Free samples! | Live Animal Demos | Breed Clubs & Dog Shows
Educational Displays & Hand Crafts | Toys, Clothing and Gifts for your Pet Please kokua with a nonperishable donation for the Hawaii Foodbank. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and under their owner’s control.
For information or to reserve booth space contact Dr. Lissa Kam at 808-845-1762
Publishers
John B. Harmon III
Carol R. Harmon
Editor
John Harmon
Design
Carol Harmon
Cover Photo
Kelli Bullock Hergert
Kelli with an Eye Photography Dog Lei Taste of the Tropics
Printing
Journal Graphics
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:
Let’s get right down to the celebration of our Spring Fling edition, and boy, are we happy to share it. Meet Cover Boy ‘Ekolu the Tripawd, who defies expectations as well as gravity by living his bestest life and in so doing, inspires us to cherish ours.
Our Da Kine Canine Gallery is front loaded with lots of shots of Cutey Canines, then the tail section is jammin’ with Puppy Pix. Absolutely Adorbs! Next up: Pups & Peeps, your chance to shine right along with your 4LBFF. Smile!
We share Blair Thorndike and Lisa Hutchinson’s tale of a rescue who won’t listen and update what dog names have been most popular on the mainland (AKC) and in Hawaii (IDM). Hint: ours stay much more fun, even when our dogs no stay when we say.
Spring has sprung, so pick up your dog dung! We’ve noticed a serious uptick in abandoned doggie doings and that’s just not ok. So we’ve gathered some information and gadgets to enable easier feces eradication in “Crap Containment.” If all else fails, you can hire Got Poo? to deal with it!
Our 13th Annual Vet Directory is listed by zip code to help you choose someone close to home or office, while Gifts & Sniffs is a smaller, more directed version as befits the season. But it’s still seasoned with just the right amount of toys, treats, and oddball beats to thrill even the most fastidious pupper.
All this, plus resident artist John Pritchett festooning oldsters, makes for a ring-ading Spring, indeed!
This issue marks the beginning of our 18th year of publishing and we couldn’t be more grateful and appreciative of the kindness of your attention, dear readers, in this most digital of ages. And for reminding the establishments that you frequent with your doggie designated dollars—advertisers or not—that not all of their business comes from social media.
We’re still here because you’re still here!
Mahalo!
John & Carol
NATALIA OMSK
4400 Kalanianaole Hwy. Across from Kahala Mall next to Great Harvest
Pets in the City is excited to announce the opening of our second location in Kahala this February! We can’t wait to bring our exceptional care and love for pets to a new neighborhood!
Doggie
Daycare
Boarding • Grooming Plus: Daily Enrichment Activities to keep your dog engaged! Agility • Gate Manners • Basic Obedience • Obstacle Course Scavenger Hunt • Nose Work • And more!
‘Ekolu
By Arianna Thompson
‘Ekolu (the number three in ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i), aka ‘Ekolu the Tripawd, is a three year old, three-legged, American Pitbull Terrier. I got him from the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) when he was 14 months old. He started with four legs of course, but due to an accident before HHS, he needed surgery and then later needed it amputated. But that’s never stopped him from living life to the fullest!
The first night home, he jumped over the backside of the couch from the ground and since then, he’s shown us how much more he is capable of. He has learned over 60 tricks and commands, including how to MoonWalk, how to tell the difference between his left and right and the left and right of the person facing him, how to whisper, how to jump through hoops, and so, so much more! He’s even learned a few languages such as Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese and Filipino.
‘Ekolu also participates in Fast CAT runs and absolutely loves it! Fast CAT is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs chase a lure and their speed is measured. My dad taught him
to chase the lure and he knows exactly what to do. He‘s had timed runs up to 17 mph!
He attends many events and even won an aloha shirt contest. His prize was a stay at Surfjack Hotel in Waikiki.
‘Ekolu is not picky about anything: he loves all foods—fruits, veggies—anything you have to offer. He loves any toy you show him, car rides and car shows, fireworks, the beach, painting, and running. He just loves life!
’Ekolu is my first ever pet that I’ve had myself. My friend and I did our weekly HHS visit to play with the animals and I locked eyes with him. A few people had looked at him but weren’t sure because he seemed disinterested and distant.
