Lava Dogs Hawaii

10/08/2024

THIS SATURDAY! Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival Mutt Contest! Register Your Dog online or in person for the Inaugural Annual Mutt Contest for $15. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.

Registration Details:
- Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ijF87ihPk72tFZ4optLwC_M0oMmsy34wOCHNhLXVWC0/viewform?edit_requested=true by October 5 to take advantage of the early bird rate of $10. Mail or drop off payment at the Honokaʻa Heritage Center 45-3490 Māmane Street, Honokaʻa, HI 96727
- Registration fee increases after October 5.

For questions or more information, contact Nicole at [email protected] or call (808) 437-1947.

Join us for a day of fun and help make a difference for local animals in need!

About the Contest

Step back in time and celebrate a historic event from the 1940s Hāmākua Fair, revived at the 2024 Inaugural Mutt Contest! This special event, held during the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival in Honokaʻa, Hawaii, on October 12th, 2024, at 12 p.m. (registration at 11:30) honors the spirit of community and our love for mixed-breed dogs. Show off your mutt’s unique looks, talents, and charm. The contest will feature three exciting categories:

1. Most Indistinguishable Breed – Embrace the mystery of your dog’s mixed heritage!
2. Owner-Mutt Look-a-like – Show how much you and your dog resemble each other.
3. Poi-Dog Pageant – A talent and beauty contest where dogs can perform tricks and shine in their best formal wear.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society, supporting our community’s efforts to care for animals in need.

09/28/2024

TOMORROW is the day! Saturday, September 28th at 8am. Come walk your pups in Waimea.

Join the QNHCH Pet Partners pet therapy teams on September 28 as they join walkers and pets throughout the world participating in the World's Largest Pet Walk!
Pet Partners

09/22/2024

Looking for something DOG-FRIENDLY 🐾to do today? Hāmākua Harvest in Honoka’a is having their special Annual Hamakua Harvest Festival from 9am - 2pm with lots of vendors and special events! And it’s a gorgeous day today in Honoka’a!

Hāmākua Harvest presents The Annual Hāmākua Harvest Festival
Sunday, September 22nd, from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Located at 44-2600 Māmalahoa Hwy. Honoka‘a HI 96727, at the weekly Sunday Honoka‘a Farmers Market

Join us for our Annual Hāmākua Harvest Festival, a celebration of Local Agriculture, Culture, Hula, Community, Education, Sustainability, Food, Fun, and so much more!

Festivities will begin with morning protocol celebrating Piko a Wākea; announcing the upcoming season of Makahiki, and followed by an all day lineup of entertainment from talented local musicians, Hula Halau performances, a “Wear your Harvest” Fashion show, and Fruit & Veggie Contest.

Throughout the event there will be Agriculture Education Tents including a Seed & Plant Exchange, and over 25 Farmers Market vendors serving up ʻOno Food, showcasing Locally Grown Produce, unique Handmade Arts and Crafts, and Stylin’ New Hāmākua Harvest Merchandise!

This event is free and open to all ages, so bring your ʻohana and join us in support of your local Farmers Market!

SNAP/EBT accepted

Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter at www.hamakuaharvest.org for weekly updates on this event, our Sunday Farmers Market, and upcoming Special Events

Want to help? Come down and Volunteer!
Make some friends and join in the fun
Follow this link to volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOftN8_b_Y4vnF3vVzDDwtaqpQ68n0-TchFj6PVL0CnGW7vw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Want to be a vendor? Follow the link below to fill out an application by September 15th.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyEEj1VAMBSc_i6EkfzKSYu51dARMFEqZLLJxEf88R5k_gcw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Want to be a model for the "Wear your Harvest" Fashion Show? Follow the link below to apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbfs6pX83d57B9OFveqfKKIijDcFRzJ2dwOgmn56_XePGh2g/viewform?usp=sf_link

Not able to make it but would like to help?
Please consider donating via Paypal: Hamakua Harvest, INC.

Hāmākua Harvest is a 501(c)3 serving the community since 2014

Mahalo Nui Loa and we hope to see you all there. ALOHA

09/05/2024

This will be fun!

