• Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Radiology, and Surgery All in One Facility
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools including CT, MRI, and Ultrasound
• Compassionate Approach to Medicine
HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
MEET OUR SURGERY TEAM
Our skilled surgical team includes two highly quali ed board-certi ed surgeons, Dr. Chi-Ya Chen and Dr. Kathryn Pitt. Dr. Chen specializes in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery while Dr. Pitt specializes in soft tissue surgery with expertise in treating cancer with surgery. Both doctors have a special interest in using minimally invasive, camera-assisted procedures to reduce pain and lessen healing time.
Together with their team of highly trained veterinary technicians, Dr. Chen and Dr. Pitt provide cutting-edge surgical care, making VERC a preferred choice for pet owners seeking specialized surgical treatments for their beloved animals.
Their combined expertise, along with 24-hour hospitalized care, will ensure that your pet receives the highest standard of care and attention during their surgical procedure at VERC.
Chi-Ya Chen
BVetMed, MS, DACVS
Wellness Exams • Vaccines • Ultrasounds
Acupuncture • Eastern Medicine
Exotics • Cold Laser • Cardiology
PennHIP Certified • Shockwave Therapy
Real Time Pathology
With over 100 years of combined experience
Eric Ako DVM
Kirsten Jensen BVMS
Ann Sakamoto DVM
Jordan Bader DVM
John Kaya DVM
Leianne Lee Loy DVM
L-R: Emma M (nurse) Nandita (best model ever!) Krista Ann Lee, DVM
Hawaii Veterinary Vision Care
Ophthalmic
Ophthalmic
John B. Harmon III Carol R.
Cover
Tobey Yamashita
Aloha Moments Pet Photography Bandana by Tanzie’s Treasures Printing
Island Dog Magazine is published quarterly in February, May, August and November and distributed on Oahu at select pet stores, veterinary clinics, and other retail establishments including:
Safeway: Beretania
Longs: Kahala, Kapolei, Pearlridge
Times Supermarket:
Aiea, Kahala, Kaimuki, Kalihi, King Street, Liliha, Mililani Windward Mall: Upstairs Hardware Hawaii: Kailua Don Quijote: Waipahu
It may be Autumn, but we will never Fall with our furballs by our side! We’re gonna carve up this pumpkin of a season and serve up an All-Treats, No-Tricks issue so sweet it’ll make your canines ache. Your teeth, silly—we’d never hurt your dog!
It starts right on the cover with a little confection named Arabiki, whom we met at Aunty Leah’s new Dis-and-Bark store in Pearlridge. Cheese! Our Da Kine Canine Gallery brims to the rim with your honeyed hounds and next up is All Dressed Up, so keep ’em coming. Upload at islanddogmagazine.com!
We dive nose first into sniffing out those festering pests Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles and Little Fire Ants, and we serve up a candy lei of gratitude to Dr. Lissa Kam and the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association for the magic of the Pet Expo. Big Fun and more to come!
Our 9th Annual Pet Services Directory will fill your goodie bag with listings by location, not alphabetically, the easier to find Jus’ Da Kine, or Jus’ Da Ting, for your persnickety pooch. And we remember Al Waterson, aka “Pet Detective, Al Fadog,” with a tender tribute from his soulmate, Nancy Bernal.
All this, plus resident artist John Pritchett pushing a pile of sheet as this year’s pupper gear, makes for a frolicking Fab Fall issue indeed.
As ever, we are grateful for the kindness of your attention in this most spooky of digital ages, and for filling our advertisers’ bowls with candied incantations of your finding them here. Yours is the spell that makes our little dog mag possible… Happy Halloween!
Woofs & Wags
John & Carol
HILARIE
Rafa
Arabiki
M y crunchy Japanese sausage dog, Arabiki, was born around Sept. 12, 2023.
