KEAUHOU MAUKA — Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, Twins in Tutus and Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Slinky Dog from “Toy Story” strutted their stuff Saturday during the Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Howl’ween Dog Walk at Central Bark.
Dozens of pooches and their owners took part in annual event that encourages pet owners to exercise themselves and their pets all the while raising money for the Hawaii Island Humane Society. Dogs available for adoption also participated in the walk.
This year marked the first time the humane society’s west-side Howl’ween Dog Walk has been held at the Animal Community Center on 12 acres off Mamalahoa Highway, north of Haawina Street off Kuakini Highway, in Keauhou Mauka. Previously, the event had featured pets and owners strolling on Alii Drive in Kailua Village.
But with new digs, the event was moved mauka this year. In April, the completion of the facility’s first phase, which cost $3.5 million and included site and utility work for the entire 12 acres, a large-dog park, a small-dog park and administrative building.
Construction at the Animal Community Center remains ongoing, Whitney Sickels, Hawaii Island Humane Society fund development director, said Saturday.
Currently, existing structures are being rendered for a cat barn, as well as rooms for kupuna and volunteers, she said. Grading is also underway for the facility’s dog kennel.
“We’re hoping by next summer we can move the animals up here from the Kona Shelter,” said Sickels, referring to the humane society’s current hub of operations off Hale Makai Place near the Kealakehe Police Station.
The park is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, and there is no cost to enter. The humane society is seeking volunteers so that the park can be open additional hours, Sickels noted.
October is also Adopt A Shelter Dog Month and the Hawaii Island Humane Society is reducing the adoption fee to $50. The normal adoption fee for a dog is $80. Shelters are located in Kona, Keaau and Waimea.
For more information, or to adopt, donate or volunteer, visit www.hihs.org.