As a part of our commitment to giving back to rescue groups, we select two organizations every month to be the recipient of our Buy One Give One (BOGO) program. Our BOGO program is based on online sales from two of our leash and collar collections (I Am A Rescue or Support The Underdog). For every collar/leash purchased from these collections, one is donated to a rescue group.
We are thrilled to announce that Hawaii Island Humane Society is our BOGO recipient from September 16-30. We asked Director of Development, Whitney Sickels, a few questions to get our supporters familiar with the impact HIHS is making on the animals and people in the middle of the Pacific.
PBC: What is your organization's story?
Whitney: The mission of Hawaii Island Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. Our organization, established in 1965, is serving the Big Island community with three shelters island wide. Our services include: Shelter for homeless, stray, injured, lost and abandoned animals, animal adoptions, Humane Education Programs for children and administration and promotion of the Spay/Neuter Community Assistance Program.
PBC: Describe the role you play in your community.
Whitney: Hawaii Island Humane Society has been promoting the compassionate and humane treatment of animals throughout the Big Island for over 50 years, and has been the sole provider of animal control services for the entire island for the past 25 years. HIHS operates shelters in Kona, Waimea, and Keaau. Last year HIHS served 15,000 animals through its many programs and services which include:
• Administration and promotion of the Spay/Neuter Community Assistance Program;• Animal adoptions;
• Shelter for homeless, stray, injured, lost and abandoned animals;
• Low-cost microchipping;
• Reunification of lost pets with their owners;
• Humane education programs for children and youth;
• 24-hour on call emergency service to all districts of the Island;
• Volunteer programs including partnerships with community groups and local schools; and
• Enforcement of animal control laws and animal cruelty investigations.
PBC: Tell us about one of the most challenging moments in rescue for HIHS.
Whitney: We recently rescued a dog from a lava tube! Click here to see the details of this unusual rescue.
PBC: Let us know anything else you wish to share about Hawaii Island Humane Society.
Whitney: We recently started a Field Trips for Shelter Dogs Program where we allow visitors to "check out" a dog for the day from our shelters. The main goal of this program is for visitors to enjoy Hawaii Island and to get their 'dog fix" by taking along one of our shelter dogs on their adventure. We ask participants to fill out an evaluation so that potential adopters will know more about the dog.
We also have a new program called Tales with Tails where students read to the shelter animals. All books contain a humane theme and promote social-emotional learning. The program helps children improve their reading skills while also helping the shelter animals by providing socialization and human interaction.
We are the largest providers of spay/neuter services on the Big Island. In addition to spaying/neutering all of our adopted animals we provide these services to the public for their owned animals at no cost.
Support Hawaii Island Humane Society by getting a collar and/or leash from our BOGO collections, and one of their adoptable will get one too!
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