Latest news with #HawaiianHumaneSociety
Yahoo
a day ago
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- Yahoo
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
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hawaiian Humane Society unveils Pets in Paradise calendar contest
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiian Humane Society is bringing back a local favorite and pet lovers across the islands are invited to take part in the 2026 edition. Gov. Green to hold ceremony to honor Pride Month The annual 'Pets in Paradise' calendar contest fundraiser gives Hawaii residents a chance to showcase their furry, feathered or scaly companions in the nonprofit's popular calendar, while helping raise funds for animal welfare services statewide. 'This contest is really about celebrating the special connection people have with their pets,' said Anna Neubauer, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society. 'But even more importantly, every photo entered and every vote cast directly supports animals in need — from lifesaving medical care to helping families stay together during hard times.' Submissions are open from June 1 through June 30. Pet owners can enter by submitting high-quality, landscape-format photos of their pets in one of three categories: Dog, Cat, and Other Animals. The entry fee is $30 per photo, and households can submit as many entries as they a photo is entered, friends and family can vote online for $1 per vote — with all proceeds going toward more than 30 Hawaiian Humane programs, including pet adoption, rescue operations, spay/neuter services and humane education. Top vote-getters in each category will land a coveted spot in the 2026 calendar: Top 5 Dogs Top 5 Cats Top 2 'Other' Animals Even if a pet doesn't win a featured month, there's still a chance to be included in thumbnail galleries throughout the calendar. Calendars are available for pre-order at $25 (plus $5 shipping) and will be mailed out in November. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Photo Guidelines: Landscape format, at least 1280 pixels wide, and 1MB file size minimum No people in the photo (pets only) Multiple pets allowed per image All pets must legally reside in Hawaiʻi To enter, vote or reserve a calendar date, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
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- Yahoo
See your furry friends in Hawaiian Humane Society's calendar
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Want to see your own furry friend featured in a calendar? Enter your photos today. The Hawaiian Humane Society has announced the return of its popular 'Pets in Paradise' calendar contest. Hawaii's TMT project on chopping block amid federal cuts This annual fundraising event invites pet owners across Hawaiʻi to submit photos of their furry companions for a chance to be featured in the organization's calendar for 2026. Starting June 1 through June 30, the contest will accept photo submissions of dogs, cats and other animals. Entries cost $30 per photo, with no limit on submissions per event will also raise critical funds for over 30 programs and services that Hawaiian Humane provides to support animals and the community. 'What makes this contest truly meaningful is seeing how pet owners across the islands come together to support animals in need,' said Anna Neubauer, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society. 'Every photo submitted and vote cast helps us provide medical care, find homes for shelter animals and keep pets with their families during difficult times.' Pet owners can enter the contest by submitting high-quality, landscape-oriented photos of their pets. No people are allowed in the photos. Once entered, family and friends can vote for their favorite pets for just $1 per vote. To enter and for more information, visit the Hawaiian Humane Society's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fast and furr-iest: Miata ready to put his ohana first
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Do you like living your life a quarter mile at a time? If so, we have the purr-fect front seat passenger for you. 44% shortfall in Hawaiʻi deepens crisis For Wags 'n Whiskers Wednesday, KHON2 features Miata, a nine-pound, five-month-old Domestic Shorthair mix. Need the perfect adventure buddy? Coast is the pup for you According to the Hawaiian Humane Society, Miata has 'Dom Toretto' energy and is described as a 'sleep feline with the agility of a drift king.' 10 things you shouldn't do while visiting Hawaiʻi With a coat as smooth as a fresh paint job and eyes sharper than a nitrous-fueled turn, Miata's built for speed, snuggles and loyalty to his crew. Hawaiian Humane Society Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news HHS added that he's a 'ride-or-die' kind of cat who is always ready to race to the food bowl or snuggle on your lap. Inside the 3D construction revolution: 10 eye-opening insights for Hawai'i's future Miata will always put family first and loves to live the fast life. 'In his world, it's not just about the destination, it's about who's riding shotgun.' Check out more news from around Hawaii If you're ready to get in the fast lane, you can meet Miata at the Hawaiian Humane Society's Kosasa Family Campus at Ho'opili daily. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
