The Hawaiian Humane Society last month invited students to express their love for animals through art and essays.

The "Be Kind to Animals" competition included a poster contest for kindergarten through sixth-grade students and an essay contest for seventh- through 12th-graders.

Kaimuki Christian School eighth-grader Kyleigh Mann's winning essay, titled "You're Finally Going Home, Jose," reflects a caring spirit toward animals. To view the entire essay and other winning entries, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org.

Here is an excerpt:

The day after we found the perfect dog at the Hawaiian Humane Society, we went and found this sign on Bella's cage: Lucky Me ... I've been adopted!

Disappointment pinched at me like flies biting my skin. Bella was so pretty ... but that pink adopted sign said it all.

That afternoon we adopted Jose, an ugly pitbull with a broken tooth. The exact kind of dog I didn't want.

... The next thing I knew we were at a pet shop buying toys, a bed and food. The whole time we were there, I was flaming mad. I'd rather not even have a dog than get him! I really wanted a puppy. Even Bella was a stretch. I almost couldn't stand my mom for choosing to adopt Jose.

... Wednesday after school, I waited on a bench near the front desk of the Humane Society. A man assisting my mom through the adoption process disappeared behind a curtain to fetch an adoption contract.

I sat awkwardly next to Jose on the bench, waiting for my mom to sign the last papers. I always loved dogs, but never really interacted with one before, much less owned one.

A few volunteers had come to say goodbye to Jose. Apparently he had been up for adoption quite awhile.

One boy came up to Jose and patted him on the head. "You're finally going home, buddy." The boy said it with such sincerity that I was surprised. It seemed like something people said in movies, not in real life. My first impression was that he was just being dramatic, but when the boy left, I scrutinized the dog.

Jose had been here for three long months.

... Six months later, Jose's mannerisms haven't changed. He is still moody about playtime. He still has a problem with other dogs and is still great around people. But my feelings for him have changed. ... Now one of my favorite things to do is take Jose for a run.

... It's nice to have something to look forward to when you go home, even though you have loads of homework. I can't imagine how I lived so long without a dog.

BABY

TAG NO. 08-6023

Surrendered by her owners, Baby has taken it rather hard and is feeling sad. She is timid at first, but warms quickly and seems very loving. She likes to give head butts, and loves to have her own head scratched in return. This melancholy Baby qualifies for our "Seniors for Seniors Program" — if you are age 60 or older and can give her a good home, she's yours for free.

JUJU

TAG NO. 08-4679

Jolly JuJu is hard to resist — she's so darn sweet, but she does have some issues. This black and white dog has not been around children, and may become fearful and nip. Likewise, she has not been around other pets, and can become very jealous of your attention. For these reasons, we recommend that JuJu be an "only child." She's a clever and confident canine, however, and a little obedience training should work wonders for this animal.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187.