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Kokua Line June Watanabe |
Contributions near $4,000
for rescued Tripler dogKokua Line readers have opened their hearts and pocketbooks to a little dog whose loving personality and underlying trust in humans remained intact despite years of living on her own.
At last count on Friday, more than 70 readers had contributed $3,984 to help pay for hip and knee surgery for Sweetie, the part-terrier rescued earlier this year after having lived alone near Tripler Army Medical Center for at least seven or eight years (Kokua Line, Sept. 21).
Contributions have ranged from $4 in cash to a $300 check.
Moanalua resident Betty Kamida wrote to us after she learned that Kokua Line had written about Sweetie -- then known only as a "wild" dog roaming the Tripler area -- in December 2000. A reader had asked what could be done to help the bedraggled creature.
Kamida told a heartbreaking, but ultimately heartwarming, story about how several people came together to help rescue the dog, who had a multitude of health problems, not the least of which was a hip injury that did not heal properly.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Betty Kamida pets Sweetie, the part-terrier rescued earlier this year after having lived alone near Tripler Army Medical Center for at least seven years. At last count on Friday, more than 70 readers had contributed $3,984 to help pay for hip and knee surgery for Sweetie.
Despite years without human contact, in the few short months Sweetie has lived with Kamida and her husband, Clayton, she has quickly adapted to domestic life.
In a thank-you letter to people who have donated to the surgery fund, the Kamidas wrote that Sweetie "always wants hugs and interaction and never lets us out of her sight."
"She howls with happiness and excitement when we walk in the door, spins around in a circle and flips onto her back to invite belly rubs. She loves to be brushed and stroked and to go on short leash walks. Sweetie is very smart and eager to please and she has learned basic commands. In many ways, she is like a puppy, experiencing things for the first time," the Kamidas said.
Readers have responded not only with generous contributions, but with touching notes, as well.
One unsigned note said: "Please use this money for Sweetie's medical surgery. In memory of the poor abandoned dog I couldn't/didn't save in Nanakuli."
A "Fellow Animal Lover" said Sweetie's story "brought tears to my eyes. ... I'm happy to know that she's found a loving home. Please accept my donation in hopes to make her life better."
Frank Yamamoto of Kaimuki, who contributed $250 on behalf of his family's toy poodle, Mimi, also sent Kokua Line a letter.
Mimi was adopted 10 years ago and "(we) treat her as we do any of our children and grandchildren," he wrote. "The result of what we have done for Mimi is reflected in the trust she holds for family members. As Lt. Col. (Teresa) Parsons discovered after months of coaxing Sweetie and winning her love, trust is of paramount importance in any relationship -- even with dogs! There is no doubt that Sweetie was abandoned by her former owners. She felt forlorn and patiently waited to be reunited with her former owners. The trust she had in them explains why she made no attempt to befriend others.
"We are elated that Sweetie found a new home with the Kamidas. Others will be enriched, as our family has been, in having dogs as part of their lives," Yamamoto said.
As much as they have helped Sweetie have a good life, the Kamidas have received much in return.
"Sweetie has taught us much about courage, determination and resilience," Clayton Kamida wrote to us. "She has also shown us that there are a lot of extremely kind and generous people in Hawaii who care deeply about animals."
Whatever money is left after Sweetie's $3,500 surgery is performed by a veterinary specialist from California will be used for her other continuing health problems, according to Dr. Sabina DeGiacomo, whose Animal Care Foundation played a major role in her rescue.
So far, the generous donations will also cover needed dental work.
You can call DeGiacomo at 941-2452 for more information.
Mahalo
To O'o Wong, for the big favor you did for me at W & M Bar-B-Q Burger on Thursday, Sept. 25. Much mahalos. -- T. Fujioka
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Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
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Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
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