All Animal Shelters Need to Do This- How One Encounter Changed Our Whole Trip
Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.
― John grogan, Marley and Me
Our vacation to Kauai started with unexpected rain and storms. While some may have been disheartened by the weather, we decided to turn our day around by embarking on a unique adventure – volunteering with shelter pets at the Kauai Humane Society. Little did we know, this decision would lead us to an unforgettable experience and a newfound appreciation for the power of giving back.
Turning Rainy Days into Opportunities
As the rain poured outside and the guys settled in to watch the Women’s Final Four, my daughters and I were determined to make the most of our day and quickly got to work flipping through our “Ultimate Kauai Guidebook” (a must have!). While initially intrigued by the suggestion to visit the Kauai Humane Society, when we saw the flier in our hotel lobby encouraging us to “Take a shelter dog on a field trip”- we knew it was a sign.
Meeting the best boy, Johnny Quest
Soon after we found ourselves at the Kauai Humane Society. Their program is simple- for a small donation you can be matched up with an adventure buddy for the day. When we arrived at the shelter they asked us who we wanted to take exploring. Our only response? Who ever has been here the longest and needs some lovin'.
That's how we met the best boy- Johnny Quest. A sweet soul with a tail made for wagging, he was eager to join us for the day. Johnny had been at the shelter for over a year and was excited to get out of the kennel and adventure with us, despite the rainy forecast.
A Day of Adventure and Bonding
We didn't quite know what to expect, but our first stop was a scenic hike near the Grand Hyatt in Poipu, where Johnny's enthusiasm for exploring perfectly matched ours. As we trekked up a rocky hillside near the beach, it felt as though we were a part of something special – a bond was quickly forming between Johnny and our family.
After enjoying the view, we headed to the beach at our hotel for a leisurely stroll along the shore. Johnny was so calm; you could tell he wanted to be the best boy and show how he was the perfect companion. He never pulled on his leash, but just walked beside us in the sand, watching the waves. My husband and son took a break from the games and joined us for our beach walk. They couldn't get over what a good boy he was- loyal and sweet to his core.
Lunchtime in Koloa
The field trip program doesn't have a minimum time commitment, but we knew we wanted to spend as much time with Johnny as we could. We took Johnny to visit the charming and historic town of Koloa, where he seemed to really enjoy the car ride, with easy access to pets and cuddles.
He faithfully led us through the town, exploring every bush and leading us to a delicious lunch at Leahi Health. We sat under an awning as the rain fell and enjoyed our vegan tacos, with Johnny by our side. It felt as though he was not just an unknown shelter pet, but a cherished member of our family.
Saying Goodbye
As the day drew to a close, the inevitable moment arrived – it was time to say goodbye to Johnny. Tears welled in our eyes as we hugged him tightly, grateful for the memories we had shared together. In that moment, we realized just how much of an impact he had made on our lives in such a short amount of time.
Considerations of Adoption
Even after returning to Chicago, our thoughts were consumed by Johnny for weeks. His gentle demeanor and unwavering loyalty had left a lasting impression on us. We couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps he was meant to be a part of our family. The shelter even has an off-island adoption program, to help families with the logistics of adopting a dog from Hawai’i. With hopeful hearts, we reached out to the Kauai Humane Society to inquire about the possibility of adopting him.
A Heartwarming Surprise
Our hopes were met with bittersweet news – Johnny had already found his forever home with another family in Chicago. While we were heartbroken by the realization that he wouldn't be joining our family, we were thankful he had found his forever home and was happy.
The Impact of Voluntourism
Our day with Johnny taught us invaluable lessons about the power of voluntourism and the profound impact it can have on both humans and animals alike.Though we were heartbroken to know we were leaving such a good boy behind as we dropped him off at the shelter, being able to give Johnny a day of adventure, a break from shelter life, and show him some love made the heartbreak worth it.
Our rainy day adventure in Kauai may not have gone as planned, but it led us on a journey of discovery, compassion, and love. Johnny Quest may have only been a part of our lives for a day, but his presence left an indelible mark on our hearts. As we reflect on our experience, we are reminded of the importance of lending a helping hand and the profound joy that comes from making a difference in the lives of others – both human and animal alike.
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