Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Are pets allowed to enter stores? A woman carried her dog into a convenience store, and in front of several customers, she had the nerve to put her pet on the counter where people lay purchases of foods, bentos, etc. If there is a state health law, auwe to that woman! P.S. The dog wasn't even on a leash. Pets are not allowed in
stores that sell foodComplain to the store manager or call the state Department of Health's sanitation branch, 586-8000, to look into your complaint, said sanitation chief Brian Choy.
The law allows only seeing-eye dogs or dogs that assist disabled people in establishments that sell food, he said.
It's difficult to convince some pet owners to obey the law, Choy said. "Some owners are really arrogant and make excuses, like, 'I can't go out of my house without my dog.' "
Others talk about "the emotional need," but "emotional need won't stand in court," Choy said. The only allowances are for dogs that assist people with some kind of obvious disability, he said.
Someone called me about donating to the Sylvester Foundation. I told them I don't do business over the telephone. They then sent me a letter asking for a donation. Is this a legitimate group? The Sylvester Foundation is a nonprofit organization that takes in abandoned or unwanted animals and is based on a "nonkill philosophy," said Candy Meunier, who founded it eight years ago.
"We don't put anything to sleep for lack of space," she said. "If there is suffering, or no hope, then, of course, we will. But other than that, we try to do everything" to keep an animal alive.
The operation is basically Meunier and a friend who tend to about 200 animals -- mostly cats, but also dogs, horses, chickens, pigs, ducks, etc. -- on a 20-acre ranch in Waimanalo, she said.
"We are always on the edge," in terms of money, she said. She is able to operate on some donations, including pet food and some veterinary services, but also relies on her own pocketbook. She estimates it costs about $1,400 a month for food alone, plus that much in medical expenses.
The ranch is not open to the public because Meunier lives on the site, but "we do make exceptions," she said. If you have any questions about how your money is to be used, call her at 259-0064.
She said donations are tax deductible.
The Hawaiian Humane Society periodically gets requests for information about animal-related organizations, said spokeswoman Eve Holt.
The advice it gives is to check out the facilities in person, if possible; request an annual report; and contact the Better Business Bureau for any information.
"In other words, do a little research," she said.
The Better Business Bureau of Hawaii did not have any complaints about the foundation.
Our school has film strips on a variety of science subjects for elementary-age students that we'd like to donate. However, you would need a film-strip projector. Call Betty, 842-8617. Free film strips
To the van driver who left a nasty note on my car at McCully Square. You were parked in a compact stall, making it difficult for people on both sides of you to get in and out of their cars. If you can't read English, catch the bus. -- Concerned Citizen Auwe
To Willy, my angel on the road, who came to my rescue and changed my tire on the morning of April 28. Also to the staff at Nanakuli Elementary School for their concern over my plight. -- Susan Makahiro Mahalo
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
