MANILA, Philippines – Many parents know the script all too well: kids beg for a pet, but then it’s mama or papa who ends up feeding, walking, and cleaning up after it.
But what if stories could change that?
Stories are more than tales. From pixie dust and enchanted forests to fire-breathing dragons, storytelling merges otherworldly magic with meaning, enriching a child’s curiosity, courage, and compassion — lessons they carry as they grow up.
Yet at the launch of Royal Canin’s newest storybook, there is no princess or knight from a faraway land. This time, the heroes are the very ones kids see at home and in the streets — a dog and a cat. And here, the happily-ever-after isn’t sealed with a true love’s kiss, but with children learning to be caring, responsible furparents to healthier, happier pets.
What kids learn from Rocky and Charlie
Welcome Home, Rocky & Charlie! is a story that follows siblings Reggie and Cindy, whose everyday routine at home sparks a longing for a new member of the family.
Their parents take them to a breeder, where a golden retriever named Charlie instantly wins their hearts. Soon after, Cindy finds a stray cat called Rocky on the way home, which her parents welcome without any hesitation.
The story points out that dogs and cats are different in many ways, but both should be cared for just the same. Right from the start, the pets came from different beginnings — both symbolizing the value of providing a pet a home they need and deserve, whether through responsible breeding or adoption.
As a dog, Charlie barks on command, follows rules easily, and needs regular baths. Rocky, the cat, meanwhile, likes being independent, following her instincts, and cleaning herself by licking her fur.
By recognizing these differences, Reggie and Cindy understand that no two pets are alike, and that loving them means paying attention to what makes each of them unique.
What tails tell
Dr. Kitsie Torres, Royal Canin’s scientific communication manager, walked through the basics every young pet owner should know. Keeping pets happy only needs five things: regular food and clean water, shelter and comfort, play and exercise, proper vet care, and above all, love and attention.
She also taught children how they can learn to “read” their pets. A relaxed dog has its ears down and at ease, a playful one takes a bow stance, an alert one may raise a paw, yawn excessively, lick its lips, or turn away, and an aggressive one leans forward with its tail and fur up, and its teeth are visible.
Cats also have their own tells: neutral when their ears are facing forward and their eyes are round, angry when their ears are up and turned to the side, and aggressive when their ears and pupils are flattened.
Her reminder was simple for children: to give animals space when they need it, and to always ask a guardian or a parent before approaching or giving food to a pet. Some favorites on the “do not feed” list also came straight from the kids themselves — chocolates, grapes, and onions among them.
From plate to page
For the veteran purrent, the familiar pet food’s red-crowned logo is easy to spot in any convenience store or supermarket. Since its establishment in 1968, Royal Canin has been innovating science-based nutrition for cats and dogs, formulating diets based on a pet’s age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities — ensuring they’re not only loved, but understood.
“It’s about recognizing the unique personalities of our pets, providing the right nutrition, and creating an environment where they feel safe and loved,” said Ann Madelene Garcia, pet specialty retail head at Royal Canin Philippines.
It was this same commitment to understanding pets that inspired Welcome Home, Rocky & Charlie! Garcia shared that the idea also stemmed from the fact that kids between the ages of 6 and 10 are often the ones begging their parents for a puppy or kitten. This makes the storybook the perfect learning opportunity, so kids can practice listening and reading while developing attentiveness and empathy toward animals.
The book aims to spark more meaningful conversations with children, which is why Royal Canin isn’t stopping at just publishing the book. They also plan on sharing the story on school tours in Metro Manila to educate and empower kids right inside the classroom.
The project was done in collaboration with Communitails, a non-profit that brings therapy dogs into educational and wellness programs, so children are expected not only to receive their own copies of the book, but also to learn directly from the pets through meet-and-greets.
While there’s talk of the storybook’s digital formats and Filipino translations, no official updates have been shared just yet.
Royal Canin also announced on its Facebook page that Welcome Home, Rocky & Charlie! “will be up for grabs soon.”
Until then, Rocky and Charlie will keep wagging their way through schools, teaching kids that pet care isn’t just a single chapter but a lifelong story. — Jaella Magno/Rappler.com
Jaella Magno is a Rappler volunteer and a third year AB Literature major in Creative Writing student from De La Salle University.