Couch-surfing cats and trail-hiking dogs? Only in Hawaiʻi: How you can join the fun
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A walk in the park might not change the world, but at Hawaiian Humane Society, it could change a life. With three hands-on ways to connect with shelter pets via dog walking, short-term fostering through the Couch Crashers and Lap Crashers programs and field trips through ʻĪlio Explorers.
These programs allow volunteers to step into something deeper than just animal care. They're offering sanctuary, one leash, one lap, one couch at a time.
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'It really does make a lifesaving difference,' said Brandy Shimabukuro, communications director for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
And that's not an overstatement.
Calling all Oʻahu teens! These summer volunteer spots fill fast: Photos
For some people, dog walking might sound like a nice way to get in some steps. For the dogs, it's a lifeline.
'The shelter environment is inherently stressful,' Shimabukuro said. 'Dog walking is a critical tool for us to make sure the dogs in our care are getting the exercise and mental stimulation that they need, because the four walls of their kennel can oftentimes be really prohibitive.'
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Volunteers work closely with the shelter's behavior team and complete both online and in-person training before they ever take the leash.
'It's certainly fun, but it's also a critical role,' Shimabukuro said. 'There's a lot of benefits for dog walking.'
People who are 18 and older can apply to become dog walkers. It begins at Hawaiian Humane Society's website under the 'Get Involved' tab. According to Isa Cortina, manager of volunteer services for the Hawaiian Humane Society, the process is structured for success.
'We're preparing you for that first day on campus,' Cortina said. 'You apply. You go through our prerequisites. We'll provide an online training that helps prepare our volunteers and kind of give them an idea of how it's going to be like to work with shelter dogs.'
That training continues in person with staff and mentor volunteers. And for some, that first leash is only the beginning.
'We've actually had quite a few volunteers transition to employees here at Hawaiian Humane,' Cortina said.
You can click to learn more.Couch Crashers is a short-term foster program for dogs who need a break. It's designed to let people welcome a dog into their home for a week or two without pressure to adopt. It's a way to provide a calming environment and gather helpful information for matching dogs with potential families.
'Our couch crushers and lap crushers programs are short term foster programs that are adoptions teams coordinate, and they facilitate,' Shimabukuro said. 'It gives them a short break from the shelter one to two weeks at a time, sometimes even longer if they're really thriving.'
Even if the dog doesn't stay forever, the benefits are real. 'It helps us to learn more about what they're like in a home environment,' Shimabukuro said.
All supplies are provided, including food, toys, leashes and harnesses.
'So, it is at no cost to our couch crushers and lap catchers,' Cortina said.
That week or two in a home, whether on the couch or in the yard, helps dogs learn new behaviors, relax and show sides of themselves that are harder to see in a kennel.
'There's zero guilt,' Shimabukuro said. 'If you decide this is not the right fit, you've still given that dog that little break from the shelter.'
You can click to learn more.
The Lap Crashers program is built on the same idea as Couch Crashers but is designed for adult cats. It gives cats a soft place to land and lets them decompress in a home for at least a week.
'A shelter can be an overstimulating environment for many cats, and we find that a short foster stay in a home can have a profound positive impact on their overall behavior and well-being,' said Shimabukuro.
All you need to do is visit one of the two campuses, select a cat older than 7 months, fill out a few forms and bring home your new temporary roommate, along with all the supplies.
And just like Couch Crashers, there's no pressure to adopt. But if you fall in love? The adoption process is easy.
You can click to learn more.
One day. One leash. One incredible adventure.
ʻĪlio Explorers is the Hawaiian Humane Society's field trip program for dogs. Visitors and residents can take a dog out for the day and give them a break from the shelter.
'We welcome kamaʻāina and visitors to participate in ʻĪlio Explorers by reserving an appointment,' indicated the HHS's official guidelines. 'You will meet our team at your specifically requested campus, spend about 45 minutes with us to learn about safety, program requirements and dog behavior.'
