Karylle, the animal lover

The singer and actress known only as Karylle has been a familiar face in the noontime variety show, It’s Showtime, and her musical talent is widely recognized. Not many may know, however, that she is a staunch dog lover.

Every time I bumped into her at pet events where she had one or a few of her Shihtzus, it was never dull or boring as she is so full of life, and the love she has for her doggie companions always shines through.

So, when I think of fur parents with a genuine love for their pets, I always remember these encounters and how each one more than puts a smile on my face — they always make me realize how special we are because we have dogs.

So, I leave you with this interview and the many musings of Karylle on being a dog lover and how learning something new is always something that she looks forward to.

What kind of an animal lover are you?

How do you describe that well… I’ve taken care of several animals ever since I was a kid, loved birds in pretty pink cages, fortune lobsters I would see in the mall, small turtles from Cebu one vacation and my Shihtzu Chichi. I’ve always considered myself to be a dog person but, recently, I’ve realized that I’ve always had a connection with animals.

What kind of relationships do you have with animals?

I’ve been visited by two kalapatis (doves) in our condo balcony, and when my dad passed away there were several moths. I am mesmerized by the alitaptaps (fireflies) in my mom’s Airbnb, Casa Esperanza in Quezon, and make sure to interact with them.

I also have a love-tampuhan (spat) relationship with our aspin (native dog) in Casa, si Igme. Si Andres is super chill but Igme or Igems didn’t wanna hang out with me when I stopped going to visit. I must remember to bring treats next time.

I recently discovered my love for cats because I stayed with a family in Singapore who owned two cats: Quark, Bianca and Conzie Henares and their two cats Sunny Jim and Rory.

Have you always had dogs?

Yes. When I was young, I had a dog named Chichi, and then Kung Fu Fighter who was a birthday gift. The line of Kung Fu brought us Captain Jack Sparrow, Mini Me and then, now, Finny Finn Finn (a Shihtzu, Pomeranian and Poodle mix).

What is it about dogs that makes you fall in love with them?

Dogs have a great way of making you feel very, very special because no one can beat how excited they get when you walk through the door once you get home.

Finny is very special because she is a pandemic dog so she knows when we are sad or sick. She’s able to spot it and she gives us special attention when we are down. Finny cares for my husband Yael more though. I feel like he is her bubba. Haha. Whatever that means.

Are all dogs loyal?

I think so.

With your busy schedule in theater, concerts and TV show, how do make time for your dog?

I try to spend good quality time with Finny. After our radio show Good Times in the morning, she does enjoy a moment of full attention. She is very good at turning off the TV or getting rid of the cellphone from me. We spend time in coffee shops and in our Rockstar KTVs.

She understands the words “sama ka” because she likes to go out!

If you could have a pet other than a dog, what would it be?

Instead of just having pets, I think having animal friends here and there is a nice thing. Although, I’m finding out that it requires more visits than I imagine. My mom’s dog Igme seems to need more visits. The same goes for with SJ the cat who practically snubbed me the last time I visited.

Purrhaps, a cat?

I would love to have a cat. They teach you something new. And it’s nice to say that one day I can be more than just a dog person.