This shelter program gives dogs a fun day out with vacationers who want to get out and explore.
Rebecca Warwick
Via Maui Humane Society
Planning a Hawaii trip to Maui? First of all, you’re in luck.But second, did you know that you can help protect dogs while you’re on the island? beach buddies This program takes the dogs away from the shelter for a fun day with travelers who have already planned an outing.
Rescue dogs everywhere are benefiting from a change in their daily routine. Life in a shelter is stressful for most dogs, even in the best facilities, and yes, in Hawaii. Getting outdoors, exercising, and interacting with the world has amazing effects on the mental health of these dogs, ultimately making them easier to keep.
The Beginning of Maui Humane’s Beach Buddy Program
The Beach Buddies launched in April 2015, but it took a leap of faith, according to the association’s former CEO Jeline Bryant. “The Kauai Shelter started a program called Shelter Dogs on Field Trips that ran for about a year. Although it has been postponed for another year, [then launched] Our own program. ”
For Bryant, the most important factor in deciding whether to participate in the Beach Buddies program was how the program would benefit the animals. She knew that social interaction and exposure would lead to better adoptions, so she decided to give it a try.
How Beach Buddy works
So far, Maui Humane Society (MHS) staff and volunteers love the program, not to mention the dogs, and have grown to have more than 5 “certified beach companions” available daily.
“People are always calling for participation,” Bryant said. “Currently, this program is always full, but if you book early enough, you’ll likely be able to attend.” With more resources, Bryant said, the number of days per week could be increased to meet demand. I hope it will be a plus for dogs and travelers alike.
choose a beach buddy
The program is run by volunteer coordinators who match dogs with travelers who register online, from small to large dogs. “We choose dogs that are solid and have no red flags,” says Bryant. “Once a dog is chosen, people who register can choose from it on a first-come, first-served basis.
The sanctuary has five staging areas, where the lucky dogs selected to participate join travelers out the front door before bathing.
go on an island adventure
All beach buddies come out with a special “adopt me!” A harness and leash, a backpack with the day’s essentials (including towels, water, bowls, poop bags, snacks, and emergency contacts), and a list of recommended places to visit.Participants were encouraged to document their outings, and the shelters would Facebook page.
Influence of beach mates
After going out, MHS asks participants to write down their experiences for potential adopters. This is another way to help shelters and their dogs. Moreover, Bryant’s hopes for the program finally came true. Adoption rates have increased thanks to Beach Buddies dogs. “Some people take their dogs for the day,” she says.
Maui Humane Society Brings Puppies to Mainland
For those not planning to travel to Maui soon, MHS has another program that includes the mainland. Wings of Aloha This is a program in which shelters fly several dogs to the mainland and partner shelters help find owners for the dogs.
According to Bryant, Wings of Aloha was born out of despair. There are far more dogs on Maui than there are homes to adopt. The island has a population of about 140,000, but the shelter takes in 8,000 animals each year, a third of which are dogs. Rescue facilities work hard to curb the number of homeless animals on the island, but the obstacles they face (limited number of homes available for adoption; Considering the difficulties faced in managing the Address imbalances. answer? Wings of Aloha was born in 2012 and since then MHS has transported hundreds of dogs to partner shelters on the mainland.
Bryant was Shelter’s director of development when Wings launched. Before moving to Maui, she ran a shelter in Oregon, often removing up to 40 dogs from shelters at once when their lives were in danger. She was not daunted by the mass movement of dogs. However, the cost was an obstacle. Driven by donations, Wings of Aloha began by purchasing air tickets and crates to transport the dogs across the United States, and even covered the cost of returning the crates, but that was better than buying a new dog. also turned out to be cheaper.
Impact of COVID-19 on programs
However, the program has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to airline restrictions, such as some airlines banning pets from boarding and limiting the number of animals allowed on a single flight, MHS has a more thorough process for transporting dogs. I need it now. . But as of 2022, MHS is still sending over 600 animals through the program, allowing people interested in pet transportation to be sent home as pets.go to Maui Human Society.org To know more information.
Over the years, Rebecca Warrick has bark A magazine and retired family law attorney, she lives with her two dogs and runs on mountain trails at every opportunity.