Photo courtesy from Lara L. Antonio

Imagine planning a fun day out in Tagaytay with your furry best friend, only to be told they’re not welcome—because of their breed. This is exactly what happened to Lara Antonio and her beloved Aspin (Asong Pinoy), Yoda, at the popular restaurant Balay Dako. The incident has sparked outrage among pet lovers, especially those with Aspins, as Lara shared her frustrating experience on social media.

In her post, Lara recounted how she was turned away from Balay Dako despite being a regular customer who had previously dined there with Yoda. The confusion began when Lara was handed pet guidelines stating that only small to medium-sized dogs were allowed. Although Yoda had been welcomed before, this time was different. After some back-and-forth with the staff, Lara was told that Yoda couldn’t enter because she exceeded the 15kg weight limit for medium dogs—a rule that, according to Lara, wasn’t clearly posted on the restaurant’s website or social media.

What really irked Lara was the inconsistency in the enforcement of this rule. When asked about the size qualifications, the staff seemed unsure and later claimed that the guideline came directly from management. To add to the frustration, Lara noticed that larger dogs, like Labradors, were featured in Balay Dako’s promotional photos, making the situation even more confusing.

Feeling discriminated against because Yoda is an Aspin, Lara’s post quickly gained traction, with many fellow pet owners expressing their disappointment. The incident highlights a larger issue: the prejudice against Aspins, despite their growing popularity and the love they receive from many Filipino families.

In response, Balay Dako issued a statement apologizing for the incident and clarifying their pet policy. They acknowledged the confusion and assured the public that they are reviewing their guidelines to make them clearer and more consistent. The restaurant also promised to improve staff training to avoid similar situations in the future.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) released a heartfelt message urging the public to love and respect Aspins just as much as any other breed. They emphasized that Aspins are loyal, intelligent, and deserving of the same kindness and acceptance given to more “popular” dog breeds.

For many, this incident serves as a reminder that pet-friendly establishments should not only accommodate pets but should also treat all dogs equally, regardless of their breed. While Balay Dako’s apology is a step in the right direction, the conversation around pet discrimination, especially against Aspins, continues.

As Lara’s story spreads, more people are voicing their support for Aspins and calling for greater awareness and change. After all, a dog’s worth should never be determined by its breed.