Discerning observers may notice the furry, feathered and occasionally scaled creatures that seem to possess an almost preternatural understanding of the emotional frailties of a supposedly higher class of animals (us humans, rational beings who oftentimes are gratingly irrational in so many ways).

Consider my own backyard: A sleek black and white feline, clearly a creature of discerning taste, has abandoned humbler perches for the supple embrace of my scrambler motorcycle leather seat. One can almost imagine a tiny, purring pronouncement: “Finally, some decent upholstery.” This upgrade, to my ruminations, serves as a fitting metaphor for the elevated status these creatures hold in our lives, a stark contrast, perhaps, to the now grossly deflated expectations we harbor for our politicians.

A stroll through any barangay offers ample evidence of this interspecies devotion: The ubiquitous askal, radiating a street-smart confidence that many a government official could envy; the meticulously coiffed Poodle, peering out of tinted car windows with an air of entitlement that mirrors certain segments of society; and the seemingly infinite legions of puspin, ruling their domains with a pragmatic efficiency that puts bureaucratic processes to shame.

While the precise census of these furry (and not-so-furry) constituents remains a mystery, whispered figures suggest a population in the millions. According to recent estimates, the Philippines is home to around 11.6 million pet dogs and 9.4 million pet cats. Millions of hearts offering unconditional love, a commodity often in short supply in the halls of power.

Yet, this devotion comes at a price. The gourmet kibble, the veterinary bills that can rival the cost of a short vacation, the artisanal grooming that leaves one wondering if their pet has a better stylist than they do — it all adds up. But what is money, after all, when weighed against a wet nose nudging your hand during a particularly grim news cycle? And let’s face it, the news has been rather grim lately, hasn’t it?

The enduring bond, despite the chewed slippers and the unexpected “gifts,” speaks volumes about the emotional sustenance these animals provide. After a day spent in the labyrinthine traffic or enduring the performative pronouncements of elected officials, the unbridled joy of a dog’s greeting or the quiet comfort of a cat’s purr offers a genuine, unscripted moment of connection.

Even the sober analysts across the Pacific have taken note. That sage observer of the American scene, Abdul Jabbar, recently pointed out the growing recognition of pets as vital allies in the battle against depression and even the shadow of suicide. These creatures, says he, offer a steadfast presence, a comforting routine in a chaotic world, and a reason to face another day — a sentiment many Filipinos can surely appreciate, especially amid the nauseating political landscape.

Here in our dark corner of the world, where family ties are strong but the daily grind can be relentless, pets often step into the role of unofficial emotional support systems. They offer a judgment-free zone, a furry confidante that won’t leak your secrets (we have too many Maritesses already) or engage in partisan squabbles. Their concerns are refreshingly simple: Food, affection and perhaps the prime real estate on, ummm, your motorcycle.

Which brings us, inevitably, to the current political theater. The unsettling stories of election-related violence cast a pall over the national spirit. And then there’s the saga of those two prominent brothers, their recent maneuvers to send post-haste former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague and then to trip over their conflicting narratives to justify the extradition, carrying more than a whiff of political opportunism. Well, it leaves one wondering if loyalty is truly a concept understood in certain echelons. Perhaps, in these paw-litical times, it is to our furry companions that we should look for a genuine and unwavering form of support. They, at least, offer a love that doesn’t come with a preelection promise destined to be broken.