to see them personally: “I hope we can help the likes of him who are struggling but still trying to earn a living, unlike some of the youth who take drugs.”
Know of other touching viral stories like this? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @CoconutsManila.