We are often approached by inquisitive passersby asking, “What’s his breed?” Jokingly, I reply “Waialua Sugar Terrier.” Prompted by much curiosity, we did an Embark DNA test. His results never cease to amaze me: He’s mostly Supermutt, which includes German Shepard, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Russell-type Terrier and Dachshund, followed by Chihuahua, American Pit Bull Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Maltese, and American Bulldog. Poi Dog!
His introduction begins in mid-October of 2023. Discovered under a resident's home on the Waialua Sugar Mill Camp, Arabiki, his Mama and siblings were immediately given medical attention while the Fur-Angel Foundation sought emergency foster care. I filled out an application to foster and I guess you could say the rest is history.
While his family found amazing furever homes, Arabiki remained my handpicked “foster fail” and lives alongside Mango and Sage, our seven year old rescue pitties. I’m showered daily with fresh morning kisses and welcomed home with exuberant butt wiggles. He proudly trots around with a toy in his mouth and is my rabbit-pouncing, fern-shoot tailed cuddlebug. It’s said that a soul dog may come around only once in a lifetime. Arabiki is truly mine.
—Michelle Takara
TOBEY YAMASHITA
KELLI BULLOCK HERGERT
Gotcha Day 1/4/24 with new toy Mr. Aloha
4-5 weeks old With Mama Mia and brothers Kanoa and Musubi
Michelle with her soul dog
Oahu SPCA Doggy Day TripS Share an island experience with a shelter dog!
Go on an adventure with a shelter dog, or bring him home for the day to cuddle up and watch a movie. Either way, enjoying their love and companionship is fun and rewarding, especially for our shelter pets. It’s great for their mental health and helps them get adopted.
Chaperones will receive a backpack for the day which includes a towel, dog treats, water and bowl, and poop bags. All dogs will be fitted with a martingale collar or harness and leash. To keep our animals safe, please leave personal pets at home, avoid dog parks and provide lots of water and, of course, love and attention throughout the trip.
Complete a Doggy Day Trip application so that our staff can match you with an appropriate buddy, and then off you go! A minimum non-refundable donation of $25 is required at time of pickup to help defer the cost of running the field trip program and caring for our shelter pets. https://OahuSPCA.org/Doggy-Day-Trips
Oahu SPCA Veterinary Clinic
Proceeds of our Clinic services go to the care and rehabilitation of our rescued animals.
Visit our veterinary facility in Wahiawa for:
• Spay/Neuter
• TNR
• Mass Removals/Soft Tissue Surgery
• Entropion Surgery
• Health Certificates
• Wellness, Sick, Annual and Senior Exams
• Petco Low Cost Vaccine Clinics
Diagnostics:
• Urine, Fecal, and Blood Tests (in clinic and outside lab)
• Cytology and Histopathology
• FAVN Rabies Titer Testing
• Ultrasound
• Radiology (in house and specialist send out)
Island Dog needs pix of your dressed up fur baby for our Winter issue (Nov-Jan). Limited Space—submit by Oct. 18!
Hoku & Pinky
Sage Mary
Kamea
Dax 13 years old
Chewee
Joey Tribbiani Tabion
Lucky
Legend Cooper
Memory
Loving Memory
Santore
Kimble
Zeus & Logan
Acorn Ronin
Linus Kaipo
Makana
Chrissy
Kuhio
Maka
Chachi
Fifi Kula
Cartman Angel
Kahena and Haukea Coco
Nohea Nikki
Marshmellow Reagan Yuki
Maple Bacon Donut & Hachiya Melon
Makana and Pono
❤ In Loving Memory Kinako
❤ In Loving Memory Indi
In Loving Memory Kobe Sadie
• No Additives or Preservatives • Beef, Chicken, Pork, Ahi and more!
Check out our new location !
@belly_rub_kitchen @bellyrubkitchen
Stop by every 3rd Saturday of the month at Koko Marina Shopping Center
120 Sand Island Access Rd. Unit 4 Open Mon-Fri 10am-1pm
Is it time for Euthanasia?
But you are not sure?
