PUHI — Annette the cat has been living at the Kauai Humane Society for a little over a year, longer than Amber Davis has worked at the shelter. “She’s gained some weight and I think it’s because she’s stress eating,”
PUHI — Annette the cat has been living at the Kauai Humane Society for a little over a year, longer than Amber Davis has worked at the shelter.
“She’s gained some weight and I think it’s because she’s stress eating,” said Davis of Kalaheo. “I’d like to see her go (to a new home) soon because she’s been here so long.”
The light-colored, tortoise-shell cat was among 2,363 other animals at the shelter in 2016, as of the end of April. Of those, 558 animals have been adopted, 354 have been transferred to Mainland shelters, and 352 were strays returned to their owner.
Penny Cistaro, executive director of the humane society, said the shelter has euthanized 1,151 animals in FY 2016, through the end of April, and that rate is down 35 percent from the same time last year.
“Really, what the humane society is about is affecting social change for animals,” Cistaro said. “We’re trending in the right direction.”
But affecting social change requires cash. So does operating an animal shelter that cycles thousands of animals annually through its doors. The Kauai Humane Society’s annual Paws for Celebration event is the time to donate.
The event, scheduled for Saturday at the Kauai Sheraton Resort in Poipu, will be a glitzy evening of food, drinks, music and auctions on the lawn next to Lava’s. Cistaro said it’s a great opportunity to dress to the nines.
Makana, who plays a mixture of Hawaiian music and blues, will provide the entertainment and the Sheraton will provide the food. An auction boasts a trip to South Africa, a koa ukulele, various pieces of art, and a spot to be the poster dog for the Fast and Furriest Festival in April.
Also part of the live auction is the Dollars for Care campaign, which will give people the opportunity to simply donate money instead of bidding on any specific items.
A silent auction will give guests the opportunity to bid on artwork, jewelry and other items as well.
“It’s our biggest annual fundraiser and we’ve been doing it for years and years,” Cistaro said. “It’s a big celebration and an opportunity to support us.”
Last year the Paws for Celebration event netted the Kauai Humane Society $80,000. Cistaro said she’s hoping to hit that mark again, and would love to see it surpassed. All of the money raised goes toward operating expenses.
“We’ve sold more seats this year than last year at this time and there’s still 10 days to go,” Cistaro said. “But you have to get tickets ahead of time, you can’t buy them at the door.”
Tickets to the Paws for Celebration event are $95 each and can be purchased at www.kauaihumane.org, by dropping in at the Kauai Humane Society, or by calling 632-0610, ext. 108.
