ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Humane society brings humans, animals closer
Hawaiian Humane Society
The Hawaiian Humane Society is dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals. The society's outreach programs exist to fulfill the first part of that mission: promoting the human-animal bond.
For many people, our most endearing friends are our animal companions. The touch of an animal can bring us joy.
"It seems natural for people with pets to want to share this wonderful feeling," said Marty Hutchins, outreach programs coordinator at the Hawaiian Humane Society. "Often people are not aware of our outreach services: Pals, Pet Visitation, Paws on the Path, and Pet Loss Support Group. Each is made possible by volunteers who share their love for animals with others."
The Pals program provides a temporary helping hand to people who are hospitalized, elderly, or disabled. Volunteers can clean litter boxes, deliver pet food, walk the dog or take the animal to a veterinary appointment. Pets who belong to victims of domestic violence are sometimes cared for while their owner is in a shelter.
"We encourage people who have no one to help them to utilize this program when they need temporary pet care," Hutchins said. "Our volunteers often provide services at the owner's home. In some cases, the pet will receive foster care at the volunteer's home, but our goal is to keep the pets and people together."
Pet Visitation is a way of drawing pet owners and their animals closer while helping others enjoy the bond.
"Volunteers and their pets visit hospitals, care homes and rehabilitation centers to greet the residents," Hutchins said. "Karen Frost and her dog Zeus visit several facilities, and their bond has been enhanced by their experiences. Karen called, elated, telling me about one of her visits a while back — she felt the residents were really responding to Zeus and enjoying the company of her dog.
"This program is staffed by great volunteers and wonderful pets, but we are still looking for volunteers with pets who live on the North Shore, the Wahiawa-Mililani area or Leeward O'ahu," said Hutchins. "We'd also like people with well-socialized cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds to know that we'd love to have them as Pet Visitation volunteers."
Because the human-animal bond is so strong, when a companion animal dies, the loss hits you hard.
"The Pet Loss Support Group is a way of working through the grief," said Hutchins. "Also included as pet loss is the pain caused by separation from your pet because your animal is missing, in quarantine, lost in a custody case, or gravely ill. It is natural to mourn the absence of such an important part of our lives."
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month; reserve a seat by calling Hutchins at 946-2187, ext. 217. Look for other information on the Web site www.hawaiianhumane.org, in the Programs section.
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Paige
Tag No. 08145
Just 6 months old, Paige is a kitten and loves to play. She enjoys cuddling and grooming. Her black-and-white coat is fluffy and requires brushing to keep her looking gorgeous. Already spayed, Paige looks forward to being adopted today. Visit her in Room 2 at the Cat House.
Shannon
Tag No. 07836
This Shar-Pei/pit mix is a friendly 2-year-old female who needs a home. Shannon has learned good manners in the Humane Society's animal behavior program and enjoys pleasing people. Now she needs a family where she'll continue her training.
