Aloha Escorts Still Going Strong 25 Years Later

Fall 2015
Kauai Humane Society
Board of Directors
EMILY LAROCQUE
PRESIDENT
ELIZABETH FREITAS
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
LES MILNES
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
MAUREEN MULVIHILL
TREASURER
DIANN HARTMAN
SECRETARY
NAOMI GIOVANNI
MARGARET HANSON
ROYCE KAWABATA
JEFFREY KENNEDY
BEV PANG
ORIANNA SKOMOROCH
BETTY UNANIAN
Kauai Humane Society
Leadership Team
PENNY E. CISTARO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TRACY ANDERSON
SOS MANAGER
JONATHAN FISHER
COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER
LAURA L. LEE
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
MICHELE MOLINEAUX-FARALDI
BLOOMING TAILS STORE MANAGER
CHRISTINA MURPHY
OUTREACH AND CLIENT SERVICES
MANAGER
DR. DAWN USHIO
STAFF VETERINARIAN
CATHERINE VILLARREAL
CONTROLLER
JULIE WERNER
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Our Mission:
Aloha Escorts Still Going
Strong 25 Years Later
Slim, a little brown and white hound, came to
KHS along with his brother as a stray at only 3
months of age. Both arrived with skin infections
causing severe hair loss. Slim’s brother was
quickly adopted, Slim however waited patiently
for his home. While exercising Slim, staff
noticed that Slim was experiencing difficulty
Carol Ann and Norman escorting Frank and Sally
walking. After reviewing x-rays staff learned
Slim and his second chance
that both of Slim’s knee caps were dislocated;
a condition known as patellar luxation. He would need double knee surgery if he were to ever to walk
comfortably. This would be an enormous undertaking both financially and for Slim’s recovery.
The Oregon Humane Society (OHS), one of thirteen shelter and rescue partners in the Aloha
Escorts Transfer Program, was able to step up and give Slim a chance. The care provided by the
center’s 19-person medical team is a major reason why Slim is walking today. The shelter’s hospital
is also a one-of-a-kind teaching facility. In partnership with the Oregon State University (OSU)
College of Veterinary Medicine, veterinary students complete a three-week primary care rotation
at the hospital under the guidance of a full-time OSU faculty member. Slim was just one of 1,000
animals helped by surgeries through OHS this year.
Once OHS learned of Slim’s condition, it was clear that he would be an ideal candidate for this
program. The Kauai Humane Society was able to arrange a flight for Slim to Portland via Alaska
Airlines. Since his surgery, Slim has been adopted by a loving family where he runs for joy!
Slim is just one of the over 700 animals that have been transferred from the Kauai Humane Society
through this incredible program to find forever homes on the Mainland. KHS is still using the very
same program that started twenty five years ago at the original shelter in Hanapepe. In the 90s,
the program was called Aloha Escorts and Aloha Airlines was the main transporter. Dogs and cats
were transferred to Denver, Portland, and other parts of the West Coast.
Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our hard working staff and volunteers this very same
program has evolved and expanded over the years. We now have thirteen shelter and rescue
organizations as partners. On average,
two transfers per week occur with a
potential of ten animals through each
transfer.
Thank you to all the caring passengers
who have helped us by acting as an
escort for the animals ensuring that
they reach their destination safely and
are accepted by the receiving partner.
The Kauai Humane Society is dedicated
to promoting the human-animal bond and
ensuring compassionate, informed care
for all of Kauai’s animals.
Kauai Humane Society is a Better
Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited
charity. This is a promise and
assurance of the highest level of
financial stewardship of your gift.
Volunteer traveler with five transfers
Continued on page 4
2 Paw Print Press
From the Executive Director
It is understandable that when people look at our shelter they want to know the
effectiveness of our programs; how many lives were saved and how many were
euthanized. These are the most asked questions. The Kauai Humane Society
offers several outstanding programs to help the animals of our community. These
programs promote a better outcome for Kauai’s non-human residents.
The work we do on behalf of animals cannot be explained simply by looking at
our numbers although the numbers do tell a very positive and persuasive story.
This past year we increased our live release rate from 39% to 45%. We reduced
euthanasia relative to intake by 5%.
