Maui Humane Society Newsletter Summer 2013 Above: Hope Fund dog Bethany received surgery to remove an atrophied leg from an old injury. We Asked, And You Gave... Since our last newsletter hit homes back in February, approximately 133 animals have received a second chance at a wonderful life through the Wings of Aloha Program. For our newest friends of MHS, the Wings of Aloha is a special fund created to cover the cost of flying pets to the mainland where adoption guaranteed rescues and future forever homes are waiting for them. Amazingly, not every city or shelter struggles with the pet overpopulation crisis that we do here at MHS. This program is very simple and straightforward on the surface but is quite labor intensive behind the scenes. 1 Bethany s Saving Grace: Providing Second Chances at a Healthy Life with Maui Humane Society s Hope Fund MHS staff first met Bethany when she was left in one of the shelter holding kennels overnight with no note. Someone noticed right away that nerve damage from an untreated injury had caused her left leg to go limp and the muscles had atrophied. Now useless, Bethany s leg had over time become extra baggage. Her dragging paw, which had no feeling, was prone to lesions and infections that could threaten Bethany s life. In order to prevent this, Bethany would need to undergo surgery to have her left leg amputated. Knowing what was on the horizon for this brave pup, MHS staff named her Bethany after Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who overcame an injury and amputation and never let it stop her in life. The Hope Fund was started in March 2010 in honor of a shelter dog named Hope who had a very similar injury to Bethany s. Hope had been living with her injury for much longer, and painful lesions had already formed on her paw. (continued on page 3) The entire process from contacting, communicating and contracting with approved rescues, Above: Wings of Aloha pup Lenny at home in Oregon. to choosing which dogs/cats are the lucky recipients, making sure each animal is thoroughly vetted and receives a health certificate, booking the flights (which tends to be problematic due to weather, time & layover restrictions) and then finally transporting the animals to the airport is quite extensive and time consuming. Almost every staff member at the shelter has a hand somewhere in the process and yet even with all of this added work every person here at the Humane Society loves Wings of Aloha because it truly saves lives and that s what we are all about! Not every animal lover is able to adopt but you can still save a life. The Wings of Aloha Program is funded solely by private donations, if you would like to sponsor a dog or cat or help by contributing to the cost of a flight please visit our website at www.mauihumanesociety.org or call 808-877-3680 ext. 34
Message from our CEO By Jocelyn Bouchard, CAWA To infinity.and beyond! I m borrowing this rally cry from one of my favorite celebs.buzz Lightyear. because that best sums up the momentum and energy that is starting to rumble under the surface here at the Maui Humane Society. The past few years have been challenging---the failing economy and other human politics resulted in an increased need for our programs and services but were coupled with decreasing resources. Not a happy combination. But through it all our staff have quietly and determinedly continued to work the programs that help the animals. In October we launched the new Wings of Aloha program which has resulted in hundreds of dogs and cats being transferred to organizations on the mainland and even Canada. These animals are then being adopted into loving homes, opportunities that were not available on Maui. We have also launched a volunteer program for visitors, so people on vacation can get their dog/cat fix AND help Maui s animals at the same time. Our Hana Spay/Neuter initiative has resulted in a significant decrease in animal intakes from that community and we are less than half way through that two year program. And of course our Hope Fund has resulted in some heartwarming stories as we are able to provide new leases on life for sick and injured pets at our shelter. Our shelter stats are starting to show the benefits of our efforts with a 17% decrease in euthanasia so far this year. With all of this coming together in our 60th year it is an exciting time to be a part of this agency. We are encouraged by these positive steps and want to thank YOU because none of this would be possible without your support. Follow our progress by checking our website, signing up for our electronic newsletters, follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook. Together we make a difference in the lives of Maui s animals! JOIN US ONLINE! DID YOU KNOW? Jocelyn Bouchard, CAWA Since the publishing of our last newsletter in February: We spayed and neutered a total of 543 dogs and cats, preventing an unimagineable number of unwanted litters! We found loving forever homes for 292 pets - that s almost 100 pets adopted per month! 132 pets flew to the mainland for foster care thanks to donations to our Wings of Aloha program! We helped to keep pets where they belongwith their families. Thanks to MHS, 195 lost pets were reunited with their owners! WISH LIST Below are items that will greatly help us do more for the animals. Please consider sending an extra donation or gifting an item or two from the list below. If you own a business or have special skills or services and can offer assistance for special projects, please call Jerleen at (808) 877-3680 ext 32. No gift is too small and every penny helps! Thank you so much for your continued support. ANIMAL CARE SUPPLIES: Large - Kuranda Pet Beds (from www.kuranda.com) Easy Walk Harnesses - all sizes (for Dog Walking Program) Jerky Treats Kong Dog Toys Canned Food for kittens, puppies, cats and dogs Guinea Pig or Rabbit Fortified Pellet Food Towels Gift Cards: Home Depot, Lowes, Office Max, Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware FACILITIES SUPPLIES: Washer - new or slightly used please Electric Dryer - new or slightly used please Bougainvillea, Hibiscus or Mock Orange plants Pet Pantry Items ~ cat and dog food, litter, treats Our Pet Pantry items are donated to needy families around the island to help them feed their pets. 2
