HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY Volunteers such as Kathleen Patton, right, help customers at the Hawaiian Humane Society's front desk.

[PET OHANA]

Humane Society owes a lot
to animal-loving volunteers

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Hawaiian Humane Society

For those who care about animals, having a few pets isn't enough. Many choose to volunteer with various animal-care groups. Volunteering is also the perfect solution for those who want to be involved with animals, but live in places that don't accept pets.

At the Hawaiian Humane Society, volunteers handle a wide variety of "jobs," such as assisting with customer service, adoption counseling and animal care. But they're helping virtually everywhere — in the office, at special events, visiting hospitals with animals and even working from home.

"The value of volunteer time is priceless," Gayle Puou, coordinator of the volunteer program, said. "We have almost 500 active volunteers at the society. As a private, non-profit organization, we depend on the generosity of volunteers. There are programs that just would not exist without their help."

NEW VOLUNTEERS learn about shelter tasks during orientation sessions, then choose what they want to do and commit to a three-hour weekly shift for a minimum of six months. They receive additional training in their chosen area.

"We make some allowances for students who have several free months," Puou said, "and permit them to double up on shifts for three months."

Children ages 7 to 13 may volunteer with a parent or guardian. To volunteer alone you must be at least 14.

To volunteer Online: Download application from Web site www.hawaiianhumane.org(choose "Volunteers" and "Application"). By phone: Call Gayle Puou, coordinator of volunteers, 946-2187, Ext. 216 and have an application mailed to you. In person: Pick up an application at the shelter, noon to 8 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. Pet Loss Support Group Meetings: A volunteer facilitates discussions on the fFirst Tuesday of each month at the Humane Society. To register: Call 946-2187, Ext. 217

"Volunteers find the work so satisfying," said Puou. "Most stay well beyond six months, and many have volunteered for years."

David Bowley and his teen daughter Elan are a volunteer "parent team." Since September 1998, they've devoted weekends to quality time together, exercising dogs at the Humane Society.

Marci Taylor-Kaneshige has been a volunteer since 1992 but doesn't work with the animals. "I get satisfaction by helping in other ways — in the office and at special events."

Events such as Tuxes & Tails and PetWalk are "a joy to do," she said. "The people who attend the events are such animal lovers and contribute so much to helping animals in need; I feel good about being a part of it."

Margaret Murphy is a foster-care volunteer who tends to young animals in her own home until they are old enough to be adopted.

Ron Stebbins is part of the shelter animal behavior program, teaching dogs "good manners" such as how to sit, stay and walk nicely on a leash.

Volunteer positions include:

Animal care: Exercise and groom dogs, cats, and assist veterinary technicians.

Community events: Plan and participate in fund-raising, educational and special events.

Customer service: Help potential adopters and reunite lost pets with their owners.

Exercisers and trainers: Socialize and train dogs and cats.

Foster care: Nurture injured or young animals in your home until they are ready for adoption.

Gardening: Put your green thumb to work on the grounds.

Humane education: Assist society's educators in teaching children to respect living things.

Office: Help with clerical work such as copying, filing, stuffing envelopes and answering phones.

Pals program: Provide temporary supportive care for animals belonging to elderly and ill people in their homes.

Park pals: Ensure the enjoyment of dogs and their owners at McInerny Dog Park.

Pet visitation: Bring your pet to nursing homes and hospitals to visits the ill and elderly.

"There are no small ways to help out at the Humane Society; they are all big ways," society president Pamela Burns said.

The rewards for volunteers are great. They help their community, learn new skills, meet like-minded animal lovers and receive unconditional love from their charges.

"We couldn't do it without them," Burns said, "and there's always more to be done, so there's a constant need for new people."

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