Compassionate End of Life Care for Pets and Support for the People Who Love Them
• Compassionate Home Euthanasia: Making the final transition in the comfort of your home. Crematory transport and ashes hand delivered.
• Palliative Care & Hospice: Help maintaining quality of life to the end, and for chronic or incurable illness.
• Support for YOU: Our team is trained in pet loss support, grief and bereavement. Chaplain services also available.
Take the first steps towards peace of mind. Arms of Aloha’s Care Navigators can walk you through options and resources.
Carolyn Naun DVM, CHPV Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian
Preregister to start the conversation. Receive free resources and start a plan for the future. armsofaloha.com/preregistration/
Get your Senior Toolkit for information and articles about Senior Pet Care. armsofaloha.com/senior_toolkit
Coco Ta-Lau
Queenie `
Miso
Gunner Boy
Brie
Monty
Hoku
Ellie, Sophie and Sadie
Zora Tobio Cooper
Pono
Ezabell, Ezra, and Wyatt
❤ In Loving Memory Emi
Girlie
Nellie
Ayla Mi So Yang
Kona
Mickey
Puny
Hoku
Honi Rolex Sumo Prince
Rolo Tookah Hoku
“A holistic approach to canine behavior”
Stimulation
Lasting behavioral changes include more than just training. It requires us to look at the dog's most fundamental needs before even addressing the behavioral challenges.
CASE STUDY
PATIENT : ”Ella,” a 2½ year old German Shepherd.
SYMPTOMS: Ella‘s elderly owner came to us struggling with severe stranger-directed aggression: lunging and barking at other dogs, and pulling so hard on walks that she could not be safely taken out. Her owner no longer felt she could have people over, or even let Ella out in the yard due to dogs on the other side of their fence. As a lifelong German Shepherd lover and owner, she was devastated by these behavioral challenges and feared that she could no longer enjoy life with her dog.
DIAGNOSIS: After conducting an in-home initial evaluation, we were able to identify several points contributing to the behavioral challenges Ella was presenting. The owners’ age and physical condition made it very challenging, and their large fenced-in yard bordered another home with several barking dogs. This resulted in a young, high energy German Shepherd whose physical and mental stimulation needs were severely under-fulfilled. She only let energy out when she was barking at intruders (mailmen, delivery personnel, guests), or at the fence, barking until she tired herself out completely.
SOLUTION: We brought in our new sister company, Fast & Furriest (see left page). Of the thousands of dogs I’ve worked with, a majority of the cases involve dogs who are under-fulfilled physically, which contributes to their behavior problems. Some owners cannot provide their dog the appropriate exercise, or at the intensity necessary. And Hawaii’s hot climate doesn’t always permit certain breeds to exercise (Huskies, Shepherds, Flat-Nose/ Brachycephalic, etc.). Fast & Furriest utilizes dogpowered slat-mills in a safe, supervised, and climate
controlled environment, providing dogs a space to run as fast as they want for as long as they want.
With a weekly routine running with Fast & Furriest, we made progress with a calmer, more responsive dog. Ella quickly became the German Shepherd that her owner had always wanted, and after only 6 weeks we were able to redirect her mental stimulation needs to training with mom as opposed to barking at dogs and intruders! She is able to match her owner’s pace on walks now and comes every time she is called in from the yard. Ella’s weekly Fast & Furriest run gets her exercise needs met, and they now walk on a loose leash daily and play in the backyard, even with the barking at the fence.
If you have a dog with aggression or are struggling with any behavioral challenges, please call or scan the QR code to schedule an Initial Evaluation. We’d love to meet you and your pups! Scheduling New Clients NOW!
Learning never stops, and there’s no such thing as a “Bad Dog.”
Sean Riley, Canine Behavioral Psychologist with his dogs (l-r) Pono and Bodhi.
Nose vs. Invasives
BY JOHN HARMON
Canine Scent Teams Sniff Out Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles and Little Fire Ants
The islands of Hawaii continue to be threatened by invasive species, and the danger is significant. To battle these perils, enter the dog’s nose!