Join the QNHCH Pet Partners pet therapy teams on September 28 as they join walkers and pets throughout the world participating in the World's Largest Pet Walk!
Pet Partners

07/23/2024

Castlecary’s “Kimo” Con Carne passed peacefully at home this morning surrounded by me and Mike, Fluffy, Aka, and Camille. He was born on April 9, 2011, the runt of the litter and only a few weeks old when he strutted his way through his siblings to introduce himself to us. We instantly knew he was the one, and he remained more attached to humans than other dogs his whole life, loved water (couldn’t keep him out of ice coolers and mud puddles) and avocados, but loved his mama the most, and slept behind my knees every night and followed me everywhere I went (my “Velcro dog”). He was spoiled and loved until the end, and we are grateful for the 13 years we had with him. I love you, Kimo, and already miss you so much. See you on the other side when we get there. ❤️🐾 P.S. He was diagnosed with cancer just over a month ago, and we didn’t realize how little time we had left with him.

06/29/2024

Oooo! 😍 This weekend Lava Paws is having a sale!

Stock up on raw dog food, treats and grab your CBD items!

06/05/2024

TODAY! We love dog-friendly Kai Eats & Drinks!🐾❤️

Our favorite pup is turning 3 tomorrow!

Stop by and celebrate the day with us! 🐾🥳🎂

05/25/2024

Can anyone take in Jasper? Poor guy needs a break from the shelter. 💔

5/25 Update: Short term foster found! Thank you to everyone for sharing. See new post for more info. ❤️

🚨EMERGENCY FOSTER NEEDED!🚨

Jasper needs a foster TODAY (ideally!) Jasper is a large, friendly dog who has a long history with our team at the Keaau Shelter. Back in 2022, Jasper spent several months in our care but he was eventually adopted and knew a loving home for 14 months. Sadly, at the end of 2023, Jasper’s human passed away and Jasper found himself back at the shelter.

Jasper has been back in our care for the past 6 months (181 days) and today, life for Jasper took a turn. Despite regular exercise, engagement, and enrichment, Jasper is EXTREMELY stressed in his kennel, to the point of pacing, which has caused injuries to his paw pads. The pacing caused his feet to become raw and bloody. This type of self-harming behavior is indicative of a dog who has mentally deteriorated due to life in the shelter. Jasper is now being housed temporarily in our Medical Ward while he is getting patched up but he needs OUT OF THE SHELTER, now.

‼️For Jasper’s physical and mental well-being, he urgently needs to go to a home as soon as possible.

Jasper’s ideal foster (or adoptive) home is one where he can be indoors, have his feet carefully monitored, and have the opportunity to find rest, relaxation, and reprieve. Jasper gets along with other dogs but at this time, he would likely do best in a home where he is not expected to engage or interact with other dogs - just to give him time to decompress (and help his paw pads feel better!)

📍Jasper is located in Keaau.

➡️ If you can foster Jasper, please text Meagan at 808-987-7215. PLEASE SHARE! ❤️

05/08/2024

Every dog that gets adopted saves the life of another dog who can move out of animal control and into the care of Hawaii Island Humane Society.

04/13/2024

Please read and share.

If you care about the plight of animals on our island, please read. ⤵️

There is a lot of chatter about the state of animal welfare here on the Big Island, particularly with regard to the operations of Hawai’i County Animal Control and Protection Agency. While we believe that most of the discussion is well-intended, the dialogue often turns bleak and sometimes untrue very quickly. There is a lot of misinformation being perpetuated, to the detriment of both animals, and people.

In July 2020, Hawaii Island Humane Society’s board of directors and leadership made a landmark decision not to renew our contract with the County of Hawaii to provide animal control services. This decision was made so that we could focus on expanding lifesaving programs and community outreach services. At the time, it was our goal to serve as a strong private partner to what would become the County’s public agency and we have fulfilled that promise ever since.

As a partner, we are committed to supporting Hawai’i County Animal Control in myriad ways. We transfer in animals for adoption, provide spay/neuter services, and offer guidance and feedback on how improvements can be made to better the lives of animals islandwide and increase transparency with the public. We are in constant daily communication with our partners at animal control. On both sides of our partnership, there are dedicated, compassionate people who are working tirelessly to make a difference and save lives.

There is no denying that there is an animal overpopulation crisis. We cannot stress enough that while we strongly feel the impacts here in our island home, the crisis is a national crisis which has created far-reaching challenges. Across the nation, communities that once boasted low homeless animal populations and high adoption rates, are seeing unprecedented changes in shelter populations. Animal shelters are overcrowded in the majority of communities here in Hawaii and nationwide. For organizations like ours that do not euthanize for time nor space, animals are spending significantly longer waiting to be adopted.

