ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Humane society, vets team up to offer microchip IDs for $5

Hawaiian Humane Society

The Hawaiian Humane Society is highlighting the advantages of identifying pets with microchip IDs during August. All month, participating veterinary clinics will provide chips for O'ahu dogs and cats for $5.

The microchip ID typically costs about $25, but 18 veterinarians are waiving the cost of the doctor's visit so dogs and cats can receive the chip that expedites their return home. Collars and tags can be lost but the microchip ID provides permanent identification.

The microchips have led to amazing stories of lost pets reunited with their owners years later and many miles from home.

The chips are required in pets entering Hawai'i through the quarantine process and many breeders use the chips to identify their animals.

In November 1997, Keiichi Morita's English cocker spaniel named Jack disappeared from his fenced yard on Mariner's Ridge. He contacted the humane society immediately.

He produced "Missing Dog" posters and placed them around the neighborhood. He talked to everyone he saw in the neighborhood and handed out fliers picturing Jack. He also placed several newspapers ads.

"I even offered a reward but no one ever called with information about Jack," Morita said. As the years passed by, he moved to a different house in the same neighborhood but his phone number remained the same.

Last March, he was shocked when he received a call from the humane society saying that Jack was found — six years later — and waiting for him at the shelter. Jack's lost report was no longer on file — only his microchip ID made it possible to reunite him with Morita.

Jack now lives with another cocker named Crystal, who Morita acquired when he thought Jack was gone forever. Keiichi Morita is thankful the Hawaiian Humane Society called as soon as Jack was found.

"I am so grateful to everyone at the society for all the support and comfort they gave me while Jack was missing, and for their assistance in bringing him home. His microchip ID helped make a miracle happen," Morita said.

The Hawaiian Humane Society offers free registration of your pet's microchip. Pet owners who have moved or changed phone numbers since their pet was first chipped should update their information. Update forms are available at the veterinary clinics listed, as well as at the humane society, and at www.hawaiianhumane.org, in the calendar of events section.

To Get an ID chip

Call a participating veterinarian for an appointment during August:

• Aina Haina Pet Hospital, 373-2111
• Blue Cross Animal Hospital, 593-2532
• East Honolulu Pet Hospital, 396-3333
• Hawaii Kai Veterinary Clinic, 395-2302
• Island Veterinary Care, 944-0003
• Kalihi Pet Clinic, 841-6313
• Kapalama Pet Hospital, 841-2861
• Kokua Pet Clinic, 843-8382
• Makai Animal Clinic, 262-9621
• Newtown Veterinary Clinic, 488-3667
• Ohana Veterinary Hospital, 845-1762
• The Animal Clinic, 734-0255
• The Cat Clinic, 732-8884
• The Pet Doctor. 733-8828
• VCA Family Animal Hospital, 484-9070
• Wahiawa Animal Hospital, 621-7000
• Waianae Veterinary Clinic, 696-4161
• Waipahu-Leeward Veterinary Clinic, 671-4095

ADOPTABLES

Kinsey

Tag no. 35363. This little beauty stands out from the other cats in Room 1 because she is so pretty. Wearing a soft grey and white coat, Kinsey has captivating golden eyes and a loving personality. She enjoys the company of people and other cats.

Sassy

Tag no. 23. Here's an active 4-year-old Labrador mix who has been patiently waiting for a home since last April. Sassy is a well-behaved gal who gets along with adults, older kids and most other dogs. Come and meet this charming dog.

These particular animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The incoming animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.