Conservation Dogs of Hawaii (CDH), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has recently received grants to identify and survey the areas of infestation of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) on Kauai, and Little Fire Ants (LFA) on Windward Oahu.
Lead trainer Kyoko Johnson has previously taught dog teams to detect avian botulism, devil weed, and other non-native species. She looks to these new threats as unique challenges.
Human inspection alone is challenging. Sizewise, LFA are only the thickness of a penny and are very difficult to spot visually. CRB are bigger but the larvae are buried under mulch and other organic material. A trained dog imprinted to a particular scent can be incredibly accurate and cover large areas efficiently.
The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), was first detected on Oahu in December of 2013. Multiple populations were discovered on Kauai in 2023.
Native to Southeast Asia, adult CRB feed on emerging palm fronds, causing damage and even killing the tree. Although they prefer to feed on coconut, royal, date and fan palms are vulnerable as well, as are native Hala, Taro, and Loulu. Unfortunately, on Oahu CRB are likely too entrenched to eradicate. But on Kauai it still may be possible, if not to eradicate, at least to curb it so that it doesn't get as bad as Oahu. CDH is collaborating with Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC) on their CRB program, and is also receiving funding from other organizations to train new dog teams..
There are three dogs already trained on the beetle, and they are working toward a certification test to make sure that the team has some basic
L: CRB’s 2" bore holes. C: Characteristic 45 degree v-cuts on palm fronds. R: Dead coconut trees on Guam after CRB infestation.
proficiency: recognizing the odor and finding them in blind searches in environments similar to the survey environment.
Meanwhile, the teams are also training at some of the actual known areas of CRB, and having success finding some of the breeding sites. They found about 80 larvae in one site, and 50 in another. Says Kyoko, “It’s very promising!” Once the three initial teams get certified and start doing field surveys, they’ll use the funding to train more dog teams, and hopefully even pay them.
Oahu already has dog teams through CRB Response, and Kyoko has been consulting with them as well.
Visit crbhawaii.org and you’ll find trap detection maps showing Oahu pretty much covered with hits, several sites on Kauai, and just a few on Maui and the Big Island.
Coconut rhinoceros beetles are black and average about 2" in length with a prominent horn, are active at night and can fly. CRB larvae can grow up to three inches before pupating. They prefer coconut palm green waste, but can survive in most any decaying plant material, mulch, and compost.
KISC
CRB RESPONSE TEAM
Scent detection teams locate CRB breeding sites on Kauai. L: Debra Gochros with Xena and Luna. R: Karen Shrimpton and Sadie.
Most of the Little Fire Ants infestations are on the windward side of Oahu. CDH is particularly excited to receive funding from the Castle Foundation’s Pilina Fund, which aims to support Windward Oahu specifically.
LFA are a rainforest species that prefer to live in trees. Colonies can form a network of supercolonies and quickly spread through an area. These tiny ants can rain down and inflict painful stinging bites on unsuspecting humans, wreck agriculture and even blind animals. CDH has been training one dog team already, and now has received funding to train five additional teams, so they’ll be recruiting new teams.
CDH is partnered with Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL), a group whose very small amount of resources belies very big goals and accomplishments. Visit littlefireants.com to learn more. HAL would love volunteers to help with their peanut butter surveys which are vital in identifying sites.
There’s a learning curve: you have to learn how to do it, how to place them, and then use their app to enter the data. Somebody or a group that can do it regularly would be ideal. Volunteering would help the dogs, too, because
Ants on
Little Fire Ants measure 1/16" long and can hitch rides on nursery plants and materials.
then they have confirmation of the ants before the dogs are run.
Battling Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Little Fire Ant infestations will require our whole community be on the same page in order to guarantee any measure of success. And scent dogs will be an essential component of this effort.
