Washing Cars For A Cause (or Two)!

Joining in a combined effort to raise money for the Oahu SPCA and as part of their own community service project, more than a dozen students from Island Pacific Academy were on hand to wash and wax cars on a recent bright and beautiful Sunday at KMart in Kapolei.  Under the guidance of IPA faculty advisors, Chris Luthi and Aiddy Weisbecker (who lent helping hands as well), the students and several OSPCA volunteers helped the shelter raise $935 in less than eight hours!  The all day event held on Sunday, October 23 garnered strong support from the local community with one donor generously contributing a $100 bill in the donation jar.

According to Luthi, a Rotary Interact advisor, the students from IPA also benefitted from helping out during the car wash as part of the Sparrow Club, whose goal is to earn money from each hour of community service.  The chosen "sparrow" designated for this fundraising opportunity was Dustin, a 13 year old Wahiawa boy with brain meningitis.  Since entering the hospital at the beginning of June, Dustin and his family have accrued a very large medical bill, so the school plans to help raise funds for his treatment.  Three students even remained at the car wash beyond their four hour shifts so they could earn more hours for Dustin.  They ended up staying eight hours each, or 24 hours total ($240 for Dustin).  In all, the IPA students earned 64 hours for Dustin at the car wash in addition to raising money for the OSPCA!

Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and to the students at IPA who continue to share their time and commitment to help animals (and people) in need!!

Subaru Hawaii invites the public to a pet adoption and collection drive

ATTENTION: Animal Lovers
Subaru Hawaii invites the public to a pet adoption and collection drive on behalf of Oahu SPCA on Saturday.

The Oahu SPCA will have dogs & kittens looking for loving homes. The public is encouraged to stop by & donate pet care supplies such as bleach, cat litter, Dawn dish soap, canned cat food, paper towels, trash bags, old linens (towels, blankets and sheets), and other animal supplies.

Date:This Saturday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Address:Servco Subaru at Mapunapuna 2850 Pukoloa St. Ste 104

Hope to see you there ;)

Donate a Kuranda Bed to the Oahu SPCA

It's the holiday season and also winter here in Hawaii. Our animals get cold, so it's best to keep them off the ground. Please click the link to donate a Kuranda Bed for an animal at the Oahu Spca. Click here to donate => http://kuranda.com/donate/6390 

 

[MAHALO FOR YOUR DONATION.]

Donate to Oahu SPCA in Kapolei, Hawaii | Kuranda Dog Beds

kuranda.com

PET PHOTOS WITH “SANTA CLAWS” TO BENEFIT THE OAHU SPCA

If you would like to have a photo taken of your pet with “Santa Claws” and support The Oahu SPCA (a shelter for cats and dogs with a no-kill philosophy) at the same time, come to the following locations. On December 3 and 4, Cocojor Emporium and Spaw located at 975 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu (Orange Building) will present a location inside their store for Santa to pose with your pet at 12 noon til 3 p.m. On December 10, The Pet Corner at Ward Warehouse (Honolulu) will present a location inside their store for Santa to pose with your pet at 12 noon til 3 p.m.

The donation fee for a single print is $10.00 and the donation fee for two prints and a photo disc is $25.00 with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards providing for the rescued animals at the Oahu SPCA. The professional photographer taking the photos on these dates is Keith Uehara.

There will be surprise gifts on each date and discounts offered at both locations on store merchandise. Meet the nationally-popular two-legged dog, Babe, making a Special Appearance at the locations. Dogs and Cats from the Oahu SPCA that need a forever-home will be available for adoption.

Bring the whole family for a fun experience and have a photo taken of the furry member of your ohana with Santa! Plus your greatly-appreciated donations will be supporting the Oahu SPCA!

For more information, check out www.oahuspca.org or www.cocojor.com If you have questions, please call Nancy Bernal at 947-5736.


