ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Humane society jobs are about caring

Hawaiian Humane Society

The Hawaiian Humane Society always attracts a lot of attention when we participate in high school career fairs, because so many young people think working with animals would be wonderful.

They are right. It is a wonderful, rewarding and challenging career. Animal welfare organizations employ many kinds of skilled professionals. And thanks to the popular Animal Planet TV shows "Animal Precinct" and "Animal Cops," more people now understand the job of humane investigators.

The humane society employs 10 investigators in its field-services department.

The investigators rescue injured animals, enforce animal-related laws and investigate abuse, cruelty and neglect. Along with a knowledge of animal behavior and city and state laws, they also have to have good communication skills, a desire to help people and animals, as well as physical strength.

Tom Nishioka just retired after 29 years as a humane investigator with a long list of stories to tell. Diving mules at the fair, monkeys running loose in Kailua, scared wallabies, angry peacocks, a kitten trapped inside a wall — he admits it was often a very exciting job working every day with animals.

Brett Lum joined the society's field-services department in 1980, the same year that Eddie Louis was hired. Louis admits that he has essentially worked at the Society all his life — as a child he used to come to work with his father, Harry Louis, a humane investigator for 45 years.

One night, Eddie responded to a call from a Waikele resident, who heard an animal crying in a storm drain. "I climbed into the sewer and found the source of the cries. Someone had tied a tiny kitten in a bag and tossed it into the drain," he said. "It's sad to know that anyone could treat a defenseless animal that way. And I'm glad there are people who care enough to call us. I know I'm making a difference in the lives of animals."

Cindy Mori has been a humane investigator for more than two years. Her most memorable animal rescue happened in the middle of the workday on the cement divider between busy H-1 and Bishop Museum.

"I can't imagine how this little orange kitten got to that spot in the freeway," Mori said. "I called the police to help with the traffic; a motorcycle officer responded quickly and stepped out immediately to stop cars. I hurried across the lanes to pick up the frightened kitten, who fortunately stayed put. It turns out the little guy had a broken leg i I took him to the Cat Clinic, where he was treated for several weeks. The kitten is a real sweetie and was adopted by one of the vet techs who cared for him at the Cat Clinic."

Earlier this month Humane investigator Vern Ling attempted to rescue a dog that had been trapped for three days on a ledge in the hills behind Lyon Arboretum. The wet conditions and steep slope created conditions beyond Ling's hiking skills, and two expert climbers were later able to rescue the dog who was then returned to his owner.

In every department, the staff of the Hawaiian Humane Society keeps the welfare of the animals as top priority. They help those who are unable to speak for themselves — how many careers are there that let you help like that?

ADOPTABLES

Tag No. 15300

Totts is ready for a night on the town, dressed in her tuxedo coat of black and white. She was given extra care in a foster home and is now ready for a permanent residence. Meet Totts in Room 3 at the Cat House.

Tag No. 660

Evie is a sweetie. She has a short coat with a black and brown brindle pattern, as well as a white chest and toes. She's a perfect family dog. Evie is about 2 years old and has been learning good manners in the society's clicker-training class.

These animals already may have found new homes. The Hawaiian

Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 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 at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.