Patti and Michael Blasko coax a happy howl out of JC, a dog they saved six years ago at their Waianae shelter.
Photo by Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin

It's not easy finding homes for such hard-luck dogs, says Patti Blasko, who with her husband Michael runs Waianae's K-9 Animal Rescue League.

"People are just very fussy," she said. "We're trying to find homes for as many as we possibly can."

The shelter, the first and only refuge in Hawaii for homeless dogs that does not kill them, is having some hard luck of its own.

The Hawaiian Humane Society recently ordered the couple to comply with city requirements governing dog kennels or reduce the dog population to 10 by early August.

Currently there are about 46 dogs at the shelter, said Patti Blasko.

The Blaskos worry some of their canine friends may be taken from the shelter and put to sleep.

Becky Rhoades, veterinarian and director of the Humane Society's shelter operations, said there are no such immediate plans.

"There's been no indication that any animals will be taken and euthanized," she said.

But Rhoades noted several complaints were made last year about barking, odor and hundreds of dogs living on the Blasko's property.

Responding in March of 1995, the Humane Society found 49 dogs at the site.

Michael Blasko was told a commercial dog kennel cannot have any structure within 100 feet of the property line, Rhoades said. Also, soundproofing and air conditioning of facilities are required, she said.

The Blaskos have been given a year and a half to comply or have the number of dogs they can keep limited to 10, Rhoades said.

Patti Blasko tends the kennels at the K-9 Animal Rescue League.
Photo by Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin

"We've given them extension after extension trying to be reasonable and give them a chance to find homes for their dogs - or build a new kennel to come into compliance with the law."

Patti Blasko said all the dogs are vaccinated and kennels are kept clean. "We have the support of our neighbors," she said.

"We're not a nuisance."

If you're interested in adopting a dog down on luck but upbeat in love, call the Blaskos at 696-4357.

The adoption is free.