Oahu SPCA
www.oahuspca.org

Subaru Hawaii Share the Love Campaign

November marks the start of Subaru Hawaii's "Share the Love" event and we're happy to announce that the Oahu SPCA has been selected as a recipient of the sales event.  For every new Subaru vehicle purchased in Hawaii between now and December 31, Subaru Hawaii will donate $250 to our organization.

Are you looking to buy a new Subaru or replace your current vehicle?  Then please visit Subaru Hawaii's website at http://www.subaruhawaii.com/ to learn how you can support the Oahu SPCA during Subaru Hawaii's "Share the Love" sales event.  Now's a great time to buy and give back to the community!

We are also asking for the public's support by voting for us on Subaru Hawaii's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SubaruHI).  The non-profit that receives the most votes will receive an additional $5,000.  Voting ends on December 31.  (Only 1 vote per person.)

There are two Subaru dealerships on Oahu for your convenience:

Servco Subaru Mapunapuna
2850 Pukoloa Street, Suite 104
Honolulu, HI  96819
808-687-7600

Servco Subaru Waialae
3361 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI  96816
808-687-7620

Lost OSPCA Dog - Reward $500.00 for Lexie

[Lexie]

Lexie, an OSPCA dog, ran away from her Foster home in the Moanalua Rd/Hoomalu St/Puu Hina Pl. (OAHU). vicinity but she could be just about anywhere by now. 

Lexie is a medium sized dog, tan in color with a blue OSPCA collar. 

Many people have been out searching for her but so far with no luck. Please keep an eye out for this sweet girl, who may be skiddish when approached because she is shy.

A monetary reward is offered for returning Lexie to the OSPCA, located in Kapolei [91-153 Hanua Street Kapolei, HI 96707].

If found or having any information regarding her whereabouts, please call 220-8140 or the Oahu SPCA 754-1519 or 754-1510. 

Please help find Lexie by re-posting on your Facebook, Twitter and any other social media until she is found. 

This blog as well as the OSPCA Facebook account and Twitter account will also have updates on Lexie.

UPDATES:

Preventing Animal Cruelty Begins With Education

It's a startling fact that if not taught at home, many children grow up unaware of how to care for animals and what is considered animal abuse.  At the Oahu SPCA, we enthusiastically support educational programs and love to share with keiki of all ages how to care for animals in a loving and respectful manner.  Knowledge is a powerful tool and the more children learn when they're young, the more they'll be responsible and loving pet owners as adults!

Recently, one of our active volunteers had the opportunity to speak at Mililani Middle School about animal cruelty at the request of fellow animal lover and teacher, Jenny Kuwahara.  Students from the eighth grade Yellow Track classes proved to be a captive and enthusiastic audience while learning that animal cruelty can take place at shelters, beach parks, and even at home.  The students were so motivated to help rescue animals at the Oahu SPCA that they planned a visit to the shelter for early next year to actively participate in feeding and watering the dogs and cats as well as cleaning out kennels.

As a result of our visit, the students will take this knowledge and educate others about the topic of animal cruelty.  Still in the initial planning stages, they're also working on scheduling a Walk-A-Thon to be held in May 2012 as their culminating service learning activity.  Proceeds and donations raised will help benefit the Oahu SPCA, a no kill animal shelter in Kapolei.  If you would like to sponsor a student(s) during the upcoming Walk-A-Thon, please contact Jennifer_Kuwahara@notes.k12.hi.us.

Our gratitude goes out to the Yellow Track 8th grade faculty who value the importance of education and who allow important subjects like animal cruelty prevention to be shared with their students!!

Stay tuned for more information and stories about their upcoming shelter visit and Walk-A-Thon...