We continue, year after year, to move forward with new programs. These programs
are designed to decrease the number of animals entering the shelter through “safety
net” programs that enable families to keep their companions. These programs
include low cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations, the behavior hotline, and
the pet food bank, Gomez’s Galley. Last year the number of animals entering the
shelter decreased by 16%. We view this as a positive for our safety net programs.
The Kauai Humane Society accepts every single animal brought to us for help,
regardless of that animal’s health, age, physical condition, behavior, and even
regardless of the animal’s species. We are Kauai’s only “open door” facility. We
are the island’s only full service animal welfare organization. Despite that and the
obvious challenges it creates, KHS continues to move forward. And that is the
important take–away from reviewing our numbers. KHS continues to move forward.
In This Issue
Aloha Escorts Still Going
Strong 25 Years Later
1
From the
Executive Director
2
We All Need Help,
Even Your Pets
3
Gala News
4
Tributes5
Tails-A-Waggin5
Fall Highlights
5
Become A Hanai Family 6
Keep Your Ears Perked
6
I Scream for Gelato
7
Save our
Shearwaters Season
7
Wish List
8
Kaddy’s Corner
8
Mobile Spay and
Neuter Kick Off
8
We cannot compare ourselves to
other shelters. We can only compare
ourselves to ourselves. We are
our own measuring stick. While an
individual year may be up or it may
be down, when our numbers are
looked at over a period of years
can we say that we are improving?
Are the programs working? Are
the numbers trending in the right
direction? Are more lives being
saved? When we look at our
numbers and our programs we can
say yes to those questions.
It is also important to know if we are moving towards a clear goal whereby no
animals would be euthanized except for those whom euthanasia is necessary to
relieve their suffering or for the safety of people and other animals. We are making
steady, though slow, progress in that right direction.
Our programs are having an impact. Our transfer program sent 362 animals to
the mainland in fiscal year 2015, an increase from the 221 in 2014. Our partner
organizations on the mainland have increased this past year from three to
thirteen. Our Field Trip Program placed 96 dogs into new homes in 2015, up
from 82 in 2014. Our Foster Program provided care to 275 animals up from 257
animals in the previous year. We increased the number of animals spayed or
neutered by 110. For more information and statistics, please visit our website,
www.kauaihumane.org.
All of this is positive movement forward. And with the community’s support we can
continue our forward momentum. Thank you for your continued support; together
we can do more.
Penny E. Cistaro
Executive Director
We All Need Help, Even Your Pets
Paw Print Press 3
Whether adopting a new puppy or older dog, new owners could very well experience behavior issues. Even pets that have been a
member of the family for a long time can start exhibiting unwanted behaviors. Puppy chewing, excessive barking or even an older dog
marking his territory are all issues that can be overcome quickly. These issues and many others can most often be dealt with a little
patience, time and effort, and of course the expertise of your very own private behaviorist.
The Kauai Humane Society Behavior Helpline team consists of one certified humane educator, three certified dog trainers and a cat
expert. This group of talented and patient volunteers have been helping the animal lovers of Kauai. The most common issues they
have come across are house training, how to build the confidence of a timid dog, how to redirect a nipping puppy, and cats fighting
with one another. The team members rotate answering the helpline calls and work with each caller to resolve problems. Most of the
issues can be resolved over the phone or through email. Sometimes though, the problem may require a one on one with the pet.
However the issue is resolved, the result is the same. Callers are thrilled that the team here at the Kauai Humane Society is willing to
take the time to resolve the behavior issues.
In addition to working with the Behavior Helpline, these volunteers manage the Adoption Follow-up Program. The team checks in with
an adopting family approximately two weeks after the animal has settled into its new home to see how everyone is adjusting. Training
and behaviors are discussed to help with any issues. Most issues are resolved with advice and information. Sometimes it may require
a bit more. For example, if a young dog needs help with basic manners, a training class may be the solution.
This same group teaches dog training classes at the Humane Society. New classes begin every seven weeks. Three classes are
offered: Puppy Preschool, Family Dog Manners and Intermediate Manners. The Puppy Preschool class is for dogs 8 weeks to 4
months old, teaches basic manners and how to resolve most common puppy problems. The Family Dog Manners class is geared for
dogs older than 4 months old and helps the dog learn to pay attention, sit, lie down, come when called, walk politely on a leash and
settle on a mat. The Intermediate Manners class builds on the Family Dog Manners and also introduces the dog to agility exercises.