Then you're off. With a backpack of supplies and a hand-selected dog, volunteers can visit pre-approved parks, beaches and trails, always with the dog safely on a leash.
The dog must be returned by 4 p.m. the same day, and all supplies should be returned as well.
Dogs for this program are often selected based on their need for enrichment, or because they've been at the shelter a while and need a boost.
And, yes, if a volunteer falls in love, adoption is an option. You can click to learn more.
Both Shimabukuro and Cortina emphasized that fostering, even temporarily, has lasting effects.
'You've still given that dog or cat that little break from the shelter,' Shimabukuro said. 'And everybody fills out our report card. So, we learn more about that experience and later down the line we can find the right family for them.'
You can click to learn more about the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
Whether you're ready to walk, cuddle or explore, there's a shelter animal waiting to meet you. And in the process, you just might meet a new version of yourself.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Couch-surfing cats and trail-hiking dogs? Only in Hawaiʻi: How you can join the fun
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A walk in the park might not change the world, but at Hawaiian Humane Society, it could change a life. With three hands-on ways to connect with shelter pets via dog walking, short-term fostering through the Couch Crashers and Lap Crashers programs and field trips through ʻĪlio Explorers. These programs allow volunteers to step into something deeper than just animal care. They're offering sanctuary, one leash, one lap, one couch at a time. Easy exercise routines for pets of all sizes: A guide for Hawaiʻi's cats and dogs 'It really does make a lifesaving difference,' said Brandy Shimabukuro, communications director for the Hawaiian Humane Society. And that's not an overstatement. Calling all Oʻahu teens! These summer volunteer spots fill fast: Photos For some people, dog walking might sound like a nice way to get in some steps. For the dogs, it's a lifeline. 'The shelter environment is inherently stressful,' Shimabukuro said. 'Dog walking is a critical tool for us to make sure the dogs in our care are getting the exercise and mental stimulation that they need, because the four walls of their kennel can oftentimes be really prohibitive.' 7 tips for locals, visitors to avoid sharks in Hawaiʻi's waters Volunteers work closely with the shelter's behavior team and complete both online and in-person training before they ever take the leash. 'It's certainly fun, but it's also a critical role,' Shimabukuro said. 'There's a lot of benefits for dog walking.' People who are 18 and older can apply to become dog walkers. It begins at Hawaiian Humane Society's website under the 'Get Involved' tab. According to Isa Cortina, manager of volunteer services for the Hawaiian Humane Society, the process is structured for success. 'We're preparing you for that first day on campus,' Cortina said. 'You apply. You go through our prerequisites. We'll provide an online training that helps prepare our volunteers and kind of give them an idea of how it's going to be like to work with shelter dogs.' That training continues in person with staff and mentor volunteers. And for some, that first leash is only the beginning. 'We've actually had quite a few volunteers transition to employees here at Hawaiian Humane,' Cortina said. You can click to learn Crashers is a short-term foster program for dogs who need a break. It's designed to let people welcome a dog into their home for a week or two without pressure to adopt. It's a way to provide a calming environment and gather helpful information for matching dogs with potential families. 'Our couch crushers and lap crushers programs are short term foster programs that are adoptions teams coordinate, and they facilitate,' Shimabukuro said. 'It gives them a short break from the shelter one to two weeks at a time, sometimes even longer if they're really thriving.' Even if the dog doesn't stay forever, the benefits are real. 'It helps us to learn more about what they're like in a home environment,' Shimabukuro said. All supplies are provided, including food, toys, leashes and harnesses. 'So, it is at no cost to our couch crushers and lap catchers,' Cortina said. That week or two in a home, whether on the couch or in the yard, helps dogs learn new behaviors, relax and show sides of themselves that are harder to see in a kennel. 'There's zero guilt,' Shimabukuro said. 'If you decide this is not the right fit, you've still given that dog that little break from the shelter.' You can click to learn more. The Lap Crashers program is built on the same idea as Couch Crashers but is designed for adult cats. It gives cats a soft place to land and lets them decompress in a home for at least a week. 