Upcoming Donation Opportunities

In these tough economic times, many of us may not be able to donate money to charitable causes such as the Oahu SPCA.  However, there are many more ways to donate and make a difference in an animal's life.  You might be surprised to know which common household items can help our shelter save lives.  Check out these two donation options below:

Bark Park Donation Drive
DATE:  Sunday, November 27, 2011
TIME: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Diamond Head Bark Park, corner of Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue
http://barkparkhonolulu.org/

Volunteers from the Oahu SPCA will be at the Bark Park to accept donations for the shelter.  We are in need of:

• Used towels
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Cleaning supplies (Dawn, laundry soap, bleach, hand soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels)
• Miscellaneous items (clumping cat litter, dog toys)
• Donations of resalable, household items will also be accepted and made available for sale at the Ewa by Gentry Swap Meet on December 3, 2011. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Oahu SPCA.

Ewa by Gentry Swap Meet

DATE: Saturday, December 3, 2011
TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon
PLACE:  Thomas H. Gentry Community Park,
91-1795 Keaunui Drive, Ewa Beach, HI 96706

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

We are asking for donations of lightly used, resalable items including but not limited to:

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Household/kitchen items
• Pet supplies
• Holiday gifts/crafts and more!
• Please NO large, bulky items or furniture

Donations may be dropped off at the Oahu SPCA Shelter from Friday, November 25 through Thursday, December 1, 2011.  Honolulu area drop-off on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Diamond Head Bark Park Donation Drive.  All of the proceeds made from the items sold will benefit the animals at the Oahu SPCA.

Happy Endings

It's been a busy month at the shelter, and we are happy to report that even with our recent move there were several dogs and cats who found their forever homes in October...

• Dogs adopted: Mickey, Mabel, Charlie, Cindy, Bobby, Peter, Jimmy, Love, Piper, Dakota, Marsha, Mochi, Kamau, Koaz, Maryanna, Rose, Mojo, Thor
• Dogs fostered: Taser, Lexie, Wishbone, Benji, Georgia
• Cats adopted: Dicey, Dolly, Snickers, Reeses, Butterfinger
• Cats fostered: Mama and her 5 kittens

We look forward to the coming holiday season and hope to share many more happy endings with you soon.  Please continue to let people know about our new location and all of the wonderful dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens we have available for adoption or fostering.  The success of the shelter is based on the dedication and hard work of volunteers and supporters like you!

We thank you for all you do to improve the lives of our island's animal population!!

We Are Not Pet People

We received this touching story from Jeff and his wife Niki in California, who recently started fostering a lab mix called Bear.  This just goes to show how moving the bond between people and pets can be, and how even the toughest skeptics can fall in love with an animal in need...

“We aren’t pet people!”  My wife and I had declared this again and again.  And it didn’t matter who asked – friends, neighbors, co-workers, and especially our kids – the answer was always the same.  WE ARE NOT PET PEOPLE!!!

We didn’t need the expense.  We didn’t need the hassle.  And we certainly didn’t need the commitment.  After all, we are people on the move with too many places to go and too many people to see.  Pets simply get in the way, with little or no return on investment.

But, then came Janet.  Janet was a neighbor and friend in Hawaii who introduced us to the concept of “foster pets” since she was working at the Oahu SPCA.  Like children, there are pets that need temporary homes from time to time.  You get to enjoy an extra furry friend in your family without the burdensome commitment that comes with actually owning the pet yourself.

With the window now cracked (thanks Janet), my wife began exploring the idea of us, too, becoming foster pet parents.  I was still leery, however.  Sure, taking in a pet “temporarily” eliminates most of the long-term commitment concerns, but there would still be expenses.  And there would certainly still be hassles.  Lots and lots of hassles.

Shortly after moving to California and settling into a new job at a local, faith-based university, I found myself serving on the school’s “Care Committee.”  The running joke is that I have to be put on a committee and schedule a time in order for me to “care.”  Guilty as charged.

During one of our first meetings I heard a story about a student on campus who was estranged from his parents.  His only remaining family member was a dog who was living with him in student housing.  The committee was split down the middle…half focused on the sadness of the story.  The other half zeroed in on the fact that the student was breaking the rules by having a pet on campus.  The Dean of Students was emphatic.  Either the dog was gone by 3 PM the next day OR the student AND the dog would be gone.  Case closed.

