LIHU‘E — A new dog-sitting program offered by the Kaua‘i Humane Society is good not only for animals, but for humans as well. KHS board member Elizabeth Freitas said the new program is being embraced by residents and visitors alike.
LIHU‘E — A new dog-sitting program offered by the Kaua‘i Humane Society is good not only for animals, but for humans as well.
KHS board member Elizabeth Freitas said the new program is being embraced by residents and visitors alike.
“The program enriches life for the (shelter’s) dogs and is bringing smiles to the people who get to experience unconditional love for the day,” Freitas said in an email.
Labeled the “Field Trip” program, people interested in taking a dog on a field trip for the day should arrive at the Puhi shelter between 10 a.m. and noon.
The KHS staff will help find the perfect dog, which will be dressed in its “Adopt Me” vest and given a license and a leash.
Before leaving, people are supplied with bottled water, doggie pot bags, treats for the dog and a flier containing tips on dog-friendly places to do.
Dogs must be returned to the shelter 30 minutes prior to closing and on return, the people are asked to complete a short survey about how the dogs did on their outing.
“This helps the staff place dogs in the most appropriate homes,” Freitas said. “Locals and visitors alike are falling in love with the dogs they take on ‘Field Trips.’ Two out of every three tourists who take the dog for a ‘Field Trip’ take the dog home with them.”
Freitas said the program has benefits for everyone — dogs who need an opportunity to relax, be free, be exposed to life and be themselves with people who care about them, and people who cannot have pets due to current living arrangements but miss being around animals.
People who are not sure if they are ready for a dog are able to take one out for a test ride, and visitors who miss their pets at home and need to get a fix of unconditional love are all candidates for the Field Trip program.
Lacey arrived at the Kaua‘i Humane Society as a 6- to 8-week old puppy, young, energetic and in need of faces to lick, Freitas said of a case.
“The right family had not come along so she, unfortunately, started to grow up in the kennels,” Freitas said. “Her life consisted of a cement floor, occasional play time outside and competition with the other dogs for attention.”
Brandy Varvel, the KHS operations director, decided to take Lacey on a field trip, leaving the shelter on a leash Lacey did not know how to use. She was unsure of what to do in the car, and on a trip to a waterfall, was so jumpy and startled by every sound and person. She was more than happy to return to the kennel.
A few weeks later, a couple from the Mainland took Lacey on a field trip and reported she did a lot better, not as jumpy and being able to enjoy and smell new things.
“Lacey quickly learned that Field Trips were a good thing,” Freitas said. “Several days later, Lacey’s life changed, forever.”
Morgan Ryan-Angel and his new bride Shannon were on Kaua‘i for a honeymoon. Being animal lovers, they stopped by the KHS office, and while touring the facility found an immediate connection to Lacey.
The couple took Lacey out on a Field Trip, visiting the beach for seven hours. During that time, they watched Lacey grow and discover the outside world.
On the last day of their stay on Kaua‘i, Morgan and Shannon checked on Lacey and learned the shelter was a maximum capacity and there was the risk Lacey could be a candidate for euthanasia.
With the help of KHS staff, Morgan and Shannon had Lacey on the plane with them to New York where she is now known as Kona and is integrated into the new family, including two other dogs.
Morgan also won an award with his firm which included the company donating $3,000 to the charity of his choice. He selected the Kaua‘i Humane Society.
People wishing to help fund this and other programs offered by the Kaua‘i Humane Society can be a part of the KHS Annual Dinner and Silent Auction, March 2 at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
The evening includes an acoustic performance by special guest Colbie Caillat.
Visit www.kauaihumane.org for more information on programs being offered by the Kaua‘i Humane Society or to get tickets for the annual dinner.