'A shelter can be an overstimulating environment for many cats, and we find that a short foster stay in a home can have a profound positive impact on their overall behavior and well-being,' said Shimabukuro. All you need to do is visit one of the two campuses, select a cat older than 7 months, fill out a few forms and bring home your new temporary roommate, along with all the supplies. And just like Couch Crashers, there's no pressure to adopt. But if you fall in love? The adoption process is easy. You can click to learn more. One day. One leash. One incredible adventure. ʻĪlio Explorers is the Hawaiian Humane Society's field trip program for dogs. Visitors and residents can take a dog out for the day and give them a break from the shelter. 'We welcome kamaʻāina and visitors to participate in ʻĪlio Explorers by reserving an appointment,' indicated the HHS's official guidelines. 'You will meet our team at your specifically requested campus, spend about 45 minutes with us to learn about safety, program requirements and dog behavior.' Then you're off. With a backpack of supplies and a hand-selected dog, volunteers can visit pre-approved parks, beaches and trails, always with the dog safely on a leash. The dog must be returned by 4 p.m. the same day, and all supplies should be returned as well. Dogs for this program are often selected based on their need for enrichment, or because they've been at the shelter a while and need a boost. And, yes, if a volunteer falls in love, adoption is an option. You can click to learn more. Both Shimabukuro and Cortina emphasized that fostering, even temporarily, has lasting effects. 'You've still given that dog or cat that little break from the shelter,' Shimabukuro said. 'And everybody fills out our report card. So, we learn more about that experience and later down the line we can find the right family for them.' You can click to learn more about the Hawaiian Humane Society. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Whether you're ready to walk, cuddle or explore, there's a shelter animal waiting to meet you. And in the process, you just might meet a new version of yourself. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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03-06-2025
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Hawaiʻi's 5 most commonly surrendered dog breeds
HONOLULU (KHON2) — In Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian Humane Society has observed a concerning trend in pet surrenders. We spoke to Brandy Shimabukuro, the communications director for HHS. She reported that from July 2024 through May 2025, certain dog breeds and mixes have been surrendered more frequently than others. Understanding these patterns can help prospective pet owners make informed decisions and contribute to addressing the shelter capacity crisis. According to Shimabukuro, the five most commonly surrendered dog breeds or mixes at their Oʻahu campuses are: Terriers make up 32.9% of surrendered breeds. Chihuahua short coat constitutes 10.9%. Pit bull terriers make up 8.7%. American pit bull terriers make up 6.5%. Small mixed breeds under 24 pounds constitute 4.7%. Collectively, terrier-type breeds account for a significant portion of the intake at 50.1%. Additionally, various mixed breed categories by size represent 11.0% of dog explained, 'We see a lot of, for lack of another term, terrier mixes.' This means one out of every three dogs dropped off at HHS shelters is a terrier or a mix of one. These numbers come directly from pet owners. 'We're relying on information that they give to us,' she said. 'So, the numbers that I pulled, and the statistics that I pull, the percentages that I shared with you, are numbers that were relayed to us from owners or guardians who had to surrender them into our care.' It's not just one kind of terrier, either. 'Terriers and the label terrier are really diverse. You could think of it as like the umbrella term for a whole host of different breeds,' explained Shimabukuro. 'That could be rat terriers. Fox terriers, Jack Russell terriers. It could be Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terrier mixes.' Altogether, terrier-type breeds make up to a little more than 50% of all dog surrenders at the Oʻahu campuses. The primary reasons for pet surrenders in Hawaiʻi include: Lack of affordable pet-friendly housing: Many families are unable to find housing that allows pets, leading to difficult decisions. Financial hardship: Economic challenges make it difficult for some owners to care for their pets. Relocation: Some families are leaving Hawaiʻi and cannot take their pets with them. These factors contribute to the high number of surrenders and the ongoing shelter capacity crisis. Many dogs, especially terriers and pit bulls, need more than just food and shelter. They need training, attention and exercise. 