It’s been nearly a year since Penny Cistaro took over as the executive director of the Kauai Humane Society. The successes, in that time, have been many. A new contract with the county, spay and neuter assistance program, pet food
It’s been nearly a year since Penny Cistaro took over as the executive director of the Kauai Humane Society. The successes, in that time, have been many.
A new contract with the county, spay and neuter assistance program, pet food bank and vaccination clinic are just a few of the achievements she looks on with pride.
But there is an intangible goal that she and her staff are working toward that might be most important.
“It is having people recognize the intrinsic value of an animal and what it can do for your life or what it does for someone else’s life,” she said during an interview at the KHS shelter Monday.
Her efforts are paying off.
Last year, the shelter adopted out 1,261 pets, transferred 129 and returned 1,172 lost animals to their home. That, as they say, is the good news.
Sadly, though, KHS had to put down 2,915 animals — 2,042 of which were cats.
Cistaro would love to see that number dramatically reduced. The shelter will take a step in that direction on Saturday, March 8 with its annual fundraiser, “Paws for Celebration,” at the Kauai Marriott Resort. Last year, the event attracted around 600 people and raised about $60,000. A repeat would be wonderful.
It is the shelter’s biggest fundraiser that helps pay for daily operations.
“Hopefully, people are going to come out in droves,” Cistaro said.
In March, Cistaro will mark her one-year anniversary of leading the Kauai Humane Society. She has nearly 40 years of experience working with humane societies, including stops in Chicago, California, Massachusetts and Washington state.
Why has she committed her life to this field? A look around her office helps explain it. There are many books about dogs. Small statues stand on shelves. Her own dog, Morgan, sleeps under her desk or the table.
“I care about the welfare of animals,” she said. “Working with animals, we’re a social worker for them, their plight. It’s so rewarding.”
She likes the closeness of the community on Kauai and says KHS receives strong support through donations, volunteers and licensing of pets.
“The generosity of the community is amazing,” she said.
Yet, financial challenges remain.
KHS has an overall operating budget of about $2.4 million. In its most recent contract with KHS, the county increased its obligation by $100,000 to $695,000. The county also provides $65,000 for the society’s spay and neuter assistance.
Overall, Cistaro likes the direction of KHS, which currently has about 50 cats and 70 dogs up for adoption.
“We are always revaluating or assessing our programs to make sure they are meeting the needs of the community,” she said.
The recently adopted cat licensing requirement will raise funds for the humane society’s operations and act as a first step in addressing island’s feral cat population.
The county also increased license fees for dogs, raised daily boarding fees and set a redemption fee for stray dogs.
KHS is also working on a rental housing program that will help people who are moving find a place that will accept pets.
“That’s extremely difficult on the island,” Cistaro said.
Another program that she believes will have an impact is a pet behavior help line.
“One of the common reasons people give up animals is because of behavior problems,” she said. “If we can stop the number of animals or reduce the number of animals coming into the shelter, that gives the ones that are here a better chance.”
Despite the progress, Cistaro knows there is still much work to do for Kauai’s homeless pets. There are too many pets being euthanized. Too many stray dogs. Far too many feral cats. Not enough money to manage the situation.
Cistaro believes KHS will meet those challenges with continued support from the county and the public. It is, she said, about the animals.
“We’re trying to have an impact in the community for moving the welfare of animals forward,” she said.
• Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
‘Paws for Celebration’
The Kauai Humane Society’s fundraiser, “Paws for Celebration,” is scheduled Saturday, March 8, at the Kauai Marriott Grand Resort at Kalapaki starting at 5:30 p.m.
It will include dinner, an auction and music by Willie K.
Proceeds provide fiscal support for KHS operations.
Tickets are $95 and are available at www.kauaihumane.org and are also available at the KHS Puhi shelter.
Info: 632-0610
