Giving Back on Kauai

Let’s face it: It’s hard to leave Paradise. Every time we leave the islands, my husband and I are already planning our next trip back. (To be honest, I don’t think he would get me to leave otherwise). This last time however, when we left the islands my heart was a little heavier.

While watching the tourist channel early one morning, there was a segment about a volunteer opportunity at the Kauai Humane Society. The KHS has a program where visitors can take one of their dogs out on a field trip for the day. My husband and I instantly agreed that we should go volunteer; since we were already having a beach day, bringing a dog along would only make it better.

When we arrived at the Humane Society we met Buster Brown. A one year old Pit Bull Terrier/Boston Mix who had been at the shelter for over three months and hadn’t been out on a field trip in over a week. His playful disposition in the shelter caught our eye and when we walked over to his kennel he immediately rolled over on his back like he wanted us to tickle his belly (which is EXACTLY what my little boy Dexter the Pug does at home).

I rode in the backseat with Buster Brown as we drove over to Kalapaki beach to play. We quickly learned that he loved to chase Kauai’s “unofficial” bird, aka: the wild chickens (they are everywhere folks!) Please keep in mind that the key word is “chase,” as no chickens were hurt on this field trip. While he enjoyed teasing the chickens, Mr. Buster Brown was a scaredy cat when it came to playing in the ocean. I decided to go for an afternoon swim and Buster Brown was very intrigued as he watched me playing out in the ocean. He never did venture out into the waves, but kept a close eye on my shenanigans. After a relaxing nap on the beach, it was time to get him out to meet potential new parents, and our walk along the Kapa’a beach path was a perfect spot in order for him to be seen.

Before we knew it, it was time to take Buster Brown back to the Humane Society. And that’s when this happened:

Of course, I cuddled with him and let him sleep in my lap, but talk about pulling at my heart strings. When we dropped him off this tender-hearted-fool had to hold back tears as I said goodbye and wished him luck.

We went to the Humane Society to volunteer. We went knowing that there was absolutely no way we could adopt another dog (we already have three waiting for us at home). When we walked out, we left with a new friend, and a heavy heart.

In case you’re wondering, sweet Buster Brown is still available for adoption at the Kauai Humane Society, and I’m crossing my fingers that he gets adopted soon! 🙂

Would you participate in the “Field Trip program?”