Happy the dog had enough energy to romp around the yard with Amber Davis on Wednesday afternoon even though he’d been on a field trip all day. “He really likes to play and he’s really sweet,” said Davis, staff member
Happy the dog had enough energy to romp around the yard with Amber Davis on Wednesday afternoon even though he’d been on a field trip all day.
“He really likes to play and he’s really sweet,” said Davis, staff member of Kauai Humane Society.
He arrived at KHS in the first of December as a stray and is a hound/mix with a cream coat.
Happy is ready for time away from his kennel this holiday season and through a new program at KHS, he’ll get a chance to be part of a family for a few days.
“We’re expanding on the field trip idea and our goal is that every dog goes home with someone this year,” said Scott Pisani, KHS executive director.
The program is called Home for the Holidays. Dogs can leave KHS on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and be back at KHS on Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“Many of the dogs at the shelter have never known a home before, so for someone to open their heart for a few days to a dog is a wonderful gift,” Pisani said.
In addition to Happy, there are about 20 other dogs to choose from, with a variety of temperaments, sizes and quirks.
“If you decide you want to take a dog home for the holidays, it’s best if you bring everyone that will be around in to meet the dog,” Pisani said. “Bring your other pets, too, if you have them.”
Another dog that could use a vacation is Shyla, a terrier/airedale mix with markings like a German shepherd. She’s fast and quiet and, as her name suggests, she’s timid but sweet. Shyla is a little over a year old and she arrived at KHS in November as a stray.
“She loves going out on the field trips,” Davis said. “She’s a good girl.”
Crates, towels, food, leashes and instructions will be provided, along with emergency contact information.
In addition to the Home for the Holidays program, KHS is running a discount on animal adoptions through Tuesday and is charging $25 per animal for adoption. Fees usually range from $25 to $100.
“If you take home a dog for the holidays and decide you want to keep it in the family, we’ll honor the discounted rate,” Pisani said.
