ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Sterilize your pets to show your love

The Hawaiian Humane Society

The Postal Service's newest stamps include advice on animal care that people should follow to the letter.

Scheduled for release Friday, the 37-cent first-class stamps will feature pictures of a charming puppy and kitten and the words neuter and spay.

The Hawaiian Humane Society and organizations across the nation welcome these stamps as a way to increase awareness of this important issue.

"For many years, sterilization has been at the heart of our efforts to control pet overpopulation. Not only is the stamps' message key, but the adorable puppy and kitten will help increase their use," said Pamela Burns, society president.

Here's how you can help:

• Buy and use the neuter/spay stamps. Help spread the word in Hawai'i and everywhere else your mail goes.
• Have your companion animals neutered or spayed. Make sure your own pets do not add to the problem.
• Tell your friends and neighbors about neutering their pets. Call the humane society at 946-2187, ext. 223 to request a brochure about Honolulu's affordable Neuter Now program, ($18 for male cats and dogs, $29 for female cats and dogs). The brochure describes the health benefits for neutered pets and lists participating O'ahu veterinarians.
• If you feed cats in your neighborhood, become their caregivers. Although feeding stray cats may be a kind gesture, without taking full responsibility and making sure they are sterilized, you are adding to the problem of pet overpopulation.

Call the society at 946-2187, ext. 285, to find out about the free feral cat sterilization program.

Last year, with the help of human caretakers, 2,609 feral cats were sterilized at the humane society at no charge.

• Donate your time, service or money to local efforts to end pet overpopulation.

"Sterilization is essential for the well-being of pets in our community, but it's not the only thing that needs to be done," said Burns. "The humane society offers programs that help people with pets care for and train their animal companions so that they will all stay together, happily."

Burns urges Hawai'i residents to visit the humane society for help with behavior problems and training tips. It's also important to visit your veterinarian regularly, keep vaccinations updated, provide proper nutrition and exercise, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention.

A pet is a big responsibility as well as a true joy, she said. Those who truly care about the welfare of animals will sterilize their pets and treat them like one of the family."

Adoptables

Tag No. 20136

Here's an adult cat who is large and in charge. An attractive brown and tan tabby, Charles must be kept indoors at his new home because he has been declawed.

Tag No. 08793

This happy lab/terrier mix loves to play and then play some more. Dillon is a strong, handsome 2-year-old male who is looking for a home with adults and older children. Training is a must, but Dillon catches on quickly.

These particular animals may already have found new homes. Please visit to see all the pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society & McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays noon to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The incoming animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call 946-2187, ext. 285.