Do you and your dog have what it takes to become a scent dog team? Your dog will need focus and stamina and you will need to be in good shape. Don’t underestimate the commitment: Open terrain can be challenging, and residences being surveyed may have chickens, cats, dogs, mud and clutter. If you have a high-drive dog on Oahu or Kauai and you’re interested in applying to become a dog team for the LFA program on Oahu or the CRB program on Kauai, email info@conservationdogshawaii.org for further details on program and dog team criteria.
ELI SARNAT
MASAKO CORDRAY
Little Fire Ant bites have caused corneal clouding in Bohdi.
Little Fire
a peanut butter stick
Above: “The Veterinarian is in,” and answering questions at the
Right: Lissa Kam, Pet Expo chairperson (center), with vounteers Adele and Kiana
From keiki to kupuna, there was something for everyone at the Pet Expo.
Mahalo to HVMA and Lissa Kam!
HVMA booth.
Yoshikawa.
2024 Hawaii Pet Expo
Hawaii’s largest pet event enjoyed a resurgence
And a great time was had by all! That line usually goes at the end of a story, but this is most certainly not the end. The 32nd Hawaii Pet Expo on May 4-5 leaped in attendance with over 11,000 animal celebrants and more than 1,000 of their precious pets strolling through the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. A huge “Mahalo!” to Dr. Lissa Kam and her merry band of organizers and to the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA) for sponsoring, and wrapping a big bow on such a fabulous family fun shindig.
Attendance and participation were way up in its second year after a covid hiatus. With over 80 vendors,
animal lovers browsed new products, shopped, learned about services and animal organizations and enjoyed live demonstrations including acupuncture, animal CPR, and the ever popular Puppy Match and Parade of Breeds.
Instead of charging admission, HVMA asked for a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to the Hawaii Food Bank, and the attendees generously delivered, with over 1,000 pounds of food and nearly $4,000! To date, the Expo has brought in 31,000 pounds of food and $34,000 for the Foodbank.
The Hawaii Pet Expo will return in 2025 on May 3-4. And Island Dog will be there as we have been since our start in 2008. See you next year!
PHOTOS/HAWAII
O‘ahu Pet Services Directory (August 2024-August 2025)
A Handy Listing of Folks and Businesses who provide services that are needed and desired by us, the dog owners of O‘ahu. Services are listed by geographic area to make it easier to find services near home or work.
Street addresses are not included as most establishments will require a preliminary call or online registration.
These listings are not a recommendation. It is up to you, the consumer, to choose carefully by asking questions that are important to you and your dog.
Highlighted listings are Island Dog advertisers who make this publication possible. Please tell ’em we sent ya! Mahalo!
Listing information may change without notice and will not be updated until the next publication date in August, 2025. Available online: IslandDogMagazine.com Resources
BOARDING & DAYCARE
AIEA/PEARL CITY
VIPaws 808-389-2423
Aiea
Tails of Hawaii
Lodging/Daycare & Play Experience! tailsofhawaii.com
Pearl City 808-676-9663 Ad on pg. 54
WEST TO NORTH SHORE
Da Doghouse 808-258-1803
Waipahu
Kama‘aina K9 Adventures
Hawaii’s First Doggie Theme Park! kamaainak9.com 808-594-2484
Waipahu Ad on pg. 4
Loving Paws Pet Boarding Ewa Beach 808-783-6020
Tradewinds Pet Suites
Waianae 808-696-4900
HONOLULU
Alii Animal Unleashed
Honolulu 808-888-4045
Furever Friends Play & Stay Mapunapuna 808-845-7297
Hawaii’s First Daycare since 2005! ohanadoggiedaycare.net Honolulu 808-791-3647 Ad on pg. 26
Pets in the City Daily Walk, Enrichment Activities petsinthecityhawaii.com Honolulu 808-593-1505 Ad on pg. 22
Woof Top (Opens 10/1/24) Downtown Penthouse on Union Mall Board, Daycare, Grooming & Training 808-358-9190 Ad on pg. 9
WINDWARD
Ko‘olau Bed & Biscuit Kaneohe 808-239-1214
Laughing Dogs Daycare Kailua 808-261-2530
Nalowinds Boarding Kennels Waimanalo 808-259-7349
Pampered Pets Hawaii 808-286-8757
Kaneohe, Koolau, Kapolei
DOG WALKING
GROOMING
WEST TO NORTH
Doggie Due Diligence
Whether you’re looking for a groomer, pet care professional or trainer, make time to research and have a list of questions ready. Websites and social media can provide insight into business philosophy. Mention any special needs your dog may have. Ask for references. If applicable ask if licensed, bonded and insured, and about contingency plans in case of emergency or natural disaster. Don’t wait until the last minute; as a new client it may take extra time to set up and schedule a new account. Pet care services can book up quickly, especially during busy holiday seasons. Your dog should be up-to-date on vaccinations and monthlies.