Classes are limited to seven registrants and all classes are taught with positive reinforcement. After a test of what the dog has
learned, they “graduate” from the class with a certificate and a bag of delicious Barkaroo Dog Treats.
To reach the Behavior Helpline, please call (808) 632-0610, x 116. To sign up for a
dog training class, please visit www.kauaihumane.org to see when the next set of
classes is offered.
These two programs are part of Kauai
Humane Society’s Safety Net Program
designed with the goal of keeping families
together. “People love their pets, however it
is important for any concerns to be smoothed
over in the honeymoon period,” one of the
behavior staff states. “That’s where the
helpline comes into play. Training creates a
bond between the trainer and the dog that
will last a lifetime. The best place for any dog
is with their family.”
Aloha Escorts Still Going Strong 25 Years Later
Continued from page 1
KHS couldn’t have placed all these animals without the gracious
partnership with Alaska Airlines.
and hound. Their appealing size and wire haired
faces are not found in mainland shelters.
KHS is always looking for passengers who are flying on a
nonstop Alaska Airlines flight to Portland, Seattle, San Diego,
San Francisco or Oakland. A week’s notice is preferable
although more is better for planning purposes. Advance notice
enables KHS and the partnering shelter to make the necessary
arrangements to ensure adequate room for the potential
candidates.
The Aloha Escorts is always in need of airline
approved pet crates, pet travel kits, and cargo
flight fees. For more program details and ways
to donate to save more animals’ lives visit
www.kauaihumane.org or call (808)632-0610.
Flight information is all that is needed; the date, time,
confirmation code and final destination. Next, KHS will reserve
the animal’s space on the flight and make all of the preparations
for the flight. At check-in, KHS staff will meet the passenger at
the Alaska Airlines ticket counter to check the dog in for the flight.
Alaska Airlines generously waives any associated fees. The
escort has the name and contact information of who will greet
them at their destination. Upon arrival, they go to baggage claim
and transfer the animal to the receiving volunteer.
That volunteer then takes the animals to the receiving shelter.
Since the animals are already fully vaccinated, spayed or
neutered and microchipped, they’re quickly assessed and placed
for adoption. Our unique looking dogs are usually adopted within
the first two days. Our dogs are a mixture of Airedale, Whippet
Staff member, Danielle with KHS volunteers Tracy and Carla assisting a flyer with transfers.
Gala News
Mahalo to all who attended Paws for Celebration Annual Gala at
the Sheraton in Poipu. The event netted over $80,000 to support
all of KHS’s programs. Thank you to all of our sponsors and
businesses that supported and donated to this great fundraiser.
And a big thank you to the Sheraton Kauai Resort’s for hosting
our event.
Kaddy will be featured on all promotional items for the Fast and
Furriest Festival. Her mom, Elizabeth Freitas kept bidding until
she secured the prize.
The winning bid for our naming playing field, Biscuit’s Backyard
was reached by Emily Larocque to honor her shelter dog, Biscuit.
Dr. Scott Sims was presented the Humane-itarian of the Year
Award for his compassion and unconditional commitment to
providing lifesaving care for animals.
Dr. Sims did extraordinary work for the Kauai Humane Society
and the Kauai community. Scott always put an animals’ needs
above his own and he will be deeply missed.
