In past years I have not always supported Hawaii Island Humane Society. However, Donna Whitaker taking over the helm is the best thing that could have happened. Little by little, Donna, her staff and board have shaped it into an
In past years I have not always supported Hawaii Island Humane Society. However, Donna Whitaker taking over the helm is the best thing that could have happened. Little by little, Donna, her staff and board have shaped it into an organization we can all be proud of. One that has the welfare of our animals as their paramount responsibility.
The community needs to know a few of the things that are happening. A thumb nail sketch follows:
They now have an Adoption Ambassador program that takes foster care to the next level. This gives the Adoption Ambassador the responsibility for finding a forever home for their charge. Training is furnished and supplies are provided. So far, since November, seven people have taken this special fostering job and so far six have found forever homes for their charges. This is a special program and more Adoption Ambassadors are needed. Call HIHS to learn more about this really great opportunity. All you have to do is apply at any of the three shelters.
A new veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Kort, has been added to their staff to work alongside Dr. Hendricks at the three shelters. Donna Whitaker has stated that spay-neuter is the only way to reduce overpopulation and adding another veterinarian is the only way to keep up with their increasing spay-neuter programs that they have now instituted. Check your shelter for all their special programs including grants.
HIHS works with six off-island rescue groups. Tasi Autele from Big Island Dog Rescue is welcome, however, he has to sign the application and agree to HIHS terms, which he won’t do.
Beth Ackerman, certified humane education specialist, provides a comprehensive and extremely interesting program teaching responsibility not only for your pet but also animal welfare issues and ways they might assist. This and much more is covered.
Is everything perfect?
No, and neither are any of the rest of us. We are all work in progress. HIHS has met the test and continues to forge ahead.
Of course, I have to get to the nonsense that is now happening. The County Council already heard the complaints and dropped the whole thing. Debi Cravatta, from CARES, stated that going “no kill” was the way to go and animal control and animal welfare should be separate. She stated San Francisco is a “no-kill” city.
Well, on one hand she is right. They have signed a no-kill policy for the city. Yes, they have a fancy no-kill shelter and half a block away they built a regular SPCA where Maddies can pick and choose animals. Yes, they euthanize there. San Francisco, like all of us, is trying to adopt out and spay-neuter as many animals as they can. Dave Duffield left $300 million to Maddie’s Fund that is responsible for this elegant shelter. I’ve been there several times. This is a great organization that gives grants, etc. All organizations need to check out their grant policies.
A suggestion was made to have an oversight committee monitoring HIHS. This is simply ridiculous. HIHS files monthly reports as well as works with both the police department and with the prosecutor’s office. I think the county can handle this contract just fine! Also, Tasi complained he had a hard time finding records. If he can’t find the records, he’s looking in the wrong place. All his rhetoric just shows me that hasn’t a clue what the animal control contact entails.
I’ve also heard that HIHS isn’t open to meeting with Debbie Cravatta and Tasi Autele. Well, from what I’ve seen with those two in the past shows that they picket if they don’t get what they want and Debi tends to yell at people and at one meeting that I was at, she looked at us and asked why are you there, as everyone hates you. Debi and Tasi need to learn that sugar draws more flies than vinegar. Does it really seem a meeting with them would be productive or even pleasant?
Another thing, just a personal observation and I’m not the only one that feels this way. You know Tasi is a young man, recently moved here and starts throwing his weight around — all those memos showing budgets etc. and making demands. Sorry, that really turns me off. He hasn’t put in his time to behave in that manner.
This is very chopped up letter but I tried to cover current issues and I have people calling me and asking me to please say something.
One final comment: HIHS has the contract and is doing an excellent job and plans for even more improvements. So I strongly suggest that everyone get with the program. Yes, you can have suggestions but don’t crucify HIHS.
Ginger Towle is the president of the West Hawaii Humane Society, which is a separate organization from HIHS
