Dog lover Larraine Koike of Pono the Poi Dog Productions had a concept in mind for a children's book. For months, she searched for a dog to be the inspiration for this book. She combed shelters, pet shops and classified ads.

One day, she saw a 7-month old puppy's photo on the Maui Humane Society Web site and knew she was the one!

"The photo just grabbed me. The description said she was a shy dog. Somehow, I already made a connection with her!"

When she called, Pono was no longer there. She had been given to a rescue organization. Larraine didn't give up. She contacted them, and they agreed to meet her at the airport. She flew to Maui with her son two days later with a large crate to carry Pono back to O'ahu.

"We never left the airport. We flew in, picked Pono up and flew out on the next flight back."

Pono, a German shepherd-border collie mix, is now 2 years old. She's living happily with two other doggie sisters, Cuddlz and Hoku.

Any child would love to receive this charming tale for Christmas.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with the Advertiser for 18 years, or 126 in dog years. Check out her blog at www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/Blogs.