Tributes
Paw Print Press 5
Fall Highlights
February 2015 to July 2015
In Honor of Person
Penny and the Board Members
Ron and Laura Wiley
Scarlet Friedley
Paul Friedley
Kurt and Kathy Last
Megan Joseph
Judy Kloski
John Kloski
Victoria Ellacott
Lori Markowitz
Sheree and Mike Latif
Carol Sue Melamed Jerome and Laura Miller
Joanne and Hana Saiu
and Kathy Kikoshima
Stephanie Merenda
Laura Wiley
Jacqueline Turner
Elizabeth Freitas
Polly Price
Michaela Meulelijk
Janet Halloway and Scott Salmon
Kathy Thaggard
Joan Contival
Charmain Dehart
Deb and Bill Sander
Jan & Tim Jenkins
In Memory of Person
Murphy Shipley
Susan Blake
Sandi Day
Rosemary Cooper
Elizabeth Freitas
Ernie and JoAnne Moniz
Jennifer Kay Osmundson Peggy and Gregory Sugimoto
Grove Farms
Ron and Laura Wiley
Linda VanDeman
Mary Artigliere
Robert and Alinda Hiller
DeDe Irwin
Ken Irwin
Carey Fong
Edwin and Janet Kamioka
Elvis Zola
Joel and Judy Kettler
Lilly Maksood-Moore
Margaret and Tim Miles
Daniel Newbold
Mary Pixler
Joanne Woltman
Kay Tullius
Christine and William Queen
Julie Lappert
Ashley Swart
Judy Brennan
Dorothy Swenson
Tom Tombrello
Betty Unanian
Teddy Drews
Sheila Drews
In Honor of Pet
Mocha
Rose Ann Adamson
Anna (Tilly)
Bonnie Jorgensen
Koa, Tora and Sam
Mary Ann Kubota
Taz
Cheryl Peru
Toofie
Roberta & Mel Johnson
Frank (Ole Blue Eyes)
Carol Ann Davis
In Memory of Pet
Mango
Millie Bobbitt
Andy and Becky Gagnon Bonnie and Edward Lake
Betty Unanian
Ron and Laura Wiley
Sheila Drews
Ben
Denise Boehler
Holly
Arnie and Judy Breyer
Rocket Girl and Morah
Larry and Kay Einhorn
Cocoa
Rachel Halverson
Cotton
Kathleen Moss
Arwen
Helen Osborne
Jeremy Osborne
Kristi Kalke
Pepsi, Rufus, Regis and
Orphan Annie
Lori Otsuka
Princess
Robin Yost
Alice Victorino
Champ
Ron and Laura Wiley
Penny Cistaro
Amigo Spinden, Kimmy,
Tommy and Helen
Sheila Drews
Bonnie, Albert, Schotzie and
Hannah
Karen and Ralph Foxworthy
Ruby D.
Amorosa DeGracia
Tails-A-Waggin’
Bissell Pet
Foundation Grant
Kauai Humane Society is thrilled to be a recipient of the Bissell
Pet Foundation grant. KHS was awarded $5000 in support for
our Spay/Neuter Program.
PENNY DRIVES
We would like to thank Ele`ele Elementary
School. The kids held a Penny Drive to
benefit Gomez’ Galley Pet Food Bank here
at Kauai Humane Society. They raised
$787 in pennies. Wilcox Elementary School
did the same and raised $100 in pennies.
Both schools show amazing compassion for
Kauai’s animals and the shelter. They are
great stewards of the community and we
thank them for choosing our organization to
give their donations.
QUILTING FOR THE ANIMALS
Quilts were made and sold at the Kauai
Quilt and Fiber Show. Quilters Norma
Miyamoto, Delina Aberle, Kathleen
Mansfield, Lynn Sentenn, Susan Burkhard
and Christine Queen chose the Kauai
Humane Society as their charity. Thank
you for taking the time to make the
quilt and choosing the shelter for your
donations.
KURANDA BEDS DONATED
Dalton, a future Eagle Scout, made
Kuranda Beds for the shelter dogs. Thank
you for your outstanding gift to the KHS.
Each bed
made allows
the pups
to be more
comfortable in
their kennels.
MAHALO!
• Mahalo to Natural Pet Hawaii for
sponsoring our Pet of the Week on
KQNG. We commend you for your
continued support and dedication to all the pets on the island.
• We were nominated by an anonymous person to the Dogs and Cats on the Streets and received $5,000. We
appreciate that person for caring and
supporting our shelter.
PETCO PARTNERSHIP
Kauai Humane Society is a proud partner
with Petco. Petco has partnered with Kauai
Humane Society to house up to 4 cats at
a time in their store. 8 cats have already
been adopted from the store since it
opened late June. Petco is also sponsoring
our Pet of the Week on KQNG.
