A bistro cafe and restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, has responded to online allegations that it “unceremoniously” evicted its resident cat from its premises.
Wildflour Restaurant said on Monday, July 6, that Melody, its beloved resident cat at its BGC branch for over two years, has been “temporarily rehomed” while the establishment undergoes renovations.
“We wish to inform everyone that resident cat, Melody, who has been a beloved part of our restaurant for over two years, is safe, healthy, and well cared for,” it said in a Threads post.
The restaurant said it is upgrading its branch in BGC “to create a more welcoming and pet-friendly dining environment.”
“Melody’s temporary relocation was made with her welfare in mind, as renovation work can be noisy and stressful for animals,” it said.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of both our guests and our animal companions throughout this process,” Wildflour added.
“We thank our BGC cat community for facilitating her rehoming and care. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friends back once the upgrades are complete. Thank you for your understanding and continued support,” it continued.
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The statement came amid allegations that Melody’s “food and water bowls have been removed from where it’s been stationed for the past three years,” according to Threads user @overranbydoggos, who made the claim on Sunday, July 5.
“To those who care for Melody, she has been rescued by a Cats of BGC volunteer last night (after being shooed away by the store she used to consider home) and is now in foster care,” the Threads user added.
“Cats of BGC” is a volunteer group taking care of community cats at BGC.
“If anyone compassionate wants to give her a forever home, please get in touch with Cats of BGC. Let us continue to defend and speak up for the voiceless and vulnerable,” the Threads user previously said.
Another Threads user claimed that according to @overranbydoggos, a volunteer had to retrieve Melody after her bowls were immediately removed.
“If it [were] all for Melody’s welfare, a proper turnover would have been done,” the Threads user commented.
Another Threads user shared photos of Melody, saying that “people working in the area love her presence.”
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Meanwhile, another Threads user called on those who have the means to adopt Melody following the incident.
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Based on a post by the @meowptownbgc account, Melody was welcomed by a volunteer on Sunday, who took her to the veterinarian and updated her anti-rabies vaccination.
“The first night was scary. I cried because I didn’t understand why I couldn’t go back outside. But with patience, gentle pets, and a warm place to sleep… I’m starting to feel safe,” the account said, referring to the feline.
“Thank you to the volunteers of Cats of BGC who gave their time, opened their homes, and shouldered the costs to help me.I have just one wish… I hope this never ends. I hope the next home I wake up in is my forever home,” it added.
The account said it will hold an adoption initiative on July 11 to 12, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Uptown Mall, featuring rescued cats and dogs available for adoption.
