People have until the close of business today to become part of this year’s The Giving Tree at Natural Pet Hawai‘i in the Puhi Industrial Park.
Located next to the checkout stand, The Giving Tree drew the attention of Whistler, a Kaua‘i Humane Society dog that spent the day visiting at the pet store. Garbed in his ‘Adopt Me’ vest, the KHS dog emitted squeals of joy as he peered over the counter, those squeals getting more excited when customers entered the store.
Ally Kirk, a clerk with Natural Pet Hawai‘i, said the collection benefits KHS and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a partner with KHS that takes in the animals needing medical help.
The store is in its sixth year of hosting The Giving Tree, and the collection overflowed the bottom of the Christmas tree and includes a wide variety of pet foods, toys, collars, treats and gift cards that will be delivered to KHS Monday.
“We’ve been taking in a lot,” Kirk said. “I just spoke with Jennifer Pimsaguan, who said the total amount of donated items from our customers is around $3,000 worth of animal supplies. Wow! What big-hearted customers we have!”
Natural Pet Hawai‘i is no stranger to benevolence toward pets. Earlier this year, Natural Pet Hawai‘i donated more than a pallet of pet food and supplies for Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort &Spa employees’ pets during a food distribution coordinated by the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pimsaguan followed that by connecting with KIFB following the food distribution for another delivery of pet food and supplies for its clients ahead of the holidays.
“This was a very good connection,” Kirk said. “Pets need to eat, too.”
Natural Pet Hawai‘i is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and all Sundays. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
