Family gives Ching new puppy to love
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former University of Hawai'i volleyball player Tony Ching yesterday experienced a new example of puppy love from a Nu'uanu family.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Ching, who lost his puppy following a May 23 traffic collision in Makiki, yesterday accepted a mixed-breed Shar-Pei/Labrador puppy from the Balles family who did not know Ching but wanted to help.
"All the support has helped me heal faster," said Tony Ching.
"It's just so special," Ching said. "I don't think there's any other place in the world where people would reach out so much for one person. I'm just so appreciative. I can't express enough gratitude to this family that's given me this beautiful dog."
Ching, 22, suffered critical injuries when he was thrown from his moped in a collision on Wilder Avenue and Alexander Street. He was carrying his six-week-old Akita/Labrador puppy at the time.
Ching learned a few days ago that the puppy did not survive the accident.
Several people called The Advertiser to offer puppies, including one man who wanted to donate a purebred Shar-Pei puppy. However, it was the Balles family who called Ching yesterday and offered a 6-week-old, white- and tan-colored female puppy named Butterball. The puppy was one of six in the litter.
Shirley Balles said they were planning on giving the puppy to a pet store, but after learning about Ching's plight, her daughter, Melissa, asked to give the puppy to Ching. So yesterday, another daughter, Roz, called Rehab Hospital of the Pacific to offer the puppy to Ching.
"We snuck the puppy into the rehab hospital and it just went right into his arms," Shirley Balles said. "When he looked at it, it was so emotional. It was so meant to be. He got his pup back."
Ching, who suffered head and leg injuries and a collapsed left lung, said the puppy and the outpouring of support from well-wishers will help him recover.
"All the support has helped me heal faster," said Ching, who doctors expect to make a full recovery. "There's been countless number of cards, balloons, stuffed animal puppies and well-wishes sent my way. That's always encouraging. It helps me keep motivated and overcome the frustration of being stuck on my back."