Of the many sad realities is the one that is not often discussed: the majority of the animals entering the shelter system do not have owners that are looking for them. Those of us caring for them don’t often have the luxury or liberty of knowing where they came from. These are pets that once had a home, people who knew them, and lives lived long before becoming a statistic. And now, they are living in shelters, with their stories erased, just waiting for a chance.

In 2024, Hawaii Island Humane Society has transferred in 175 animals for adoption from Hawai’i County Animal Control. We have transferred in dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. We have welcomed senior pets, medical cases, and animals that need a little more time, patience, and understanding.

Of those 175 animals transferred in to our care:
- 69 have been adopted into loving homes.
- 3 were humanely euthanized due to being diagnosed with untreatable conditions that negatively impacted their quality of life, which were discovered after intake.
- 29 were transferred to partner organizations on the mainland.
- 74 are still waiting! Most are available for adoption and foster in our shelters right now while others are being treated for medical conditions so that they can be healthy when they go home.

That is a 98%+ lifesaving rate.

There are so many charged emotions when it comes to animals - and it’s because you care and so do we. We humbly ask that in your advocacy for the animals, you don’t lose your compassion for humanity. There are real people doing real work - caring for hundreds of animals every day - often animals who have been forgotten or discarded - and working hard to find them the chances that they deserve.

If you want to help animals on our island, advocate for adoption, foster, volunteering, monetary support, spay/neuter, increased accessibility to pet-friendly housing, more education and outreach about being a responsible pet guardian, and greater resources to keep pets in homes. Use your influence to help those around you. Above all else, please choose to be kind. Demonstrate active kindness toward those who are doing this work every day. There are good people working in animal welfare, and we need every single one of them. 🩷

ABOUT HIHS:
You can learn more about supporting Hawaii Island Humane Society’s efforts, adopting a pet, becoming a foster, taking a shelter dog on a Field Trip, joining our volunteer team, and more by visiting our shelters, visiting our website hihs.org, and following HIHS on social media.

When you adopt or foster from HIHS, we can help more pets in need.

(This sweet pup shown here is currently at Hawai’i County Animal Control after turning up as a stray. She is on our list to come into our care for continued treatment and love as soon as space allows. In the meantime, we are grateful to our partners at animal control for giving her safety and comfort while she waits for her next chapter.)

04/07/2024

One of the questions we receive the most is about dog training on the Big Island. Dawn Elberson Goehring of Animal Biz Behavior and Training has a couple spots open for her class that starts this week. Text her to sign up…She’s fabulous!

03/29/2024

County of Hawaii Animal Control and Protection have launched a page to help our community reunite with their pets. Please like, follow, and share to help more pets find their way home. ❤️

03/24/2024

Mahalo to in Kailua-Kona for helping promote the many adoptable (and adorable!) animals at . Their sandwiches and soups (and everything in between) are delicious. PLUS, they are dog-friendly!🙌🐾

03/23/2024

We are so excited for Lava Paws to expand to Kona! Watch for details on the BEASTRO opening! Near dog-friendly Ola Brew and our great friend and groomer Daniela at Doggy Detail.

12/15/2023

Empty the Shelters continues through this weekend! All adult and senior pets that are adopted OR go to their Foster to Adopt home* on or before December 17 qualify for a sponsored adoption fee!

Hawaii Island Humane Society has so many wonderful friends waiting for wonderful homes. ❤️ Check them all out - and apply to adopt - at hihs.org

*When you finalize your adoption before December 30.

Did you know…

Hawaii Island Humane Society has 54 adult and senior cats and 70 adult and senior dogs all hoping to find loving families this holiday season? 🐈✨🐕🎄

To make their holiday bright, our friends at are ✨SPONSORING✨ adoption fees for all adult and senior animals through their national Empty the Shelters event when you adopt or bring home a pet on or before Sunday, December 17!

Fill your heart and home with companionship and love.

You’ll get a best friend for life for a $0 adoption fee… which means that Santa can make sure there’s something extra special for your new friend under the tree or in their very own stocking. ❤️🎁

All adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, and up to date on vaccines + monthly preventatives. All dogs are medically evaluated by our veterinarians and behaviorally observed for sociability with people and comfort with other dogs.

Check out all of our available pets - and apply to adopt - at hihs.org.