6 Paw Print
PrintsPress
Press
Become a Hanai Family
Right: Is Meha a domestic shorthair kitten
Left: Is Lola a Airedale/Terrier mix and
Bottom: Is Popcorn a Lionhead mix rabbit
Keep Your
Ears Perked!
Popcorn, a one year old Lionhead
Mix rabbit, came to KHS skittish
and shy. She was a beautiful rabbit
who would be easily adopted if
she was comfortable with people.
Meha, a 2-month female charcoal
domestic shorthair kitten, was too
tiny when she was arrived. Lola, a
one year old female brindle Airedale/
Terrier mix was timid when she was
placed for adoption. After a month
of being at the shelter, she was
becoming increasingly scared; all the
activity and strange people became
overwhelming for her.
These three animals all had a
common need. They needed
individualized care in a quiet
environment where a loving family
could provide socialization and time.
These and hundreds more like them
were given a second chance by the
hanai families who foster animals
for KHS. Hanai families give of their
time and provide day to day care,
basic training, behavior modification,
medical care and socialization. With the responsibilities come
the rewarding moments; having an animal gain weight, learn
how to walk on a leash, approach a stranger or gently nudge
your hand for some loving gives the foster families all the
gratification they need.
These families open their hearts and homes to nurture these
animals until they reach their adoption potential. In the Hawaiian
language, hanai means “to adopt, to be close, to sustain, to
nourish.” Each hanai family does just that by giving them love,
socialization, training, affection, confidence, trust, and a name.
Foster homes are needed for a variety of reasons. Kittens and
puppies may simply need time to grow to their adoption age. An
already timid dog may become “kennel stressed” and start to
lose weight and withdraw from others. An animal may be sick or
injured and require the extra TLC to take care of that issue.
Kauai Humane Society provides all the supplies, food and
medications the animal will need while in a hanai home. On
average, approximately 75 dogs and 180 cats are fostered through
the Foster Program annually. There is always a need for additional
homes. If you would like to participate, all you have to do is fill
out a volunteer and a foster application. Next, attend a volunteer
orientation with hands-on training and then wait for the opportunity
to help your first foster animal. For more information, please
contact Julie, our Volunteer Coordinator at 808-632-0610, x111.
Paw Print Press 7
I Scream for Gelato....
Many thanks to Papalani Gelato for donating their delicious
homemade gelato for our Annual Volunteer Appreciation
Party held on April 18th. Awards were presented to
volunteers for the hours spent at the shelter. We have over
240 active volunteers assisting with the daily tasks that
it takes to run the shelter. We had 5 volunteers with over
1,000 hours of service, 9 volunteers with over 500 hours of
service and 15 volunteers with over 100 hours of service.
Mahalo to ALL our volunteers for putting the animals first.
Your kindness and compassion for each animal at our
shelter makes a huge difference in their lives. We couldn’t
do it without you.
VOLUNTEERS OVER 1,000 HOURS:
Valerie Jo Allred
Margaret McGinty
Robert McGinty
Celia Rahe-Allee
Robert Stuart
VOLUNTEERS OVER 500 HOURS:
Sheila Drews
Carol Everett
Ellen LeClair
Joyce Ogmundson
Ikumi Sakamoto
Sharell Sakamoto
Gabriel Stopak
Betty Unanian
Julie Werner
VOLUNTEERS
OVER 100 HOURS
(April 2014 to
April 2015):
Susan Allyn
Susanne Bailey
Jennifer Barretto
Breanna Barretto
Jessica Brown
Tracy Capman
Joan Contival
Bailey Hanna
Ally Kirk
Filemon Menor
Gerald Prickett
Debra Signaigo
Fran Smith
Emily Sullivan
Mary Zakula
Save our
Shearwaters Season
From September 15 to December 15,
shearwater fledglings take their first flight to
the water from their nest. They use the
moonlight to direct them out to sea. The Save
our Shearwaters (SOS) team asks you to help
by reducing light attraction. For more info, visit
http://kauaihumane.org/programs-services/
save-our-shearwaters/. Here is a list of public
SOS aid station locations:
NORTH
Kilauea Medical Group Hanalei Fire Station (near Princeville
shopping center)
Hanalei Liquor Store
CENTRAL-EAST
Lihu’e Fire Station
Kapa’a Fire Station
Kaiakea Fire Station
Kauai Humane Society
WEST
Waimea Fire Station
Hanapepe Fire Station
Kalaheo Fire Station
SOUTH
Koloa Fire Station
Kauai Humane Society
Wish List
If you shop at Amazon, you can go through
Amazon Smile and choose Kauai Humane
Society as the shelter of choice. Then you
can do all your shopping with a good feeling
knowing you are helping us out. A percentage
of your purchases will go back to Kauai
Humane Society through Amazon Smile!