Bethany s Saving Grace......continued from page 1 Determined to give the neglected dog a second chance at a good life, MHS staff reached out to the community to raise the funds needed to cover the cost of Hope s surgery. Hope s story spread, and the community responded with inspiring generosity. Our supporters donated even more than the cost of Hope s surgery in a compassionate bid to give Hope the life she so badly deserved. With Hope on the road to recovery, MHS was left to decide what to do with the surplus of donations in her name. Today, Hope s Fund continues to allow MHS to save lives we would otherwise not have the resources to save. Many of the pets who come through our doors have suffered from injury, illness, abuse or neglect and are in need of special medical care. Funds are used to pay for medications, x-rays, costly surgeries and other extraordinary treatments. MHS Goes The Extra Mile to Provide Assistance to Pets in Hana The Maui Humane Society has been going out to Hana once a month to offer free spays and neuters to the pets belonging to residents of Hana. We not only spay and neuter their pets for free, we also provide an annual vaccine and microchip for each pet that participates. The only expense owners have is a $7 license fee if their dog is not already licensed. Traps are provided for those with feral cats, and recovery air kennels are also loaned out when needed. Since starting this program in August 2012 we have spayed and neutered 173 animals and assisted 90 families in Hana. Surgeries are performed at the old laundry facility belonging to the Travaasa Hana hotel. MHS takes a team of six to eight people, including two veterinary technicians, one veterinarian, and our invaluable volunteers. This is all made possible because of a PetSmart Charity grant and generous donations by vet suppliers, Travaasa Hana, Hana Accomodations and goods and monies from the public. In the past two years alone, the Hope Fund has given life-saving treatment, relief, and a second chance at life to over 30 shelter pets with untreated injuries and life-threatening medical conditions. The Hope Fund has paid for heartworm treatment, mended broken bones and gotten pets back on all four (and sometimes three) paws. Bethany, with her big smile, contagiously friendly personality and three healthy limbs, is recovering from her surgery with a line of interested adopters- all because of the Hope Fund. Above: Hope before her surgery. Our next Hope Fund candidate Mabel is currently in foster care receiving heartworm treatment after being found stray and malnourished in Hana. Help us to bring health and second chances to the homeless pets who need it most- if you are interested in contributing to the Hope Fund, please call (808) 877-3680 ext. 34, visit www.mauihumanesociety.org or email Donate@MauiHumaneSociety.org. Hana was identified as an area that had one of the highest animal intake numbers for their population size. Since we started in August 2012, we have seen our intake of feral cats from Hana drop 65%, intake of friendly cats drop 30% and dog intakes dropped 15%. Our plan is to continue this program for at least 12-18 months as funds allow. Those who may benefit from our Hana Spay- Neuter Initiative can call (808) 877-3680 ext. 36 for 3
Happy Endings Proof that your support makes a difference! DERBY Now lives: Kentucky Brittany and John were on vacation from Kentucky exploring Hana when they saw Derby as a stray near the road, scrounging for scraps. They immediately stopped their car and won over her trust with crackers and kind words. After getting carsick a few times on the ride through Hana, Derby finally arrived at MHS where she was able to get a warm bath, hearty meals and the medical care she needed. The two came to visit Derby every day at the shelter and when it came time for them to return home, they couldn t bear to part with her. Now Derby lives with her new family in Kentucky, showing everyone just how amazing a Maui dog can be! JACK Now lives: Chicago Jack was thought to be long gone when his owner Amanda received a call from MHS 2 years after he had gone missing prior to her move to Chicago. He was brought to Maui Humane Society in March as a stray in a sorry state with missing hair, a scabbed up face and bony body. Fortunately folks at MHS were able to nurse Jack to health and contact Amanda thanks to the ear tattoo he received when he was neutered. Jack had to wait a while until it was warm enough to fly to Chicago, but he finally made it back into Amanda s loving arms on April 10 thanks to some warm weather, amazing airline staff and a ton of MHS employees going the extra mile. Now Jack spends his new life on his mama s lap, basking in