Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Marianne Schultz hugs Maggie, who just recovered
from surgery on both of her hind legs. They will
walk in the Hawaiian Humane Society's annual
PetWalk fund-raiser this Sunday to mark
Maggie's re-entry into the active-dog world.

Maggie’s on the
mend for PetWalk

By Treena Shapiro
Star-Bulletin

Hundreds of people across the country will be rooting for a basenji pit bull as she takes a lap around Kapiolani Park this Sunday.

Maggie, a Hawaiian Humane Society alumna who until recently was unable to walk, will raise $1,712 for the organization with pledges her owners Scott and Marianne Schultz solicited from friends, family, co-workers and email correspondents in seven states.

The PetWalk, Humane Society's annual fund-raiser, starts 8 a.m. Sunday at the Kapiolani Park bandstand. The event, open to animal lovers with or without pets, includes a two-mile walk around Kapiolani Park, pet games and a costume contest.

Maggie won't be in costume, but will wear a blue-checkered sunflower bandanna for the walk, an occasion marking her re-entry into society. Maggie has spent the past six months recovering from ligament surgery in both hind legs, sports-related injuries incurred while playing with a Frisbee.

With clearance from Maggie's surgeon, her owners have been getting her back into shape with short strolls, and Marianne said the dog should be good to go.

"She's in good form to do the walk," Marianne said. "If she gets tired or too hot, we'll just cut across the park."

The PetWalk is Marianne's biggest cause of the year. The Hawaii Humane Society "does such wonderful things, they need the support," she said, citing educational programs for pet owners, the dog park and, of course, adoption.

The Schultzes adopted Maggie, now 7, from the Humane Society in 1995. People will have the opportunity to do the same Sunday, when shelter dogs will participate in the walk, led by owners wearing "Adopt Me" buttons. The adoption fee is $50 and includes a free spay/neuter surgery, microchip ID, first vaccination, free veterinary visit, a leash and other supplies.

Registration forms for the PetWalk are available at the Hawaiian Humane Society and many local pet stores and veterinary clinics. A minimum donation of $25 is suggested and incentive prizes are offered for larger donations.

For more information or a registration form, call the Humane Society at 946-2187, extension 370.