'If you know that you're getting a breed that is a working breed that is used to having a job, is highly intelligent and very active, you're going to have to provide a level of exercise and enrichment that is unique to them,' advised Shimabukuro. 'A dog that is not having their needs met, and I mean physically and mentally, is a dog that's ultimately going to start to have behavioral issues.' These behaviors can lead to even more surrenders. People often choose a dog based on how it looks. But that can lead to trouble later on. 'What I'm really hoping people take away from this article is maybe think about what's best for your lifestyle, your home and your living situation,' said Shimabukuro. Choosing the right dog means thinking about what kind of life you live and whether you have the time and energy to care for a pet properly. Certain breeds may face challenges that make them more likely to be surrendered: Terriers: Known for their high energy and strong prey drive, terriers require constant training and stimulation. Chihuahuas: Despite their small size, Chihuahuas can be assertive and may require experienced handling. Pit bull terriers: Often subject to breed-specific legislation and public misconceptions, this breed leads to potential challenges in rehoming. Understanding these breed-specific needs can help potential owners assess compatibility with their lifestyle. 1. Don't choose a dog just because it's cute: A terrier puppy might look adorable; but looks don't tell you anything about energy, behavior or needs. Know the breed's history and whether you can handle it. 2. Do research on dog breeds before you adopt: Learn about the breed's personality, activity level, intelligence and common behavior issues. 'While I don't believe in breed stereotypes, I advocate very strongly against breed stereotypes,' Shimabukuro said. 'I do, however, believe in responsible pet ownership and understanding the role that genetics play with that pet in your home.' 3. Make sure your housing allows pets: This is the number one reason people surrender their animals in Hawaiʻi. If you rent, double-check your lease and talk to your landlord. 4. Be realistic about your time and energy: Dogs need daily exercise and mental activity. This is even more important for high-energy breeds. If your life is too busy to give that, you may need to reconsider getting a dog. 5. Plan for the long-term: Dogs live for many years. Moving, having kids or changing jobs are all common life changes that can affect your ability to care for a pet. Think ahead. 6. Understand that giving up a dog is hard for everyone: Most people who surrender a dog don't want to. It's a painful choice. 'Obviously, we're relying on owners,' said Shimabukuro. 'If they have to make the difficult decision to surrender their pets to us.' Understanding the weight of that decision can lead to more compassion—and fewer surrenders in the future. You can click to learn more. The Hawaiian Humane Society continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership and encourages prospective pet owners to consider factors beyond appearance when choosing a breed. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Ensuring compatibility with one's lifestyle and living situation is crucial for a successful and lasting pet-owner relationship. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
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Hawaii appoints first State Fire Marshal since 1979
HONOLULU (KHON2) — For the first time in nearly 46 years, Hawaii has a State Fire Marshal. Hawaiian Humane Society unveils Pets in Paradise calendar contest Gov. Josh Green on Monday named Dori Booth to the role, reestablishing the position that was dissolved in 1979. The move follows recommendations from independent investigations into the deadly 2023 Maui wildfires, which called for stronger statewide coordination on fire safety. Booth is a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned fire safety leader and is tasked with building a modern fire protection system from the ground responsibilities include implementing top reforms highlighted in wildfire reports and bridging gaps between county and state emergency services. 'This is about saving lives and protecting communities,' Green said. 'Dori's leadership will be central to building a safer, more resilient Hawai'i.' Booth brings more than 20 years of experience, including senior roles in Arizona's fire service. She has led fire prevention efforts in both rural and urban settings and has been active in national fire safety policy work. The Legislature reinstated the fire marshal position in 2024, placing it under the Department of Law Enforcement. Officials said the role is key to improving disaster preparedness as climate-driven wildfire risks grow. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'We can't prevent every disaster,' Booth said, 'but we can be far better prepared for the next one.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