But when I put my arm in, he got up and started rubbing against the fence for more. I didn’t even notice that he didn’t have a leg. I called my mom and said “I am not going home without him.” I sent his picture to my dad and he said “How can you say no to that face?”
Since the moment I met him, ‘Ekolu has been my whole life. I even have a wall in my
Photos by Kelli Bullock Hergert
and brothers Sammy and Oscar
room dedicated to him. My dad bought a backpack and had it customized with his name on it. I have multiple shirts with his face printed on it, and I have customized jewelry—a lot of things that say “EKOLU.”
He now has two doggy brothers, Sammy and Oscar. ‘Ekolu helped them adjust to their new life with us and taught them to pose for pics. They love each other, cuddle together and have really become quite the pack!
We love ‘Ekolu so much and can’t imagine life without him. He’s changed our lives: we’re in better shape from taking him on walks and attending events. And when
I am sick or injured, he lays with me. He is just the best! Aloha mākou i ʻEkolu!
‘Ekolu ready to roll with his signature backpack.
PHOTO: ARIANNA THOMPSON
‘Ekolu
‘Ekolu with Arianna and her father, Kent
Moxie
Joy Cooper Guppy
Miki and Mia
Chibi and Haru
Gurl
Loving Memory Moe
Loving Memory
Coco Chanel
Rocky
Pua, Prince, Layla
Potchoy
Bowie
Maxx
Nicholas, the Lion Dancer
Kung Hee Fat Choi! Bella
Cooper & Milo
Lucy Lou
Buddie
Biggie
Tago
In Loving Memory Mochi
In Loving Memory Pops Mari
Enya Tide & Tala Moana Kinako
Tilly
Koda
Yeti
Kai
192 lb. Malamute
Lockington
Mocho & Beans
In Loving Memory Chase
In Loving Memory Neil
In Loving Memory Aspen
In Loving Memory
Kaimana
Indigo: Sunrise at Malaekahana
Carmel & Sundae
Hachiya Merlin
Ayaka & Kaizen
Pualani
Peanut Girl
Arthur
In Loving Memory
Nacho
In Loving Memory Mele, Maile & Nani-bell
In Loving Memory Lola
In Loving Memory
Asti
Monkey, Miloboy & Suki
Yuki Belle
Joey T
Kahu & Hoku
Kiku
Izzy
Kabocha & Hali‘a
Miso Oshiro
Sudden Limb Weakness
Case Study: Bella
By Rachael Lau, DVM
Bella, a 12 year old Terrier mix, came to Island Veterinary Care after she suddenly started to drag her back left leg. Sadly, this type of presentation often occurs in older, small breed dogs, especially ones with long backs like Corgis or Dachshunds. After a thorough neurologic examination, Bella was diagnosed with compression and inflammation of her spinal cord causing her pain and paralysis. The most common cause is intervertebral disc disease, where the normal soft, jelly-like discs that cushion between spinal vertebrae “break down.” The discs can harden, “slip,” or become inflamed, pushing on the spinal cord causing paralysis. Other potential causes of Bella’s symptoms were a clot, a fracture or less likely, cancer.
To identify the location and severity of the spine damage, advanced imaging is often necessary. That same day at Island Veterinary Care, Bella underwent a CT scan of her spine. This gave us a 3D view of her spinal cord and surrounding structures. A myelogram was performed which highlights the spine with dye and
shows the area of damage for surgical treatment. Results of her spinal CT demonstrated that surgery was not needed and allowed Island Veterinary Care to manage Bella medically.
Over the next several weeks she underwent intensive medical treatment including acupuncture, photobiomodulation (laser therapy), along with physical therapy and antiinflammatory and pain medications for a multi-modal approach. Her paralysis quickly improved and just two months later, she was walking almost 100% normally. While she will always have some activity modification in an attempt to prevent a relapse, Bella is now happily back to walking, playing and enjoying life with her family!
Bella receiving acupuncture, part of a multi-modal approach that improved her condition in two months.
Specializing in problem behavior rehabilitation
@APetPerspective
“A holistic
to canine behavior”
A New Pup Joins the Pack
Preparing for a safe introduction
NAME: Two German Shepherds: “Luna” 8 weeks old and “Koko” 9 years old.
SYMPTOMS: Koko and his owners had previously worked with us to help reduce Koko’s dog-directed aggression and had made dramatic progress! But this time, they reached out because they were getting a new puppy, “Luna,” and wanted them to be able to live together without Koko’s history with new dogs causing tension, or injury to the puppy when they brought her home.
