As 2024 comes to a close, the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society is highlighting seven dogs who spent the entire year – including Denali who is at 758 days and counting – in the shelter.
“We don’t want to see another year go by with these dogs not going to homes,” said Lauren Nickerson, chief executive officer for the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society.
These dogs have been featured throughout the year by the humane society on their social media platforms, and now Nickerson said the community is needed to give these canines attention.
While cat adoptions were great this year, Nickerson said dog adoptions slowed down, adding that puppy adoptions were also challenging.
Nickerson attributed the decline in dog adoptions due to the lack of pet-friendly housing and touch economic times for many.
For those who aren’t in a position to give an animal a home, Nickerson said a great way to help is to volunteer at the shelter or sign up to take a pup on a field trip. Click here for more details.
“If we’re not careful, any of these dogs could be with us for another year,” Nickerson said.
“There’s a lot of stigma around shelter dogs and long-stay dogs that animals ended up in the shelter because there’s something wrong with them,” Nickerson said. “A lot of these dogs haven’t received any interest.”
But check out these pups. Click here for more information on them and how to adopt them.
Buddy
At 2 years old, Buddy is the youngest on the list. According to the nonprofit, the mix-breed canine knows little of life outside the Kea‘au shelter where he has spent 577 days of his life.
Buddy and his four siblings were rescued by the nonprofit from County of Hawaii Animal Control as older puppies.
Initially shy and fearful, Buddy and his siblings found love and acceptance. Buddy’s brothers and sisters each found homes, but he got left behind.
“Buddy has grown into a brave, goofy, curious boy who just needs a chance,” the humane society wrote on their Facebook page. “In return, he is certain to be a loyal, loving best … buddy!”
Ember
Also 2 years old, Ember has spent the last two Christmases and the past 454 days in the Kea‘au Shelter.
“She is remarkably confident, especially for a pup who has not known the joy of life in a home for most of her young life,” the humane society wrote on their Facebook page. “There is something so tender and sweet about watching Ember discover the world around her.”
The nonprofit described Ember as an affectionate, hilarious and quirky pup. At only 40 pounds, the canine is a slender girl “who is ready to be someone’s favorite friend.”
At the shelter, Ember has excelled at learning new tricks and solving food puzzles. She is also polite with other dogs.
“She is a smart girl who is a quick study,” the humane society wrote. “She thinks toys are super cool and makes a game out of burying them in the yard.”
Max
Two days before Christmas in 2022, Max lost the only family he had ever known when they had no other option but to surrender him to the shelter because they lost their pet-inclusive housing.
Max was adopted during the holidays in 2023 but was returned days later. Now at 3 years old, Max has been available for adoption for a combined total of more than 700 days.
“For all of 2024, Max has been living it up in not one but two wonderful foster homes,” the humane society wrote on Facebook, adding the pup has a lot of experience meeting new people and transitioning to new situations.
“He just eases right into the routine of life at home,” the post stated.
Kobe
Kobe was found as a stray in October 2023. He spent six weeks with the Hawai‘i County Animal Control where he faced euthanasia because of how long he’d been in its custody.
“But we stepped in to give this pup a lifesaving chance,” the nonprofit wrote. “He gazed up at us with his soft, gentle eyes and knew that this kid deserved to know love.”
Now at 3 years old and weighing about 50 pounds, Kobe has been in the shelter for just over a year. He has spent his days with a foster family, where he is described as happy, independent, cuddly and easy-going around other dogs.
“We’re convinced he’s part sea otter because he loves to sleep and play on his back,” the humane society wrote on Facebook. “He has this weird quirk where he likes to have at least one foot resting atop something, or pushed against something while he sleeps.”
Baloo
The 6-year-old Baloo has been up for adoption for 608 days and is currently in a foster home.
At 85 healthy pounds, Baloo is the dog for someone who likes a whole lotta dog,” according to the humane society. “He’s a big, squishy, snuggly guy who is ready to take up a lot of space in your heart and on your couch.”
Baloo is described as gentle and friendly with new people and enjoys the company of other dogs. He knows several cues such as “sit” and “paw” and even learned to dry his mouth after drinking in his previous foster home.
In late 2022, Baloo suffered painful injuries that required multiple surgeries to repair and left him with scars on his legs and body. Officials at the nonprofit could not share the details of what happened to Baloo due to its sensitive nature.
“What we can share is that it took a team of people to save his life,” officials stated.
Baloo is now healthy and thriving and waiting for his forever home.
Tillie
Tillie is 7 years old and has been in the shelter’s care for 673 days at the Animal Community Center in Kona.
Tillie is a medium-sized mixed-breed girl looking for a family just as special as she is. Tillie walks nicely on a leash and loves to do zoomies in the yard.
While active and loving, the humane society states Tillie needs a little extra time to feel comfortable with new people.
“A patient, yet loving and active family is exactly what she needs, and with time to settle in there is no doubt Tillie will be loved by all,” the humane society states.
The 7-year-old pup wouldn’t mind a social, tolerant male dog in her new home, too. Tillie’s adoption fee has been sponsored by one of her friends.
Denali
Five-year-old Denali has been at the Kea‘au Shelter for 758 days. His adoption fees have also been sponsored.
According to the humane society, Denali loves the outdoors. He’s the type of dog who would love life on a farm or ranch.
Denali loves playing with toys. He is at his happiest when he is romping around, tossing his toys about, and hanging with his favorite humans.
Denali would be most at ease as the only dog in the home.
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