her love and purring his difficult days away. MAHINA Now lives: Kahului HAPPY ENDING Mahina s story starts when she was pulled from a house where she was being used as a BB Gun target. She was passed off to a young man who loved her and tried to do his best to take care of her but because of his life situation he was unable to keep her. She then spent the next 54 days in the shelter staring out of the kennel with her bi-colored eyes searching for her new forever owner. The funny thing is her owner was right in front of her beautiful eyes as it turns out our volunteer, Kelsey, and Mahina were growing quite attached to each other on all their dog walks! The time was right and Kelsey and her husband made the decision to adopt their very first dog and it was Mahina. The whole family is enjoying each other s company and we hear that Mahina is a total bed hog and won t go to sleep unless she has at least one part of her body touching her new mommy or daddy! 4
Volunteer Spotlight: Pat Privee Volunteers are extremely valuable members of our Maui Humane Society ohana. They provide love, attention, and affection to our community s homeless pets. In addition to hands on work with the animals here at the shelter, our volunteers help in a myriad of ways. From gardening, to administrative assistance, foster care to fundraising and special events, we couldn t do all that we do without the help of our dedicated volunteers. When the MHS Customer Service team sees volunteer Pat Privee on the schedule, they know it s going to be a great day. In a department where the volume of calls and customers can sometimes be daunting, having a helpful and reliable volunteer like Pat makes all the difference. Pat began volunteering at the Maui Humane Society in June of 2012 after filling out a Volunteer Interest card at our First Friday Wailuku booth. She says she decided to become a volunteer because being retired she has time to spare and wants to give back. MHS Volunteer Pat Privee lights up the front desk with her smile! Previously she has volunteered as a puppeteer in the heart surgery ward of a childrens hospital, as well as with the Coast Guard Auxilary assisting in search and rescue efforts. She chose MHS because she loves animals and her granddaughters had a positive volunteer experience here. After volunteering in several departments and averaging nearly 29 hours a month, Pat said she was surprised to learn how thoroughly we inform new adopters about the health and history of the animal, making sure it is well matched, cared for, and loved in its new home. Always willing to pitch in and help any way she can, she finds getting lost animals back to their owners the most rewarding part of her position. She also loves to see animals who she has spent quality time with be adopted. Pat is well versed in many different departments here at the shelter. She has been to our Dog & Puppy training class, and can be seen taking our dogs on outings and to special events outside the shelter. These field trips are so important to the physical and mental well being of our dogs. Spending a day receiving one on one attention and meeting lots of new people does wonders for their health and behavior, but outings like these would not be possible without volunteers like Pat. Also a cat lover, Pat enjoys spending time with our adoptable felines, even heading up off site adoption events at locations like Petco and Del s Farm and Feed. While working directly with the animals is lots of fun and very rewarding, where Pat truly shines is as a volunteer in our front office. With training from our Customer Service staff Pat is now well versed in answering and transferring phone calls, taking reports for lost and found animals, and scheduling spay and neuter surgery appointments. She is also skilled at data entry and helps keep information on the many animals who come through our shelter up to date. Customer Service Representative Luis Rivas commends Pat s great attitude and willingness to help. He said she always steps up to the plate when the office is busy and never seems to get overwhelmed by it all. Gloria Chee appreciates that Pat is never afraid to learn something new, and that she is extremely dependable. Even with two Yorkies of her own, Pat is often available on short notice when the staff finds they are in need of help, and she even covered a full week of shifts while Adoption Counselor Erica Colucci was off island! Bob Alison, Customer Service Supervisor speaks very highly of Pat. She is always available whenever he needs her help, and he knows that whatever job she takes on will be done thoroughly and correctly. Bob knows that when Pat is in the office she ll be answering the phone right away, filing paperwork and making sure the day goes smoothly. Pat is an invaluable member of our volunteer ohana. Always ready to go the extra mile and pitch in wherever she s needed. Patient, steady, and always humble, she ll catch you off guard with her quick wit. Everyone at MHS appreciates her positive attitude and all that she contributes to our team. For more information about volunteering at Maui Humane Society, please contact our Volunteer and Events Coordinator Corinne by calling (808) 877-3680 ext. 14 or e-mailing Volunteer@MauiHumaneSociety.org. 5