DIAGNOSIS: We knew that Koko was unsure of other dogs and if allowed too close, his automatic behavior would be to lunge and try to nip to get a reaction. We approached this case with caution and safety in mind, giving this analogy to the owners: Throwing a puppy into the home without boundaries and expecting the dogs to get along without incident is like putting a young teenager in a room with elderly folks for 8 hours and expecting no one to get irritated or upset. The energies just don’t match, but with structure and rules, everyone can co-exist well.
We instructed the owners to keep the dogs separate until we were able to conduct the first introduction at our facility on neutral territory. Koko had been muzzle trained, so he was muzzled and on-leash, and he did choose to lunge and attempt to snap at the new dog when uncertain.
SOLUTION: After the first intro, we created a NewDog-In-Home protocol which gave Luna a specified crate for sleeping, eating, or if left alone, and an exercise pen for play. The dogs were not to be unsupervised around each other, and had daily supervised training/interactions in the yard. At first Koko was muzzled and on-leash at a distance. Then after allowing Koko the opportunity to “get to know Luna” at that distance for a few weeks, we progressed to inside-the-
home interactions. Still utilizing designated spaces for each dog (Station for Koko and Exercise Pen for Luna) we slowly allowed Koko to learn that even with a new puppy in the home, his own space and lifestyle would not be impeded. This gave Koko the chance to build interest, curiosity, and ultimately a reciprocated desire to play and engage.
Introducing a new dog to the pack can be challenging whether it’s a puppy, a rescue, or even a family member’s dog. Understanding what’s happening on the other end of the leash is imperative to making it go smoothly. From reading body language to teaching “Good Dog-Dog Play” and how to facilitate it, we empower our clients with the knowledge and skill necessary to create wonderful and lasting dog relationships. If you have a dog with behavior challenges, are introducing a new dog to the pack, or just want to start your new puppy off on the right paw, we can help.
Visit APetPerspective.com or scan the QR code to fill out an Evaluation Request. (808) 229-4778 | Email Sean@apetperspective.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
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.
approach
Spot On!
Dottie’s journey from Waianae Valley stray to beloved family pet
By Blair Thorndike & Lisa Hutchinson
On August 27, 2023, my wife Lisa decided it was time to visit the Hawaiian Humane Society in Moilili to adopt a larger female dog to join our pack of four rescues. Our Siberian Husky, Roxy, had passed three years prior, and we needed to fill the void. This was also shortly after the Lahaina fire and the Oahu shelters were trying to free up space to help the crowded ones on Maui.
Upon arriving at the Humane Society, we walked a few dogs until—seemingly out of nowhere—a beautiful white dog with black spots appeared. Her handlers were taking photos of her because she had become ready for adoption at that very moment. We immediately took her for a walk and it was love at first contact.
During the check-out process, we learned that her name was Dottie and she was about a year old. She had been found by construction workers in
the back of Waianae Valley, wandering around and in poor shape, possibly having separated from a pack of hunting dogs. Also during check-out, we noticed that she was not reacting normally to sounds, so we had our suspicions about her ability to hear, but we didn’t give it much thought.
When we arrived at our Maunalani Heights home, Dottie immediately went bonkers, running in circles, jumping up onto everything and even jumping into our koi pond. Twice!
Our nights were especially rough, as everything was extremely new to her. It was as if she had never been outside of a crate or house as her paw pads were still very soft, and it seemed like she had never been walked, or played outdoors in a yard.
Then we became keenly aware that she is, indeed, completely deaf. We
PHOTOS COURTESY BLAIR THORNDIKE
would call out to her in the yard with no reaction and she completely ignored any commands, which could explain why she had easily become lost in Waianae.
As time went on, my wife and I tried a number of overnight techniques, as sleeping was the most challenging aspect of her integration. We even tried crating her, but she didn’t like that at all, leading us to surmise that she had some bad crate experiences previously.
After months of trying our patience with lots of chewed furniture, sleeping in shifts, and other assorted mishaps, Dottie found her fit in the pack. In fact, we had been advised by the Humane Society staff that dogs usually take about three days to even know what the heck happened, three weeks to become at all comfortable, and three months to become completely acclimated. As it turned out, it took Dottie five months to acclimate to her fur-ever home.
