Pets preen, pose for homeless shelter
Advertiser Staff
More than 600 pet photos were submitted for the Hawaiian Humane Society full-color calendar — a fund-raising project that collected a charming collection of pet photos from around the Islands.
"We were delighted by the quantity and quality of photos sent to us," said Pamela Burns, president of the humane society. "It was a terrific response from pet lovers in Hawai'i, and the money raised from their entry fees is helping homeless animals cared for at our shelter.
"Everyone asks how the entries were judged, and it was not easy," Burns added.
Photographers Dana Edmunds and Stan Wright and designer Kathleen Sato were among the judges, and they all chose the same photo for the cover — Kira, a 7-year-old terrier mix who just happens to be adopted from the humane society. Kira's sparkling eyes, smile and perky ears set against a Hawai'i beach was the unanimous winner. Kira lives with Stephanie and Pali Frazier in Honolulu.
Carol Honda submitted several photos of her 8-year-old cat, Tigger, and one was chosen for the featured pet for December 2001. Tigger's Santa hat and reflected image won him that holiday spot.
The spring setting of a pond with lily pads was the background for the April winner, a corgi pup named Mowgli who is pictured leaning over the edge, seemingly to sniff a flower. In reality, he was reaching to examine his first bee perched on the flower.
Steve Barg's three great danes were chosen for October, Love-A-Dog month, and a colorful bird named Salsa brightens up August.
Though the judging was done strictly by looking at the photos, several of the featured pets were adopted from the humane society, including the dog pictured for December 2002. "Maggie is a very loving dog," said Marianne Schultz. "Whoever raised her during her first year did a great job." Pictured wearing an Adopt-a-Dog T-shirt on the beach at Chun's Reef, Maggie was another unanimous choice.
Fourteen photos are featured as full-page pets of the month, December 2001 to December 2002 plus the cover. All other photos are displayed in collages in the 15-page calendar. The 2002 calendars are $10 each at the customer service desk at the humane society; open weekdays noon-8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Purr-fect Paws boutique at Windward Mall also has the calendars for sale.
Tips for a happy Thanksgiving
The holiday season means there are more rich goodies around the house, some of which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Chocolates can be fatal to pets so don't put sweets where animals can reach them. Turkey, gravy, leftover fat and other human foods can cause gastrointestinal problems in animals. Keep your animals on their regular diet of pet food and they will be much happier. Even if you do not offer treats to your pets, they may still find them lying around. Put leftovers away and secure your kitchen garbage in a cabinet for the holidays to prevent pets from finding food you don't want them to eat.
With guests around during the holiday, make sure your pets are wearing their ID. If they slip out the door, the ID will give them a better chance of returning home quickly. If you have lost or found a pet, call the humane society immediately: 946-2187, ext. 285.
