Built with four pairs of hands,
held by boundless heart.
Shelter of Light started in 2020, in the same Quezon City home it still runs from today. No office, no facility, just one family that decided the animals nobody else wanted deserved somewhere to land. Today that home holds over 80 residents. Paralyzed. Blind. Elderly. Animals who came in with nothing left and stayed because there was finally a place for them.
─── how shelter of light began
From a Two Rescued Kittens to a Lifelong Promise
In late 2020, during the height of strict pandemic lockdowns across Metro Manila, Rosie, Shelter of Light’s founder, found in a Facebook group in the area a post about kittens who lost their mother after she was hit by a vehicle. Rosie used to be afraid of cats and dogs, but something seems to pull her heartstrings and she decided to try and care for 2 of the litter. Rosie named those two, Luna and Diwa.
Being that it was her first time caring for such animals, everything became a learning experience. The bottle and powdered milk she used back then was for humans. She has to learn the importance of keeping their warm, of relieving them manually, and of loving them with her whole heart.
Against all odds, they lived and they thrived. They are now 6 years old. They both grew up to become sweet and playful.
Luna is particular is the goodest boy ever who likes to be carried, hugged, and kissed by her Meowmy Rosie and no one else. He likes taking care of other cats (and even dogs, sometimes). Diwa is a lot feistier. She doesn’t really like when other cats and dogs come close to her, except when it’s Luna.
─── our grassroots evolution
The Journey in Milestones
August 26, 2020
Arrival of Luna and Diwa
We took in Luna and Diwa into our home after a story about them was posted in our area’s Facebook group. They lost their mama after she was hit by a vehicle.
October 17, 2020
arrival of Sinag
We found a kitten on the street whose eyes were severely damaged and was riddled with fleas. We decided to take her in and care for her with Luna and Diwa.
November 20, 2020
KnL was launched
Due to the profound effect of the first 3 cats in our lives, the founder Rosie decided that she wants to help more cats like them. She first called the effort “Kanlungan ng Liwanag”.
April 24, 2021
first community pantry
Through the help of sponsors and friends, we were able to hold our first ever community pawntry in our area, which provided free cat and dog food, as well as vitamins and other pet items to pet owners who need them.
July 29, 2021
pound rescues
With the help of Red Cubs Pet Patrol, we took in our first batch of senior residents from the pound where they are due for euthanasia.
August 21, 2021
first spay-neuter event
In partnership with Doc Gab, we had our of-age residents and community cats spayed/neutered for the first time.
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT SHELTER OF LIGHT
Shelter of Light is an independent rescue located in Quezon City, Philippines. Established on November 20, 2020, it was created by a young woman as supported by her family. Shelter of Light cares for different animals, but has a prime focus on cats, especially the following: neonates, mama cats, special needs, semi-ferals, and those with existing illnesses. Currently residing only in a family home, SoL’s dream is to someday build a sanctuary that will extend help to more animals in need. Shelter of Light, together with animal welfare, also greatly advocates for education and mental health.
Read this message from our founder.
OUR STORY
Shelter of Light began as a personal journey to heal through compassion for animals. When two neonatal kittens, Luna and Diwa, came into our care, they awakened a deep empathy and purpose within us. Caring for them led to helping community cats and rescuing more animals in need, including those abandoned, sick, or differently-abled. Despite challenges and inevitable losses, our mission remains to “Light a Life” — giving hope, care, and love to every animal we can.
OUR MISSION
Shelter of Light aims to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and neglected animals, with a primary focus on cats. We strive to provide a safe and loving environment to these animals, giving them the necessary medical care, food, shelter, and love they require to thrive. Through our advocacies of animal welfare, mental health, and education, we aim to raise awareness and inspire compassion towards all living beings.
OUR VISION
Our vision at Shelter of Light is to create a community where animals are treated with the love and respect that they deserve. Our ultimate goal is to build a sanctuary that will accommodate more animals and expand our reach, enabling us to help more and promote a culture of kindness and compassion towards animals and humans alike. We envision a society where people are educated and inspired to care for animals, and where the bond between humans and animals is strengthened and celebrated.