But now, after a year-and-a-half, Dottie has become the star of the show, filling our home with never-ending puppy energy and joy. We recruited the help of dog trainer, Whitney Broekstra with Dakine Canine, who taught us invaluable training techniques—many specifically tailored to fit a deaf dog’s needs— which helped us immeasurably.
We’ve submitted two DNA tests because we could not believe she wasn’t a Dalmatian; turns out she’s a mix of
Soon after adopting Dottie, Blair and Lisa realized she was deaf. With patience and perseverance, they helped her through the trying early months to find her place in the pack.
American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Pit Bull Terrier, and Australian Cattle Dog (hence the spots!).
Dottie goes for daily dawn walks, absolutely loves car rides and is the best cuddler ever. We could not be happier that Dottie has joined the family!
at last!
Dottie...home
These days Dottie enjoys her daily dawn walks.
Bella Bootsie Zeus - 8 weeks
Kamalei
The Fab Four: Roxy, Violet, Lucy & Coco Bean
Sundae
Coda Ollie Murphy Paisley
Hoku
See me all grown up & 192 lbs. on pg 25!
Cooper
Harley Bear
Winston
Bootsie
Kai
Buddy
Belo
Rosco
Romeo
Shelby
Safety
Expert
Da Kine Name Game
Inspired by the American Kennel Club’s yearly reporting of the most popular dog names in their database of purebreds, Island Dog surveyed the names of roughly 400 furry faces to grace our galleries in 2024. Though small in numbers, Hawaii’s dog owners rule the pack with monikers that demonstrate our diversity, whimsy, love, and fun! Here are the results:
The American Kennel Club’s
Most Popular Dog Names of 2024
GIRL NAMES
1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Willow
6. Stella
7. Maggie
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Rosie
BOY NAMES
1. Milo
2. Max
3. Teddy
4. Charlie
5. Cooper
6. Bear
7. Toby
8. Finn
9. Tucker
10. Ollie
Island Dog Magazine’s Most Popular Dog Names of 2024
GIRL NAMES
1. Coco 2. Bella 3. Hoku
4. Mochi
5. Peanut
6. Daisy 7. Sadie
8. Lilo
9. Kinako 10. Bailey
BOY NAMES
1. Cooper 2. Koa
3. Kona 4. Miso
5. Kobe
6. Gunner
7. Zeus
8. Maxx 9. Toby 10. Makana
Makana
Peanut
Cooper
Kobe and Mochi
Sadie
Coco
Up and Running
Dogs run and roam at Kahua O Waikalua, windward Oahu’s first off-leash dog park
Since the park blessing on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 many pups and their parents have visited Kahua O Waikalua Off-Leash Dog Park in Kaneohe. The Windward Dog Park Hui (WDPH), is grateful for the outpouring of thanks and aloha from the Windward community. After working tirelessly for ten years to bring this park opening to fruition, WDPH is now looking for new volunteers with a fresh vision and energy. Park volunteers are needed for park maintenance, assistance with special events, fundraising and social media support. In addition to volunteers for specific tasks, WDPH is also looking for savvy individuals to serve on their Board of Directors to help move the park forward into its next phase.
To join this new community effort, scan the QR code or visit www.windwarddogparkhui.org Email windwarddogs@gmail.com
Kahua O Waikalua Dog Park
45-231 Kulauli St. | Kaneohe
Next to Bayview Golf Course and near Puohala Elementary School
Open 7am - 7pm • 7 days a week
Closed 7-11am Thursdays for maintenance
Features: Large & small dog areas, picnic tables, benches, restrooms, water fountains, ample parking and large shady monkeypod trees
CHUCK BABBITT
COURTESY WDPH
CHUCK BABBITT
GiftsSniffs
SPRING
Schwimmingly Fetching
Freshen up the toy box with a bright and squeaky Goldfish or Sea Horse toy by MIGHTY Dog. Multi-layered yet flexible for maximum durability. Available at The Pet Depot in Ewa Beach.
Attention-Grabbing Bites
Nostrils will flare and drool will drip when you crack open a bag of Minnow or Beef Tripe dog treats. Freeze dried raw and proudly American crafted by Vital Essentials. Available at Enchanted Lake Pet in Kailua.
Celebrate Spring!