We are in need of certain supplies on an
ongoing basis; please consider assisting
KHS with an in-kind donation of any
amount of the following items:
For the Staff:
• NEW WASHER AND DRYER
• NEW COMPUTERS
• BLEACH
• LAUNDRY DETERGENT
• ZIPLOC BAGS
• AA BATTERIES
Kaddy’s Corner
Dear Kaddy,
My baby brother who is a terrier mix escaped from our yard. My
parents are frantic. What do we do to bring my little brother home?
— Houdini’s Big Brother
Dear Houdini’s Big Brother,
Hopefully you both have your parent’s phone number engraved
on your dog license. If you do, make sure someone is manning
the phone. It’s important to get the word out right away. Social media is a great way. KQNG
radio is wonderful about spreading the word on the radio and on their Facebook page. Be
sure to post it on craigslist.com for your area. Go to the Kauai Humane Society to fill out a
lost animal report and check to see if your baby brother is there. Use a recent color photo
of your brother to put on posters to hang around your area and to show people in the your
neighborhood especially the neighbor who is always working in their yard. Have small cards
with the photo and your phone number that you can give to people while you search. Talk
to people as you search. Don’t be afraid to knock on doors. While roaming your area, bring
a sound that your brother likes. Either a squeaky toy or favorite treat bag. When calling him,
don’t sound mad. Even though you are scared, use your playful voice when calling him.
Check back frequently at the Humane Society. Don’t give up! Because of microchipping,
many dogs and cats are returned home.
— Kaddy
• COPY PAPER (PLAIN AND COLORED)
• PENS
Mobile Spay and Neuter Kick Off
• POSTAGE STAMPS
• STANDING FANS
• PRINTER
• HAND CARTS
• HEAVY DUTY SHELVING (STORAGE ROOM)
For the Animals:
• DRY CAT FOOD (3 POUNDS TO 25 POUNDS)
• DRY DOG FOOD (3 POUNDS TO 25 POUNDS)
• CAT TREES
• SCRATCHING POSTS
• KURANDA BEDS
• AIRLINE APPROVED ANIMAL CRATES (ALL SIZES)
• CATNIP
Kauai Humane Society (KHS) is excited to announce the Mobile Spay and Neuter Unit went
out to St. Catherine’s Church on July 15th. KHS has hired a part time vet, Dr. Sharon Gottfried
so that the mobile unit and the shelter clinic can
be operating simultaneously.
The Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit will go out twice a
month starting at St. Catherine’s Church which
is located on the east side of the island and
St. William’s Church, which is located on the
North Shore. KHS’ goal is to provide weekly
clinics at various locations. KHS mobile unit is
targeting those who have a difficult time getting
their pets to the shelter for surgery and vaccines.
• SHOE BOXES
• MARTINGALE COLLARS
• TOYS AND TREATS
• LEASHES
• TOWELS
• BLANKETS
• NEW OR USED HORSE TRAILER
• INDUSTRIAL SIZED FANS
• CARDBOARD CAT CARRIERS
We aren’t needing newspapers. We now
use towels to line our cat cages. We
appreciate all those that have donated
in the past.
Kauai
Humane
Society
P.O. Box 3330
Lihu‘e, HI 96766
ph: (808) 632-0610
support@kauaihumane.org
Upcoming Date Information
We are closed on Labor Day, September 7, 2015
Vaccine Clinic first and third Saturday of each month from 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Critter Camp 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, October 5th to 9th
Volunteer Orientation is held every second Saturday of the month. 10 am to 12:30 pm
Santa is coming to town. Carol Ann Davis will be taking family photos on November
7th and 8th
Connect with us!
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