Later that evening I shared the story with my wife, Niki.  She jumped at the opportunity.  This is what we’ve been looking for!  This is our chance!!!  I didn’t realize we had been looking for anything and thus failed to appreciate the opportunity in front of us.  But, she was passionate.  This dog needed a home and now was the time for us to step up and serve as foster parents.  My heart began to open up to the idea.  Slowly.  And with one crucial condition…no BIG dogs!

I went to the Dean of Student’s office the next morning and began asking questions.  The only thing he knew was that the dog’s name was Bear.  This was my first clue that we wouldn’t exactly be adopting a Chihuahua.  We arranged for me, Niki, the student and Bear to meet before lunch.  In the interim, I prayed.  “Please don’t let Bear be big.  Please don’t let Bear be big.  Please don’t let Bear be big.”

A few hours later we opened the dorm room door and Bear immediately came into view.  Well, he wasn’t big.  Instead, he was HUGE!  I now understand that B.E.A.R. actually stood for Big Enormous Astronomical Rottweiler.  Okay, he is really a mixed Labrador Retriever/Border Collie.  But nonetheless, everything about this dog is Super-Sized!

Before giving a final decision, Niki and I went to lunch to talk things over.  We were both emphatic.  Niki was all “yes.”  I was all “no.”  We went back and forth until Niki presented her closing argument.  “Well, people have invited you into their home over the years…did anyone ever ask how much you weigh?”  It was then I knew that if Bear did not come home with us, the doghouse would be MY home.  Permanently.

We are now one month into this grand experiment and I cannot begin to imagine our family without our beloved Bear.  He is so sweet, so obedient and so loving.  All he asks for in return is food, walks and the occasional tummy rub.  And it is so rewarding to know we are doing the right thing.  Our foster efforts are keeping a “family” together while a student continues his education.  If it takes him six years to graduate instead of four, so much the better!

And by the way, we still claim that we are not pet people.  After all, bears can’t be pets…can they?

Building Dog Beds

A big thanks to the 20+ volunteers who gave their time, tools and muscles to build new beds for the dogs at the Oahu SPCA on Saturday, October 15, 2011.  A total of 60 beds were built and/or repaired to ensure that every dog had a nice, new bed to sleep on.  Volunteers worked in pairs, one person operated the drill and the other person assisted to stretch out and hold the canvas in place.  It was truly a labor of love.  Everyone worked until the very last bed was completed.  These kuranda beds are made using a PVC frame and legs keeping them raised off the floor.  Their design is meant to bring comfort to our dogs and keeps their joints protected from the floor’s hard surface.

Once all of the beds were completed, volunteers formed a line that stretched from one building to the other.  The beds were passed from volunteer to volunteer until all of the beds were brought from the work area.  We wanted our volunteers to see first-hand how much the dogs would love and make use their beds.  Core volunteers and staff gave a new bed to each dog and volunteers enjoyed watching happy dogs settle into their new beds!  There was smiles all around from volunteers and dogs alike!

Aurora, one of the Oahu SPCA dogs, was the first to receive a new bed.  She instantly jumped up onto the bed and wagged her tail in delight!  Before we knew it, she was sound asleep proving that her new bed was serving its purpose.  Ikaika decided to take a nap “under” his new bed and Thor started tossing his bed around like it was a toy.

Special thanks to Cyn for coordinating our volunteers and to Linda for obtaining all of the materials and supplies needed to build our beds.

We are so appreciative to all of you for sharing your time and making a difference in the lives of our dogs at the Oahu SPCA.

  

Lost OSPCA Dog - Reward $500.00 for Lexie

[Lexie]

Lexie, an OSPCA dog, ran away from her Foster home in the Moanalua Rd/Hoomalu St/Puu Hina Pl. (OAHU). vicinity but she could be just about anywhere by now. 