Celebrate the Green with Hip Doggie’s St. Patrick’s Day “Lick Me For Luck” Shamrock Reversible Scrunchy Dog Bandana. Flip side says “Lucky Charm.” Welcome Easter with Multipet’s plush Bobo with a pink squeaky body, long ears and a colorful Easter Egg. Available at Petsmart stores or petsmart.com.
Inuzukan:
Dog Hanko Collection
Choose from 118 dog breed self-inking stamps. A fusion of Japan’s 1,300 year old traditional “hanko” culture and pop-styled dogs, $18 each with free shipping on US orders over $49. Cat and Godzilla hanko also available! Order online at fancojapan.com
LA Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani owns a Kooikerhondje named Decoy. Decoy’s Japanese name is Dekopin.
Pop-Up Pups
FreshCut Paper’s Pop-Up Pups come with a matching notecard, mailing envelope, whimsical interchangeable accessories, and a customizable speech bubble. 9” tall, 5.5” wide. Visit freshcutpaper.com to select a breed and an occasion. Bull Dog Pup-Up $12.
Hanko can be customized with a personal illustration or text message!
Fresh as a Spring Chicken
It’s Kong’s Spring Occasions Hootz Chick! Fleece and cotton braided rope through the body with a squeaky head! No worries about the egg shortage with KONG’s Spring AirDog Squeaker Egg, an ovalshaped squeaky tennis ball that bounces unpredictably! Available at Petco stores or petcom.com.
Crap Containment
Please pick up after your pups and do the right thing by properly disposing your pet’s waste. Don’t leave a full bag behind on a lawn, sidewalk, or trail to become someone else’s problem. Recently in a Windward community, close to 30 full dog poop bags were found in storm drains! Dog owners, we are better than this!
Smell-Free Transport
Mahalo for picking up after your dog. Drop your full bag into this odorproof waste transport bag by Wag & Wander. Clips to leash or pack. Amazon.com.
Dog Poop Trash Can
A Better Bag
NYT Wirecutter declares Earth Rated Poop Bags as their Top Pick! Tough, thick, and made with 65% postconsumer recycled plastic. Break and leak resistant. Order rolls from Chewy.com
A trash can just for dog doo! Features include locking handle, deodorizer (charcoal filter), and built-in poop bag holder. Keep outside near area where your dogs do their business. Reduces multiple bag usage. 16.7” tall x 9.5” x 9.5”. By
PetFusion
at Amazon.com.
Veterinary Facilities on O‘ahu
Clinics and hospitals are grouped by geographic location. Each listing includes address, phone number, website and veterinarians. Highlighted listings are Island Dog advertisers. Look for special designations for emergency/after hours clinics and naturopathic practitioners.
Listing information may change without notice and may not be updated until the next publication date in February 2026.
The Veterinary Directory is also available at islanddogmagazine.com
Carolyn Naun, DVM, CHPV Certified Hospice/Palliative Care
Amanda Greenstein, DVM
Dale Veterinary Mobile Clinic 808-388-9484 www.dalevet.com
Serving Windward Oahu
Amanda Dale, DVM
Home Pet Service Mobile Vet
Eric Pearson, DVM 808-261-6000
Island Mobile Vet www.islandmobilevet.com
Scott Osgood, DVM 808-349-4220
Kamaaina Canine & Cat Care
Andrea Tiberi, DVM 808-222-5471
Mobile Veterinary Service Kaneohe 96744 808-375-0405
Polly S. Yamamoto, VMD, CCRT
Veterinary Mobile Medicine
Jill Voeks, DVM 808-551-7289
DENTAL CLEANING
Canine Dental Service caninedentalservice.com
Yoko Haneda DVM
ISLAND DOG MAGAZINE LIST OF ADVERTISERS
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.
VCA HIGHLIGHT: UPDATE ON FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
Dear Ohana,
We want to thank everyone for being so patient while the hospital has been under construction. Here’s a sneak peek of some of the behind the scenes work that has been done. Construction has added:
• 8 new exam rooms
• 2 new treatment areas
• Additional space and dog runs for our hospitalized patients
• A general practice lobby and updates to our previous lobby
• 4 new operating suites
• An endoscopy suite
• A new X-ray suite (bringing us up to 3 total)
• An additional doctor o ce for our growing sta
We are very excited for the new spaces and how it will help us care for more pets!
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.
