ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Be Kind to Animals Week is a time to focus on doing good

Hawaiian Humane Society

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Ways to show kindness Spay or neuter your pets. Put an ID tag on your pet's collar. Report animal cruelty, abuse and neglect to the humane society. Support passage of stronger anti-cruelty laws. Support your island's humane society. If you are a victim ... Sometimes victims of domestic violence do not seek assistance because they don't want to leave their pets behind. If you are a victim, the Hawaiian Humane Society's Pals program can provide temporary care for your pet while you find a safe place to live. Please call Kelli at 946-2187, ext. 217. Pet Expo To learn more about the work of the Hawaiian Humane Society, visit the booth at the Pet Expo, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and May 9 at Blaisdell Center. The expo's offerings include displays of pet-related services and stuff, a Puppy Match and Cat Shows. Admission is free, and pets are welcome too.

Be Kind to Animals Week was established in 1915, when the very first 'awareness' week in America was held. Nearly 90 years later, the message is just as necessary. Sadly, cruelty to animals still occurs too often.

The findings of a 2003 study done by the Humane Society of the United States were shared with the Hawaiian Humane Society, and stated that "intentional cruelty cases also involved family violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse."

Sometimes cruelty to animals is used to intimidate other members of the household. Or, feeling helpless, human victims may react to their own pain by hurting animals. Children who witness animal abuse are at a greater risk of becoming abusers themselves.

The humane educators at the Hawaiian Humane Society work with more than 12,000 students, teachers and adults each year, stressing the values of respect and kindness. Again this year, youngsters in kindergarten through grade six were invited to participate in a poster contest in honor of Be Kind to Animals Week.

"Four years ago we had only a couple hundred entries," said Kathy Rothschild, administrator of humane education at the Hawaiian Humane Society. "This year we had almost 1,000 entries, each depicting the child's response to (the theme) 'How I can show kindness to animals.' While most entries are sweet, we are concerned that some posters still depict cockfighting, which is animal cruelty. It shows how important our work is — and that we have more lessons to teach."

Children in elementary school are just developing their critical thinking skills, balancing the need to appear tough with their natural feelings of love and empathy.

"We reinforce that it's cool to be kind," Rothschild said.

Next year the contest will be expanded to include essays from middle- and high-school students on O'ahu.

Many school classes take a field trip to the humane society only once each year. In addition, humane educator LeeAnn Morikami visits O'ahu schools that are unable to send students. Afterward, the humane society's educators give teachers materials with student assignments.

"We don't have a way to measure how effective our message is after just one visit," Rothschild said. "In the next school year we will initiate a multilayered program focusing on students in Grade 3. We chose this pivotal age for three visits with the same class — one an on-site visit, followed by two more visits at the school, each a month apart. Besides reinforcing the humane message in each child, we are hoping they will share it with their families."

Humane education is just one of the many ways that the Hawaiian Humane Society promotes the value of kindness. The organization is dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals, so the spirit of aloha extends to every living thing.

During this time when the world is experiencing so much violence, Be Kind to Animals Week serves as an annual reminder that we all benefit by emphasizing the values of caring and compassion.

ADOPTABLES

Caramel

Tag No. 25230

Here's a nearly grown kitty who is just as sweet as her name. Caramel is orange and white with tiger stripes. Only 10 months old, she is affectionate and playful with people and other cats. Look for Caramel in Room 4 at the Cat House.

Tammy

Tag No. 484

Tammy is a 5-year-old hound/shepherd mix who would like an active family to keep her busy. She is learning good manners and enjoys training. Tammy is spayed and can go home today to a home with adults and older children.

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.