GROOMING CONT’D
HONOLULU
Beauty Salon for Doggies
Kapahulu 808-371-8376
Doggy Box 808-983-9553
Kakaako
Honolulu Dog Spa 808-626-5865
Johnny’s Dog Spa
Ala Moana 808-942-7952
K-9 Style 808-523-3333
Liliha
The Itchy Pooch Salon
Honolulu 808- 445-2631
Lokahi Dog Grooming
Manoa 808-382-8644
Wan Wan Paradise 808-589-2288
Kakaako
Yuppie Puppie Grooming Salon
Salt Lake 808-839-1158
KAIMUKI, KAHALA, HAWAII KAI
Dog Salon Kahala 808-729-5122
Kahala Ad on pg. 41
Live.Love.Pet! 808-734-8282
Kaimuki
New Breeze Dog Salon
Kaimuki 808-735-6000
Pacific Paws Pet Salon
Aina Haina 808-735-9334
WINDWARD
Delicata Dog Grooming
Enchanted Lake 808-343-6664
Doggone Groomers
Kaneohe 808-236-7000
The Dog Shop, LLC
Kailua 808-262-8804
MOBILE GROOMERS
Island Mobile Groomer Kailua to Kahala 808-383-8332
Waggon Tails 1-702-335-5858
Windward Oahu
PET SITTING
WEST TO NORTH SHORE
Aloha Professional Pet Sitters LLC
Waikele - Kapolei 808-286-0497
HONOLULU
Malu Pet Bliss 808-232-1585 Kakaako to Kahala
Tara’s Dog Services East Honolulu 808-392-6619
WINDWARD
Doggie Paddles Pet Sitting
Kailua 808-256-1126
Kailua Pet Sitters, Inc. Kailua 808-721-8318
Wag-A-Long Pet Sitting
Kailua 808-366-6681
PLAYDATES/EXCURSIONS
A Happy Tail 808-291-4957
Kailua
PET HOSPICE
Arms of Aloha 1-808-435-3006 Make decisions with peace, comfort & dignity armsofaloha.com Ad on pg. 28 PET LOSS GRIEF COUNSELING
Dr. Lara Larson 808-383-1785 Honolulu
PET MASSAGE
Canine Body Works
Kim Kaili 808-728-1753
Mobile, Certified Canine Massage Therapist
Hawaiian Air Cargo hawaiianaircargo.com 1-877-422-2746
Tail Movers 808-676-9663 Your Travel Agent for Pets! tailsofhawaii.com Ad on pg. 54
Aloha Moments Pet Photography alohamomentshawaii.com
Tobey Yamashita
Unique Sets
pg.
Disaster Preparedness
Plan Ahead for Your Pet’s Safety
Hurricane season runs from June through the end of November.
In the event of evacuation for a hurricane, tsunami, or other disaster, residents and pets should come prepared with a pet disaster preparedness kit. Shelters do not stock supplies.
What to Bring to an Emergency Shelter
• Pet crate/carrier large enough for your pet to stand and turn around.
• 14 day supply of food and water plus bowls
• Medication/Pet First Aid Kit and veterinary information and records
• Identi cation ID tag on a collar, microchipping and current photo. Microchip should be up-to-date with current contact information.
