Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Recently, we found a stray chow chow that we turned in to the Hawaiian Humane Society. If the owner did not claim it, we said we wanted the dog. Dr. Becky Rhoades, the veterinarian there, said the dog was aggressive and may bite and refused to let us take it. But while he was with us, he was fine. She said she wanted to see how we interacted with him. He was fine. She said the dog had heartworms. We were willing to pay for treatment. She said we would have to get an obedience trainer. We said we would do that, too. Then she said how would we be able to handle another dog since we already had three. It's not for her to judge how many dogs we have or our lifestyle. There used to be signs for dogs (awaiting adoption) saying they may bite. Dr. Rhoades said, "We don't do that anymore. If we think a dog may bite, it's not put up for adoption." Yes, some dogs may be aggressive, but we believe if you take it into a loving environment, it will change. We were willing to sign a waiver releasing the society from any liability. We were so determined to save this dog's life. Dr. Rhoades finally said we could bring in an outside vet to check the dog. The vet said he thought the dog was aggressive, but that he knew we had patience and experience and could probably settle into our environment. But we didn't pursue it. People may think they're doing good by turning a dog in, but some dogs are not given a chance. Why does Dr. Rhoades have such power and control? A dog judged dangerous
isn’t put up for adoptionThe situation was not quite that "black and white," said Humane Society spokeswoman Eve Holt. There also are no hard and fast rules for adoptions, she said.
"For public safety reasons, a known aggressive dog is not generally made available for adoption," said Rebecca Rhoades, the Humane Society's director of shelter operations. "Each situation is considered carefully -- the risk to the adopter, to the community and to the dog."
In your case, "the dog tried to attack every staff person that tried to get near it," she said. "We advised the couple that they might want to reconsider bringing the dog into their home," especially since you have a small child.
That said, many dogs turned in may have behavior problems that need to be managed, but many also are adopted, Rhoades said.
Dr. Jed Rogers of VCA Kaneohe Animal Hospital said he agreed with Rhoades. "When I went into the enclosure, I couldn't even approach (the dog) because I was afraid I could be injured," he said.
Rogers noted that Rhoades was especially concerned about the danger to children, but the more pressing issue for him was that the dog exhibited an aggressiveness "that would not necessarily get better with time."
The dog "was displaying dominant aggression, which is very difficult to treat even with most patient and knowledgeable people, which (you) are," he said.
Rogers said he knows you "would have done anything for the dog to be in a good home. But I don't think it was possible that would have done anything."
Added Rhoades: "We care deeply for animals, as this couple obviously does, and share their grief.
"We would like to be able to find homes for all the animals brought to us and work every day to achieve that mission."
We've been seeing lots of people wearing USS Missouri T-shirts and caps. Could you find out how we can get them? Shirts, baseball caps, key chains, etc. are available at the USS Missouri Memorial Association office, 965-A No. 4 N. Nimitz Highway. It's at Pier 35, in a building marked Hawaii Stevedores. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. All proceeds go to support the nonprofit association. Call 545-2263 for information.
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
