Question: How will the Hawaiian Humane Society celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week on Oahu?

Answer: We're sponsoring a poster and essay contest. Winning pieces will be showcased at the Moiliili shelter during the awareness week, May 3 to 9, and at an exhibition at Pet Expo on May 9 and 10 at Blaisdell Center.

Kids on Oahu with a gift for art and words can win cash prizes for their entries.

Those in grades 7 to 12 are invited to share a story about a pet in 500 words or less. Submissions must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font and double-spaced. All entrants must include their name, school name, grade level and contact information (phone number, address and e-mail).

For younger children (kindergarten to grade six), drawings, paintings or collages are wanted. Maximum size is 18 by 24 inches and should depict kindness to animals. Posters must be labeled on the back with full name, school name, grade and contact information.

Entries may be dropped off at the Moiliili shelter; deadline is April 17. Essays can be submitted by e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Q: How was Be Kind to Animals Week started?

A: It was instituted in 1915, the first nationwide education and outreach effort by a national humane movement. The week, which celebrates the bond between humans and animals, was created by animal protection agencies that wanted to change people's ideas about the way animals should be treated.

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The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Indicate “;Pet Ohana”; in the subject line. Or, write “;Pet Ohana,”; Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.