• Collar and leash/harness
• A comforting toy, bedding, treats and towel
• Cat litter in containers and litter pan
• Hygiene, grooming and sanitation supplies
Don’t leave your pets behind! If you don’t feel safe in your home, neither will your pet. If evacuation is not necessary and you can shelter in place, the family pet should be kept inside away from wind, noise and breaking glass and/or in a crate.
Oahu’s Pet-Friendly Shelters
According to the Department of Emergency Management, City & County of Honolulu, all Oahu evacuation shelters are considered pet-friendly. Monitor local media and o cial social media sites for speci cs and updates. Based on the type of disaster and other circumstances, some shelters may be closed and other facilities may be enlisted. So stay informed.
View the City & County of Honolulu’s map of Oahu hurricane refuge areas at: https://www.honolulugis.org/apps (Public Safety/Oahu Hurricane Refuge Areas Public Viewer)
Remembering
Al Waterson Pet Detective Al Fadog
BY NANCY BERNAL
Legendary entertainer and showman extraordinaire – Albert Waterson (aka Al Waterson) passed away at his home on the evening of April 21, 2024 at the age of 77 from cancer. Al was a professional emcee, singer, actor, recording artist, voice-over and wedding officiant; and in the world of animal lovers, Al was known as “Pet Detective Al Fadog.”
Some fifteen years ago, Al started providing his services as host of a television segment on The Pet Hui to help reunite pet owners with their lost pets. He created the name “Pet Detective Al Fadog” and ended with his signature line “Leash ’em or lose ’em.” He brought awareness about missing dogs, cats, birds and other animals and requested the public’s assistance in helping find these lost pets. In addition, Al offered advice on keeping pets safe and secure at their homes or outside with many success stories of lost pets being found. He truly cared about each person he met and their pets, feeling tremendous gratification when the furry family members returned to their homes. People often approached Al to shake his hand and express their appreciation.
Al was a huge animal lover and an advocate for numerous animal
rescue organizations, including the Hawaiian Humane Society. For the past sixteen years, Al emceed our annual “Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show” presented by Al Waterson and You, and produced by me, Nancy Bernal. The purpose of this unique fashion show was to bring awareness to pet adoption and encourage volunteerism and fostering for dogs and cats. Over fifty celebrities participated each year on the runway, carrying their own pets or adoptable dogs and cats. The twist was that the celebrities were not wearing the fashions—instead the pets were dressed in designer outfits!
Throughout the years, Al enjoyed videotaping the numerous events he supported featuring animals. Check out Al’s YouTube Channel—AL808—to see all of his video productions.
Al’s love for animals was evident, especially his passion for dogs. Every time he saw a dog, he stopped to pet it and talk to the pet parent. Dogs gravitated to Al because they could sense that he cared about them and he wanted to play with them. He advocated for anti-cruelty to animals and promoted kindness, always.
Al was married to me, the love of his life, for 47 years. Together we presented, coordinated and worked on thousands of entertainment projects through the years. Al is also the love of my life, and my mission in honor of my wonderful husband is to continue his legacy and his passion for helping people and animals.
He always had a smile and a joke to share. It brought him so much joy to see people laugh at his humor and enjoy life. His positivity was contagious, talking to everyone he met and treating people with the utmost respect. As he
often said, “I appreciate the people I have met and worked with throughout the years, and I will always treasure the wonderful memories with each of them.” Al will be missed by the many people around the world who loved him. We will always be grateful for his contribution to society as “Pet Detective Al Fadog.” Please cherish with me the beautiful memories of Albert Waterson!
Lifelong animal lover, Al Waterson, August 30, 1946 - April 21, 2024.
Al and Nancy—47 years and forever in love.
Gifts & Sniffs
Throw a Donut Party!
Get your dog’s attention with these drool-worthy Mini Dog Donuts by Nummy Nums Kapolei. Baked with fresh, local organic ingredients, and topped with dogsafe icing and frosting. Available at Dis-and-Bark at Pearlridge Mall (Uptown) in Aiea.
