Scarlet and Buddy are relatively new additions to our morning rounds. They live just a block and a half from us. They are a Pomeranian-Papillon mix, both from the same litter. Friendly? You bet!! But hard to get photos, since they are constantly in motion.

We now stop in front of their house to check whether they’re outside. Most mornings, they come barreling out from somewhere in the yard and race to the front gate.

I think they’re starting to watch for us to come past. That’s a (psychological) treat for us.

Anyway, there are lots of other Kaaawa dogs in today’s photo gallery.

–>See all of today’s Kaaawa Morning Dogs!

ROADSIDE RALLY AGAINST PUPPY MILLS
Protections Needed for Puppies as well as People

Aiea, Hawaii – Community residents, Poi Dogs & Popoki, Hawaii Military Pets and other animal welfare advocates will hold a peaceful roadside rally at the Pearl Kai Shopping Center in Aieaon Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of a pet shop allegedly selling animals from puppy mills.

The rally is being coordinated by Alicia Maluafiti from Poi Dogs & Popoki, Theresa Donnelly from Hawaii Military Pets, and Hawaii State Representative K. Mark Takai (D-Aiea/Pearl City).

The Aloha Pet Shop in the Pearl Kai Shopping Center in Aiea was recently opened by Sheryl Luke-Kalani, one of the property owners of the infamous Waimanalo puppy mill, owned by Bradley International. Luke-Kalani’s other shop, Pet Spot, in the Pearl Highlands area, closed shop possibly because of community outrage at the horrendous conditions in which their animals were kept. The pet store is where they sold their “puppy mill” puppies. The Aloha Pet Shop is located at 98-199 Kamehameha Highway.

Last February, the Hawaiian Humane Society removed 153 dogs living on property owned by Luke-Kalani. According to a December KITV news report, Luke-Kalani is the daughter of Vernon Luke, vice president and treasurer of Bradley International. Bradley International has pleaded no-contest to 153 counts of animal cruelty and is scheduled for sentencing in Kaneohe Feb. 15.

“Community residents and animal welfare advocates have come together to show Luke-Kalani and the Aloha Pet Shop that it is not ok with animal lovers on Oahu that she is opening another pet shop and selling more puppies,” said Rep. K. Mark Takai, one of the organizers of the rally. “As one of the representative of this community, we need to protect not only the animals but the people that purchase them.”

“Instead, we hope more people will adopt shelter animals, or at the very least personally inspect the breeding home. A pet store is no place to obtain a forever animal,” said Theresa Donnelly, owner of Hawaii Military Pets.

To better protect pets and consumers, organizers believe Hawaii should follow Wisconsin by passing mandated licensing and registration for dog breeders and sellers such as pet stores. Lawmakers have introduced a number of legislative solutions to address “puppy mills,” but Alicia Maluafiti, President of Poi Dogs & Popoki, doesn’t believe targeting just large scale breeders goes far enough.

“The Wisconsin law covers more than “puppy mills” because breeders come in all sizes,” Maluafiti said. “The suggestion that only very large breeders need regulation misses an important point: There are very good large breeders, and there are very bad small breeders. Neither is inherently good or bad,” she added.

“We simply want reputable breeders that are committed to unannounced inspections, upholding standards of care, and putting the health of the mommy and the puppies before making a quick buck,” Maluafiti added.

“Hawaii is no place for raising animals in substandard conditions. We are coming together to show our solidarity in ending Hawaii’s unethical breeding practices,” Takai added.

–>See all of today’s Kaaawa morning dogs