Lexie is a medium sized dog, tan in color with a blue OSPCA collar. 

Many people have been out searching for her but so far with no luck. Please keep an eye out for this sweet girl, who may be skiddish when approached because she is shy.

A monetary reward is offered for returning Lexie to the OSPCA, located in Kapolei [91-153 Hanua Street Kapolei, HI 96707].

If found or having any information regarding her whereabouts, please call 220-8140 or the Oahu SPCA 754-1519 or 754-1510. 

Please help find Lexie by re-posting on your Facebook, Twitter and any other social media until she is found. 

This blog as well as the OSPCA Facebook account and Twitter account will also have updates on Lexie.

UPDATES:
As seen on a FB post, a dog matching her description was last seen on Lalawai Dr. in Aiea. She was traveling with a black dog.

Our Grand Opening!

mickie

The Oahu SPCA's Grand Opening on Saturday, August 8, was a huge success!  We could not have done it without the hard work and generousity of the many companies and individual volunteers who dedicated time, resources, and funds to get everything done!!

During our Grand Opening on Saturday, August 8, 10 dogs found their new forever homes.

Mickie, an 8 month old Shepherd/Minpin mix, was the first lucky dog adopted at the new shelter.  Here he is bonding with his new parents, Melissa and Matt Bissell, on their first walk in front of the shelter.



mabel



the kleen family with executive director, abbey

Mabel, a Ridgeback/Shepherd mix, was the second to meet her new family: Peter and Lisa Kleen and their two daughters, Anna and Toni.  Peter promised Lisa a new dog as inspiration to recover from her serious injury.  Mabel was rescued in the mountains of the north shore, where she was abandoned and found shaking in fear.  She will now have an important career as a service dog for Lisa and a best friend for the entire family.

 

We would like to extend a special mahalo to Honolulu Electric, Who Like. Inc, and David's Fencing, who finished the required 350 feet of fencing and three gates needed to in order to safely open the shelter just minutes before the grand opening.  We'd also like to thank NC Plumbing for completing its shelter renovations in time for the arrival of all the animals.

Please stop by our new location and check it out for yourself!  You might just find the four-legged love of your life waiting for you...

Barktober Fest

Cocojor Emprium & Spaw (http://www.cocojor.com/) is celebrating Halloween with its First Annual Barktober Festival Sunday October 30 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm located at 975 Kapiolani Blvd.  Patrons are invited to bring the whole family and of course their canine companions to the spaw-tacular event.

Cocojor Emporium & Spaw's Barktober Festival will feature a Bar-k Beer Garden, local business booths, lunch trucks, and adoptable dogs from Oahu SPCA and Animal Care Foundation.  Oahu's Kau Kau Wagon will be on site to accept food and clothing donations to aid Honolulu's homeless.

Costumes are encouraged.  Contests include best cotume, look-alike, canine idol and best rick.  Contest winners will take home FUR-BULOUS prizes.  Call Cocojor Emporium & Spaw at 808-592-DOGS (3647) to register for the many contests.  All contestants must be registered by Friday, October 28.

COCOJOR’S BARKTOBER FESTIVAL TIMELINE

2:00 p.m. - Live Entertainment

2:30 p.m. - Contestant Check-In

4:00 p.m. - Loudest Bark Competition

4:30 p.m. - Fastest Tail-Wag Face-Off

5:00 p.m. - Hot Dog Bobbing Contest for Dogs

5:30 p.m. - Adoption Parade with Friends from the No-Kill Shelters

6:00 p.m. - Sunset HOWL-O-WEEN Costume Contest

                  * Best Costume - 1st, 2nd, 3rd place

                  * Human/Dog Look A Like - 1 winner

                  * Canine Idol - 1 winner

                  * Best Trick - 1 winner

8:00 p.m. - Closing of Event

FREE ADMISSION - Donations at the door made to the OAHU SPCA and/or ANIMAL CARE FOUNDATION are encouraged. Raffle tickets will be available on the day. Enter to win great prizes from local establishments. 100% of raffle proceeds will be donated to local no-kill animal shelters.