OUR CORE VALUES
EMPATHY
SoL seeks to understand the needs and feelings of animals and provide the care and support they need to live fulfilling lives. We also recognize and address human needs through mental health and education, showing empathy for both animals and people.
COMMUNITY
SoL knows its mission requires collective effort. We work with volunteers, donors, advocates, and stakeholders to provide care for animals in need. Through collaboration, we extend our reach and strengthen our impact.
INTEGRITY
SoL is committed to transparency, honesty, and ethical behavior in all operations. We ensure our actions align with our core values and maintain the trust of our supporters by being accountable and open about our processes and decisions.
GROWTH
SoL is dedicated to continuous improvement and expanding our ability to help more animals. We stay open to new ideas, learning, and feedback, and remain up to date with advances in animal welfare, mental health, and education to apply the best practices.
COMMITMENT
SoL is devoted to providing high-quality care and promoting animal welfare in the community. We work tirelessly toward our mission and persevere despite challenges, staying steadfast in helping animals in need.
OUR FAMILY
Our family is at the core of our operations. We are more than an organization; we are a dedicated family committed to the well-being of our furry residents. Each member plays an integral role in providing love, care, and support to the animals under our wing. Our shared passion and values bind us together, driving our mission to create a safe and loving environment for these animals in need. Together, we strive to make a positive impact, one paw at a time.
WHAT WE DO
our main advocacies
Shelter of Light champions three vital causes: Animal Welfare, Education, and Mental Health. Our unwavering commitment to these advocacies is evident in our efforts to rescue, care for, and rehome animals in need, our dedication to educating the community on animal welfare and other related societal issues, and our recognition of the vital connection between mental health and the well-being of both humans and animals. Shelter of Light serves as a beacon of compassion, fostering a brighter future for all through our multifaceted approach to creating positive change.
animal welfare
This advocacy stands as the heart of Shelter of Light’s work. We tirelessly advocate for the well-being of all creatures, offering them sanctuary, medical care, and love. Sol’s efforts not only elevate the lives of these animals but also set a standard for compassion and responsibility within the community.
education
We actively engage with the public to promote understanding, empathy, and responsible pet ownership. By sharing knowledge and fostering awareness, we aim to create a society where individuals are not only compassionate toward animals but also better equipped to contribute positively to their well-being.
mental health
We emphasize the benefits of the human-animal bond, supporting the idea that caring for animals can improve an individual’s mental well-being. Our initiatives underscore the importance of nurturing the emotional health of both animals and humans, promoting for more compassion and mental resilience.
WHAT WE ASPIRE FOR
our dream sanctuary
Shelter of Light envisions a haven for our beloved cats and dogs. It’s a dream that we hold close to our hearts, one filled with hope and ambition. In this ideal sanctuary, our furry friends will have vast spaces to frolic and enjoy life to the fullest, a place where their happiness and well-being are paramount. This dream encompasses growth and prosperity for SoL, ensuring that it continues to thrive and expand its mission. Moreover, it’s a sanctuary where understanding and compassion reign, a refuge from judgment and negativity. We believe in the possibility of this dream becoming a reality, where SoL’s potential knows no bounds and the love for animals knows no limits.
a dedicated space for cats
At the heart of our sanctuary, this space will offer comfort, security, and tailored care for every cat who finds their way to us. It will be designed for different needs — from cozy areas for shy cats to play zones for more active ones — ensuring each feline can thrive while waiting for a forever home or living with us long-term. Through personalized care, enriching activities, and a nurturing atmosphere, our cats will experience compassion and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
A PLACE FOR DOGS TO RUN HAPPILY
We will provide our canine companions with a space built for exercise, freedom, and joy. With wide play yards, agility areas, and secure fencing, dogs will be able to run, explore, and play to their hearts’ content. Whether they are awaiting adoption or staying in sanctuary, every dog will experience movement, play, and a life that nurtures their well-being and spirit.
a setting for sustainability
We envision a sanctuary that will support itself through innovative activities and mission-aligned businesses, securing long-term care for our animals. This space will also serve as a venue for our advocacy work in education and mental health. By embracing self-sustaining practices, we will show how compassion and innovation can work together to build a brighter future for our residents and our community.