Cruise Paradise With a Buddy

Adopt a dog for a day to explore around the island

WORDS ANDY BETH MILLER

You’ve finally done it. The vacation days have patiently been accrued, and hard-earned dollars have been carefully set aside each month, all in preparation for your dream vacation in paradise. Perhaps you’ve even purchased that trendy bathing suit you’ve seen in multiple fashion magazines.

After settling into your temporary tropical home, you are ready to hit the beach and chillax. As you lay on the sparkling white sand, feeling the sun’s warmth on your face and the sand between your toes, you clearly feel it…THIS…is happiness.

I’d hazard to guess that the famous and beloved American cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz, who was responsible for creating the beloved Peanuts comic strip, featuring our favorite droopyeared canine, Snoopy, might agree that your vacation does indeed sound idyllic. But, his ideas about what brings happiness are a bit fuzzy—literally. In Schulz’s words, “Happiness is a warm puppy.”

But, what if you could have the best of both worlds? A dream vacation that you have been mooning over for months, yet also share that happiness with a four-legged friend that will adore you? Consider it happiness shared—even when in paradise, being away from home can feel solitary.

And what’s the best cure for loneliness? Unconditional love. And what can offer a near limitless supply of affection? Survey (and Snoopy’s dad) says! Puppies.

Luckily, for those spending their vacations on the sun-dappled shores of the Garden Isle, the Kauai Humane Society (KHS) has created a program that makes this match made in heaven possible, simply by encouraging you to go on a field trip, taking Fido with you, of course.

Laura L. Lee, Development Director at KHS, explains, “The Field Trip Program started in 2012, and was actually suggested to us by a tourist. The program allows people, mostly tourists, to take a dog out on an outing, and experience Kaua‘i with the dog that they select.” Lee goes on to describe that “the field trips are a wonderful way for those travelers who have left their dogs at home to get their ‘dog fix,’ while providing a way for others to ‘pay it forward,’ doing something thoughtful.”

Participating in the program is as easy as 123. First, simply stop by the shelter during the designated program hours (Monday and Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Tuesday to Friday 11am to 6pm). Second, introduce yourself to the program volunteers, who then will introduce you to a selection of the cutest furry animals. (Disclaimer: Prepare to have your heart utterly stolen). Third, choose the puppy that has most captured your fancy and be outfitted with all of the supplies that you will need, courtesy of KHS. They even dress your dog for your date in a snazzy “Adopt Me” vest.

After that, you are free to roam the island at will, now accompanied with an instant (and affectionate) best buddy. KHS even offers you a list of dog-friendly spots, should you want some advice on the best places to visit.

“You can tell that the dogs are excited around field trip time, as they stand in front of the kennel and wag their tails!” Lee shares. “We have so many stories to tell. Most of our dogs that get to experience a field trip have never worn a collar or walked on a leash. Others do not even know what a treat or cookie is. Our dogs get to experience one-on-one time with a family or individual, whether it be a walk, hiking in Waimea Canyon, or experiencing sand in between their paws. People who participate all volunteer their time and vacation to make a dog happy for a day.”

But, enquiring minds want to know, “What if you spend that entire day falling completely in love with your furry new friend?” Lee assures us that’s absolutely okay.

“Most of our dogs come back to the shelter ‘dog-tired,’ dreaming of their next excursions, while some win the hearts of the people who took them out and are forever their souvenir from Kaua‘i,” she says. In fact, since starting the program, KHS estimates that around 360 dogs have been adopted and now live with their new families all over the world. “On average, we adopt four dogs a month to visitors who meet the love of their life at our shelter. It’s affordable, and we are happy to help with the process.”

And, while the program is specifically geared towards tourists who are traveling through, Lee is quick to point out that local island residents are also more than welcome to stop by and swoop up a furry friend for a field trip as well.

The proof of what a profound and wonderful impact the program has had on people is evident, as KHS is daily inundated with a welcome barrage of letters, emails, and phone calls, all detailing the delightful days that participants—and pups—were able to spend via the field trip program. Many of those who write in even attach candid photos, either taken from the day of the field trip—playing fetch, stopping for a snack, climbing a mountain trail—or snapped in their new homes, cuddled close to their new adopted ‘ohana (family).

For more information on how you can participate or donate, visit www.kauaihumane.org or call (808) 632-0610.