Social media is currently abuzz over a young boy from the Philippines who, one afternoon, decided to bathe his puppy, hang it out to dry on a clothesline, and conduct an impromptu photo shoot. Pleased with his creative endeavor, he shared the photos on Facebook, inviting an overwhelming wave of criticism.

It wasn’t long before some of his more discerning friends swiftly condemned his actions. One by one, the digital outrage poured in, and soon Jerzon found himself at the center of a viral storm—complete with coverage from TV Patrol. While I certainly do not condone his behavior, as my partner Ed and I are devoted dog owners to our beloved Bogart, I think it’s important to consider the broader context surrounding this incident.

To be clear, I disapprove of Jerzon’s actions and hope he reflects on them. Yet, let’s take a moment to put this situation into perspective. It’s easy to join the chorus of criticism—especially when it comes from the safety of anonymity. But let’s examine this more thoughtfully.

First, we should reflect on the treatment of pets in the Philippines. I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen how the average Filipino household treats its pets, and it’s not exactly a Hallmark card scene. Most families keep dogs primarily for security, often tethered to a post and trained to bark at anyone who dares approach. Many pets spend their lives in cages, getting a bath once or twice a month—if they’re lucky. We feed them scraps and let them roast under the sun all day. The concept of exercising dogs? A foreign notion! Walking a dog might be interpreted as seeking attention, like strutting around with a bare midriff. When I first learned that dogs should be walked every single day, I was surprised, and I consider myself fairly well-informed. There’s much to be done in terms of educating pet owners about responsible care, including the importance of spaying and neutering.

While some Filipino families do keep indoor pets, this practice isn’t widespread, and in certain areas, dogs are treated as food rather than companions. And let’s not even mention that in some rural areas, dogs are considered delicacies. Tambucho gang, anyone? Need I say more? This raises serious ethical questions about our relationship with animals.

Next, consider his name: Jerzon Senador. Jer-zon. Right out of the gate, we’re off to a rocky start. I firmly believe that no self-respecting parents would name their child Jerzon. But then again, we have kids on TV named Xyriel and Zaijan who seem to know proper social decorum, so maybe my argument is a bit flimsy. Just remember, the next time you come across Jerzon’s story and feel the urge to hurl some curses, his name is Jerzon. That alone is punishment.

This situation might exemplify the debate between nature and nurture, but it does not excuse Jerzon’s actions. Fuck Jerzon! This incident will likely leave a lasting impression on him, which may serve as its own form of consequence. While he may have the ability to make choices, that doesn’t inherently make him mature.

Ultimately, it’s crucial for us to examine how we treat our pets and strive for improvement. Jerzon’s actions were misguided, but rather than continuing to criticize him, let’s focus on fostering a more compassionate approach to animal care in our society. It’s time to engage in meaningful conversations about our responsibilities as pet owners and advocates for animal welfare.