Honorariums & Memorials Tributes to those you love... Honoring Animals Socks................................. is honored by Marlene Maneha Eddie................................ is honored by Steven Blackington The Petraitus Cats...................... are honored by Anne F. Petraitus Honoring People Anita Wintner.......................... is honored by June Bowen Inge Monteith.......................... is honored by Yoshiko H. Kydd Lisa Rae Coming....................... is honored by Sandra Clifton - Klickovich Pamela & Gary......................... are honored by Ann Marie Wilder Paul Davis & Thomas Nunn.............. are honored by Cindy Singer Glen Calkins Jeannie Pechin Gary Mohrling & Harold Jobe Kevin Yoshida Edward Bailey Candy Aluli Rose Royce William D Morris Jocelyn Bouchard Remembering Animals Mehani............................... is remembered by F. Dennis Stefano Eddie................................. is remembered by Gary Patterson George................................ is remembered by Mary C. Sanford Hanu................................. is remembered by William A. Massey Kanaloa............................... is remembered by Kenneth Pelletier Rusty Hanai........................... is remembered by Aline H. Rolaff Shadow............................... is remembered by Glen Uemo Bella................................. is remembered by Travis Reed Chardonnay........................... is remembered by Warren Higa Gale Force Wind Warning............... is remembered by Mary Greene Marie Greene Mark Radleigh BajaBob............................... is remembered by Mary Greene Marie Greene Mark Radleigh Tsunami............................... is remembered by Mary Greene Marie Greene Mark Radleigh Noone................................. is remembered by Mary Greene Marie Greene Mark Radleigh Kai Mount............................ is remembered by Dania Keane Cricket & Peanut....................... is remembered by Van A. Cadenhead Remembering People Connie Adams Scott.................... is remembered by Randy Schmidt Diana Hartman......................... is remembered by Mary Punke JoAnne E. Cardell Lahaina Scrimshaw Carolyn Sambrano Odie L. Porterfield...................... is remembered by Pam Jensen Robert Pfeiffer.......................... is remembered by Robert Huettmann Shirley Gill.............................. is remembered by Margo Gill Debraun Kate........................... is remembered by Don Amacher Tiffany K. Hughgill-Magee................ is remembered by Alan Hughgill Mary Lou Aldrich....................... is remembered by Fay C. Grover Lilo Euler............................... is remembered by Eve Hyder Derek Beaty............................ is remembered by David Schafranka Pearl M. Ellis........................... is remembered by Frank Milos **The Honorariums and Memorials included here are those we have received by 12 April 2013. We apologize if we have inadvertently omitted an entry. If you notice we have, please contact us at (808) 877-3680 x 34 or Donate@MauiHumaneSociety.org and we will ensure it to appear in our next newsletter.** 6 P.O. Box 1047 Pu unene, Hawaii 96784 t: 808-877-3680 f: 808-877-5033 info@mauihumanesociety.org www.mauihumanesociety.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judy Aikawa, MD - Board Chair Candy Aluli 1 st Vice Chair Robert Kawahara, CPA Treasurer Leigh Drewry Secretary Directors David Cain, Esq. Mary Jane Kramer Don Mehling, CFA Susie Thiemen Open 7 days a week Visit the animals 11a - 4p daily PHONE EXTENSIONS Chief Executive Officer.......... 36 Accounting.................... 25 Volunteers.................... 14 Special Events................. 32 Donations..................... 34 Education Program............. 20 Emergencies................... 18
Support Businesses Who Support MHS, Our Animal Aloha Partners! Local businesses who work with MHS to make a difference in the lives of Maui's homeless pets. The Animal Aloha Program is a community collaboration between local businesses and Maui Humane Society- working together in a mutually beneficial way to provide care, support and new homes for Maui's orphaned pets. Meyer Computer generously donated 100% of the web design for the new www.mauihumanesociety.org. 1910 East Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 249-0970 Maui Brewing Company donates 50% of proceeds from each order of Beer Battered Onion Rings sold. 4405 Honoapiilani Highway #217, Lahaina, HI 96761 (808) 669-3474 Tradewind Graphics donates the design and layout of the Maui Humane Society Pet Calendar each year. 320 Ohukai Road, Suite 411, Kihei, HI 96753 (808) 874-8842 Lisa Giesick of Ohana Pet Training helps to get our volunteers off to a great start as the instructor of our Volunteer Dog and Puppy Handling Classes. P.O. Box 877, Kula, HI 96790 (808) 572-7717 If you are interested in becoming an Animal Aloha partner, please call our Donor Relations Coordinator at (808) 870-4423 for more information on partnership benefits and how you can help. A BIG mahalo to the restaurants who participated in our Dine Out For Dogs event in March! Catering from Soup to Nuts @ The Vineyard Food Company The Waterfront Seafood Restaurant Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli The Bistro Casanova Pizza Madness Maui Mulligan s on the Blue Do you love keeping up with what s happening at MHS? Sign up for our e-newsletter! Just scan the QR code to receive happy endings and get the low down on fun events and special promotions! 7
Look inside for the latest edition of Maui Humane Society s quarterly newsletter: Maui Humane Society PO Box 1047 Pu unene, HI 96784 MauiHumaneSociety.org (808) 877-3680 Non-profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #24 Pu unene, HI 96784 8