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Eighth-graders Piper Marshall and Nicole Leong donated half the proceeds from their New Year's Dog Wash to animal care. Isle communities
spread aloha to petsBy Hawaiian Humane Society
The animal-loving employees of GEICO Insurance Co. made goodie bags with gifts for newly adopted animals and their families.
Proceeds from Valentine's Day candy-grams delivered by Aikahi Elementary's Student Council Student Aloha Committee were donated to the Hawaiian Humane Society.
A hotel worker collected clean, slightly worn towels that the hotel no longer used and brought them to the Humane Society for use by dog groomers.
These are just a few of the ways that the people of Oahu have helped further the goal of helping animals in our community. Their donations of time, supplies and money are responsible for improving the welfare of animals.
Though united with humane societies nationwide in a common concern, the Hawaiian Humane Society is an independent organization caring for Oahu's animals. Donations to national organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States or American Humane Association do not contribute to efforts in Hawaii. There is no parent charity group for the humane societies, and each island's organization relies on its people for support.
Last year, more than 31,000 animals received shelter and care at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Adoption fees and other small charges cover some costs, but much of this work is only possible through donations. The community's financial support helped make 7,893 spay/neuter surgeries at the society possible in 2001.
Donations also fund the development of school curriculum by the society's humane education department. Staff members teach respect and care for all living things to Oahu's children. Humane education staff also provide materials and talks for the community.
The society's PALS program, which helps the elderly, ill and disabled by providing temporary pet care assistance and foster care, relies on volunteers to take care of their pets' needs. Volunteers can also be found in the clinic, in grooming areas, helping with administrative tasks and at special events.
In March a trio of youngsters brought two big shopping bags full of toys for the shelter animals. John Lunsford, 11, Holly Jeffries, 12, and Katie Araneo, 10, were celebrating their February birthdays and decided to forgo personal gifts in favor of donating toys for homeless pets.
To prepare the party invitations, Katy Lunsford, John's mother, called the humane society and got the "wish list" of toys for shelter pets. When the families delivered their bags of toys, they were introduced to Lani, a shelter dog who had been a constant barker "until she was given a toy to occupy her time," said Elaine Dobashi, coordinator of the shelter animal behavior program.
"The animals don't have much to do while they're here waiting for a home," said Dobashi, "and the toys give them an opportunity to chew and play. It makes perfect sense that the toys would be a key to socializing animals and keeping them entertained."
Throughout the year, many people donate items like grooming brushes biscuits, pet food and supplies. There is a particular need for clean, used towels, which are used in grooming and to comfort animals after surgery.
Adults also think that donating can be a party. On the day they married, Stanton and Kristen Enomoto made their wedding a benefit to help the animals. There is now a national Web site that helps couples and their guests make weddings a charitable affair: www.marriedforgood.com. The community can take pride in knowing that they helped to make a difference and improve the welfare of animals in Hawaii.
>>>><<<< Take a walk
The Paws on the Path hiking group of dogs and owners will meet at 8:30 a.m. April 27 at Peacock Flats Trail in Mokuleia.Expect a sunny trail at the beginning and end, shady in the upper region with some steep portions.
For more information, call the Hawaiian Humane Society at 946-2187, ext. 217.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month.
The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated
to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at
2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
Click for online
calendars and events.