But hurry! Adoptions are by appointments only and we only have a limited number of appointments left before December 17. ⭐️ With so many animals in need of homes, we really hope that you’ll keep our magical elves (umm… Adoptions Counselors!) busy busy busy by embracing the joy and wonder of the season and opening your heart to a shelter pet. 🎄✨❤️

12/14/2023

Apologies to everyone about the Lava Dogs Hawaii website being down for a couple months. It is back up again! I was having issues with the SSL certificate since I am certainly no webmaster! Huge mahalo to one of our followers, Alayna, who stepped in as Tech Support and fixed it. Check out everything dog-friendly and dog-related in Hawaii: https://lavadogshawaii.com

11/06/2023

BIG ISLAND: Need HELP finding new homes for 1 dog and 3 cats for Rachel who was one of my favorite vet techs at Kapaau Vet. She contacted me today to ask me to help her relocate her beloved pets since Rachel’s daughter has a rare tumor and suffered severe complications after a surgical procedure. They’ve been off island for almost five months now to try to help their daughter and will not return for a while, but even then must move to the mainland and will be unable to have pets due to the circumstances. Neighbors have been graciously caring for them. These pets are very well-loved and taken care of. If interested in learning more, please contact Rachel at 808-333-8951. Here’s the info about them that Rachel sent:

Lokelani 💕
Almost 5 years old.
Lab mix
Super super super sweet, very smart!
Good with other dogs.
Loves and is good with smaller buddies.
Not dominate and not cowardly, just a buddy.
Favorite quality game: tug! Good at taking turns.
Knows: sit, wait, down, twirl, back up, and release word is “ok”
And loves a good doggie blanket to sleep on, and a chew bone.
House dog with walks twice a day.
Would like to chase wild chickens (if allowed, but I say no).
Only barks with strange persons on property and pig squeals in pasture
Excellent puppy doge💕!!!
Would be really good in agility I think.
Likes music and riding shotgun in the truck. Gets carsick when rides in the covered truck bed😜
Plays in shallow water, but not a fan of baths.
Squirmy when trying to trim nails in front feet! Better on the back feet.
Just had annual exam and is up to date of vaccinations.
Also knows”bring me your bone” and “please go to the porch” and “please go to the kitchen” 💗💗💗
She is such a good sport and sweet companion.

Jiji (black) and Jenkins (black and white)
Brothers, 2 years old,
Must be placed together!
Very bonded to each other!!💜
House cats. Love to “par core”
Both slow to warm up to someone - takes about two months- but VERY AFFECTIONATE!! Once they trust you.
Eats canned wet food.
Always excellent about the litter box!
(Likes to use one for pee only and one for poo only)
Jiji likes to watch and swipe at things on an iPad - seriously 😳
And Jenkins gets airborne for feathers and cat toys with tails- likes combing with a rubber cat comb over pets with a hand -
Both play with scratch pads and balls.

Jiji is Mr. mom and takes care of Jenkins. Jiji has a sensitive lower back
and a stump tail. May have been born with a vertebra difference? Doesn’t jump much. LOVES chin scritches.
Will occasionally sneak a love bite on your elbow if he wants more attention.

Yoshi
Female, just about a year old
Someone hand raised her as a kitten then dumped her.
SUPER snuggly with people (wants to sleep on your neck or tucked in your arms, or deep under the covers with you!
SASSY WHEN HUNGRY!
(Would eat six times a day if you let her)
Fed twice a day, canned food only - she is an “easy keeper” in horse terms.
Takes turns with me batting around a ball. Wants to play with people more than cats.
Would be a dominate cat.
VERY SMART CAT. Uses mirrors to interact and watch you! 😐😂
Does unfortunately like to scratch textiles
(But not wood)
Her quality time is snuggles together under a blanket and watching a movie -
she WATCHES movies!
Would probably be okay as an indoor out door cat.
Also excellent about using the litter box!

All three kitties and our doge are spayed and neutered and microchipped. Lokelani would be okay indoor and out I think. The two boy kitties (Jiji and Jenkins) have only been inside cats and due to their natures, would be best indoors.

We may be able to stretch their staying at home for a maximum of another one to two months, but the sooner the better, esp for Lokelani. She is a family dog.

Jiji and Jenkins came from the humane society and are good with other kitties.
Yoshi I believe would take a period of supervised adjustment to other kitties. And I think she can hold her own with a dog.