Cats have long embedded themselves in the University’s ecosystem, offering quiet comfort to the student body. These furry residents paved the way for DLSU PUSA—establishing a purrfect balance between humans and cats on campus grounds. Hence, there is much dismay when a new bombshell enters the scene.
Meet Brando—the newest four-legged companion in DLSU, and the first-ever dog to grace the campus. With brown fur and golden eyes, it’s no surprise that the canine has become an overnight sensation.
Despite the warm reception, drama still follows. As PawsBook user @HindiAkoPusa67 critiques: “Can a dog even live among us?” Indeed, his presence sparked doubts over the future stability of the carefully curated feline-centric environment in DLSU. Is Brando planning a cat-astrophe? After several attempts to lure him in with treats, The LuhSallian finally lies down with Brando to find out.
Who’s a good boy? You are!
Admittedly, Brando never imagined that he’d find a new home, much less a community that would care for him this much. Before being taken in, he was first spotted attempting to squeeze his body through the gaps of the gate in front of St. La Salle Hall. Since then, he has roamed the campus with ease, being showered with food and belly rubs. Emotionally, Brando shares: “Woof… woof woof.”
(I like it here.. They take good care of me.)
One might think that being the only dog in a cat-dominated society comes with restrictions. For Brando, however, life remains simple. He sits in the middle of walkways, particularly in front of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, taking in the breeze. When the zoomies hit, he makes a quick dash to the Amphitheater, running in circles without a care in the world.
But no matter where he goes, Brando wags his tail and lights up when the campus fills with people. Whether it be students rushing to class or those merely sitting around, he approaches each one with the same curiosity he had the day he arrived. At times, he becomes the unexpected star of spontaneous frisbee games in the M Lhuillier Botanical Gardens. Other times, students jokingly ask him to teach them how to “Dougie” in hopes of passing their GEDANCE class. Whatever the day may bring, he has unknowingly captured the hearts of many.
So what does Brando have to say about all the affection?
“Woof woof.”
(My butt itches.)
A dog in a cat’s world
“He’s just… happy to be here,” shares Pawla (III, AB-BRK), a volunteer for DLSU PUSA who cares for Brando. “I don’t think he even realizes he’s disrupting a long-standing cat empire.” In a campus long ruled by quiet vigilance, his presence is less a takeover than an accidental shake-up.
Indeed, Brando’s easygoing presence on campus grounds marks a curious shift in the environment. Where the cats keep to themselves, Brando thrives on friendly proximity and unabashed affection, offering it to both strangers and friends alike.
When asked about his relationship with the cats, the ever-so-earnest and obliviously optimistic Brando replies with a “Woof! Woof woof woof, woof woof woof woof.” He proudly recounts a recent attempt to befriend one—an interaction that ended with the cat’s tail flicking and ears pinning back, followed by a sharp hiss that he, quite impressively, interpreted as a greeting.
(I think they’re just shy! I try to say hi, but they leave before I can finish wagging my tail.)
For the most part, this unlikely mix results in a peaceful—if slightly one-sided—coexistence. The cats keep their distance, Brando keeps approaching, and the campus carries on, each species navigating a truce. His days on campus are enjoyable, thanks to the kind-hearted students and the welcoming cats, as he enthusiastically describes. The cats have declined to comment.
Sitting, staying, and rolling with the ball
Against the catty comments and scathing hisses of the feline dynasty, Brando maintains famously thick skin beneath his fur. Beyond the NexGard tablets that he takes to ward off literal bloodsuckers, he relies on a sunny disposition and adventurous spirit to turn his critics’ dissent into personal delight.
Through yellow-and-blue-colored glasses, Brando sees each biting catfight as a golden opportunity to better know the campus royalty. After a particularly ferocious altercation along St. Joseph Hall walkway, Brando jokes, “Woof woof woof woof. Woof!” Despite public concerns, he shares that the brawls are like “inside jokes” among the community—a lively, imaginative game designed to keep them engaged in each other’s secret lives.
(The cats say I’m just ragebaiting them because I want to spend quality time together. They’re not wrong!)
With an almost exhilarating eagerness, Brando continues to challenge the University’s ancient dogmas about who is allowed to sit at the table. After infiltrating the cat-centric society, he now hopes to paw his way into the human hierarchy. He aspires to join the ranks of the DLSU guards, inspired by the heroes who gave him a second chance. Brando confides, “Woof…woof woof woof. Woof woof woof woof.”
(Honestly…they are my inspiration. I just want to be a symbol of stability and kindness despite everything.)
Now, months after arriving at the villa, Brando’s tail of resilience unfurls across the smog-streaked streets of Taft Avenue, a beacon of hope for wandering students and stray dogs alike. Playing in front of the St. La Salle Hall facade, Brando finds solace in his canine company and comfort in the skunky aroma of the grass. In their joint effort, they prove that all underdogs deserve to reach for the highest stars. “Woof…woof…woof.”
(Love…joy…hope, bro.)