Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Rescued dog now happy in Moanalua

REMEMBER Sweetie, the abandoned dog who was given a second chance at having a good life (Kokua Line, Dec. 14, 2000, Sept. 21/Oct. 12, 2003, March 3, 2004)?

We recently received a Christmas card from Clayton and Betty Kamida featuring photos of a contented dog, and wanted to share one with readers, many of whom helped in her recovery.

The Kamidas adopted Sweetie after she was rescued through the efforts of several persistent people, not the least of which were the Kamidas themselves. They all refused to give up on the "wild" dog seen roaming the area around Tripler Army Medical Center for at least seven years.

Sweetie had major medical problems, and readers donated thousands of dollars for her surgeries.

Three years later, Sweetie is living a domesticated life in Moanalua with her pooch pal Moses, not far from where she once wandered frightened and alone.

Sweetie still has health problems, but she has learned to love the water, so the Kamidas are able to take her to hydrotherapy sessions to help keep her arthritis symptoms at bay.

"She's funny and feisty and affectionate, and brings us endless joy," Betty said.

She hopes Sweetie's story "makes people realize that very few dogs are truly unadoptable, and that the 'imperfect' ones who need a little extra care and attention are the ones who will appreciate you the most!"

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Q: Where I can I get a flu shot?

A: The state Department of Health has a listing of sites on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai that offer influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.

Check the Web site www.hawaii.gov/health/ or call 211 for dates and locations.

An appointment may be required. Other restrictions also may apply. If you have a Medicare Part B card, the shot will be free. Otherwise, the cost will depend on insurance coverage and/or income.

For more information, call the Health Department at 586-8332.

Mahalo

To a young lady from Kukui Plaza with the Aloha Spirit who helped us on Oct. 15. Our family planned a year ago to go to Las Vegas. We were to leave on Aloha Airlines at 1 p.m. that day. Then, about 7 a.m., a strong earthquake shook the islands. We assumed there would be no flights out. But about 9 a.m., our daughter called to tell us that Aloha Airlines would have flights as scheduled and she would pick us up. We got our suitcases and started down the emergency stairway from the 31st floor. After a couple of stairs down, the young woman offered to carry my wife Helen's suitcase. She took it down to the ground floor, then left. Helen was so exhausted she forgot to get her name to thank her. Please call 528-2674. If we are not at home, please leave your name and phone number so we can personally thank you. -- Mike