Picky Eaters Love Rocco’s Rocco’s Beef Jerky is the perfect savory snack or training treat. Breaks easily to use as a topper. Look for the blue bag! Made locally and sold exclusively at Enchanted Lake Pet in Kailua.
Dressed to the K9s
Disney Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas is at Petsmart with an assortment of HowloWeenwear, including this Dog Hoodie, XS-XL. Want to go more low key? Keep it simple with Glow-in-theDark Dog Collars with a Skull or Pumpkin embellishment by Thrills & Chills. Exclusively at Petsmart stores or petsmart.com.
Rewarding Nose Work
Snuffle balls are the perfect interactive toy for those pets who need a challenge! Simply put their kibble or favorite treat into the folds of the ball and watch them use their nose to find the prize. At The Pet Depot in Ewa Beach.
Helping Pets Feel Balanced and Grounded
If your stressed or anxious pet did not respond well to Western medicine, consider a holistic, plant-based alternative. T-Away by Young Living Essential Oils is a calming blend of oils that is a part of their Animal Scents line. Text Sharman Elison, DVM at 808-226-3288 or www.Myyl.com/ SharmanElison.
Ono Treats from Maui
Howloween Ready
Pucker Up! Kissing Booth headpiece for dogs, S/M or L/XL. For dogs and cats who like to snuggle: Coffin Bed with removal pillow. Lid opens and closes, S/L. Pupkin Spice plush toy that crinkles and squeaks. All by Bootique and exclusively at Petco stores or petco.com
Gifts & Sniffs
Dino’s Doggie Delites are all natural, locally sourced dog treats made in Maui. Pick up a bag of Venison Chips or FreezeDried Ahi, Venison and Mahimahi at Paw Hana Supply in Aiea. F A L L
ISLAND DOG MAGAZINE LIST OF ADVERTISERS
Ctr. 62-Inside Back Cover
Since 2008, Island Dog Magazine is published quarterly in February, May, August and November. Our distribution of 17,500 reaches more than 35,000 Island Dog owners— pet parents who seek out our magazine at select Safeway, Don Quixote, Times and Longs stores, as well as from veterinarians, pet retailers, and other dog-loving establishments. A digital edition is also posted on our website: IslandDogMagazine.com. For info on advertising, please call John Harmon at (808) 254-2992.
ASounds of the Heart: What is a heart murmur?
Jessica Sun, DVM DACVECC
heart murmur is the sound of turbulent blood flow within the heart. Veterinarians use a stethoscope to listen to the heart to identify these sounds, however the sound of a murmur alone is not enough to determine what exactly is causing the turbulent flow. A special ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram is used to look at the heart itself to determine where the turbulent blood flow is happening.
In small breed dogs, heart murmurs can often be due to a leaking valve (the most common one being the mitral valve). In large breed dogs, heart murmurs can indicate stretching of the heart (dilated cardiomyopathy). In young dogs, heart murmurs can be an indicator of heart abnormalities they were born with such as holes in the heart (atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects), passageways that didn’t close over properly (patent ductus arteriosus), or abnormal thickenings of the heart (pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis).
Any of these heart conditions can lead to heart failure but can also lead to abnormal heart beats or rhythms (arrhythmias) which can contribute to heart failure, or worst case scenario, stop the heart completely.
Signs of heart failure or arrhythmias include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Neck stretching, inability to settle or lie down
• Coughing
• Collapse/fainting
Untreated, heart failure or arrhythmias can be fatal. We recommend scheduling an annual exam for your dog to check for the development of heart murmurs and bringing your dog in through our 24/7 ER if they are showing signs of heart failure or arrhythmias.
At VCA, your pet’s health is our top priority and excellent service is our goal. We provide the very best medicine by offering a full range of services including primary, emergency, surgical and specialty all in one building. Our veterinarians and team treat your pet with the same level of care they would give to their own pet.