To ensure a safe and fun event, ALL dogs must be accompanied by their owners and remain on a leash for the duration of the event. One dog per person unless in a stroller or carrier. Mahalo for your cooperation.

Animal Shelter Relocating With the Help of Volunteers

Please check out this Star Advertiser article by Rob Shikina (photos by Cindy Ellen Russell), posted September 25...

Stephanie Ryan, co-founder and president of the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, received kisses Saturday from a puppy named Cinnamon at the organization's new facility in Campbell Industrial Park.

About 50 volunteers helped move dozens of dogs Saturday to the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' new shelter. Kerri Helmick and Teddy Morrison removed a dog from a kennel at the group's old location at 91-1839 Roosevelt Ave.  About 50 volunteers spent their Saturday helping set up cages, installing fencing or moving animals into the new home of a no-kill animal shelter in Kapolei.

The Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which has been at 91-1839 Roosevelt Ave. for two years, plans to continue moving today and needs volunteers to help set up its new home.  Aloha Petroleum Corp. provided the 14,000-square-foot space at 91-153 Hanua St. to the nonprofit for a two-year, rent-free lease.

"We need volunteers for the new construction, caring for the animals and donations for moving expenses," said Oahu SPCA co-founder Stephanie Ryan.  "We're going to be remodeling in the next couple weeks."

About 70 dogs were moved Saturday, and 150 cats were expected to be moved today.

Over the next few weeks, the organization needs volunteers who can install fencing, paint and help with landscaping.  Volunteers are also needed to clean, feed and care for the animals.

Ryan said the new location will allow the shelter to house more animals.  Although the site is smaller indoors, it has an outdoor space four times larger — at 20,000 square feet — that will be fenced in and connected to the warehouse through a dog door, allowing the animals to move indoors and outdoors freely.

The new site is not expected to open until Oct. 1, unless the fence is completed sooner.

Ryan said the shelter, which adopts out about 100 animals a month, focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and placing animals into homes.  It also serves as the state's primary foster organization for pets of homeless people while they are staying at emergency or transitional shelters that don't allow animals, she said.

Cyn Okido, the group's volunteer coordinator, said more volunteers are needed this weekend for the major move, which involves transporting office equipment, pet food and other supplies.

"This move is very stressful for the animals," she said. "We're trying to keep everything calm."

To volunteer today, call 754-1519 or stop by the shelter from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Happy Endings

In the weeks leading up to the big move, we were able to find many forever homes for our cats and dogs.  It was a win-win for all: the adoptive families found a new member to love, the adopted animals found a happy ending, and new animals will be able to come in from off the streets and be taken care of at the shelter.

And, don't forget our social media specials...

$30 Cat Special (adult cats 50% off)

$60 Seniors for Sixty (senior dogs 70% off)

$60 Lexie & Wishbone (adopt these best friends together for one senior fee)

• Dogs adopted: Ting, December, Pearl, Apple, Butterfinger, Kalena, Rory, Bogard, Danny, Mabel, Camille, Andrea
• Dogs fostered: Alexander, Pride, Joy, Rusty, Rose, Charlie, Bebe, Maryanna, Julia, Judge, Gretchen, Riley, E'kolu, Pebbles
• Cats adopted: Roxy, Flashlight, Millie, Miller, Tabby, Obego, Bella, Mindy, Isaac, Clementine

alexander

andrea

apple

bebe

bogard

butterfinger

camille

clementine

danny

december

e'kolu

isaac

joy

julia

kalena

mabel

maryanna

pearl

pebbles

pride

riley

rory

rose

rusty

ting

gretchen