Recently I visited the Kauai Humane Society. It's a well-kept facility surrounded by a large dog park area. It has a reception area that's inviting and the animal viewing areas are behind glass, keeping the walkways free and the animals less stressed.

I was thoroughly impressed. I usually get emotional seeing homeless animals. This place was different. There were smiling volunteers everywhere doling out extra pats on the head and hugs to grateful animals. The cages were immaculate and animals were healthy and clean.

That afternoon, the Kauai Humane Society was honoring its volunteers by holding an "Appreciation Day" with lunch and games in the society's park. KHS has 150 regular volunteers who give their time and energy to animals who need them.

Executive Director Becky Rhoades was there with her two dogs — Sally, who's blind, and Stella, a Katrina rescue from New Orleans.

Volunteers brought their dogs, big and small, to enjoy the camaraderie, the good food and the Easter egg hunt. Some of them even dressed up!

Due to county budget cuts, the Kauai Humane Society may lose 10 percent of its funding, which will severely hurt its efforts to reunite lost pets with their families and limit both the spay/neuter programs and adoption services. KHS does not receive funding from Mainland or state agencies.

This remarkable shelter operates at a deficit and still continues to do marvelous work. It can boast that 1,000 pets find new homes every year and more than 800 lost pets are reunited with their families. That's why monetary donations from the public are essential for the organization to continue its work.

On Saturday, the Kauai Humane Society will hold its annual "Woofstock" benefit, with a dinner and silent auction, at the Kauai Marriott from 6 p.m. Individual tickets are $85, and sponsor tables begin at $1,500.

Woofstock's '60-'70s theme will include a rock 'n' roll band and a dance floor for people to groove. Auction items include a Las Vegas trip, golf packages, a handmade seascape quilt, local gift certificates and cases of wine.

Three special animal heroes will be honored that evening: Linda Russell, for her many years of volunteer service at KHS; Roy Constantino, who rescues stranded and injured animals on the Pali Coast of Kaua'i; and Sue Hansen, for advocating responsible dog walking on the Kaua'i Coastal Path.

Kauai Humane Society deserves our support. To order tickets or make a donation, call 808-632-0610 or visit www.kauaihumane.org.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with the Advertiser for 19 years, or 133 in dog years. Check out her blog at www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/Blogs.