From the shelter to the limelight to a loving home

Sweetie the poi dog came to Hawaiian Humane after her last family could no longer provide for her care. She quickly endeared herself to staff and volunteers by living up to her namesake, often meeting others with a paw tapping, full body wiggle and patiently waiting for treats. When Hawaiian Humane was invited to send human and animal representatives to Gov. Josh Green’s news conference in December to announce the release of $50 million in grants-in-aid, Sweetie was called on to be Hawaiian Humane’s ambassador.

Sweetie greeted the governor with perfect manners and calmly endured the hour-long news conference, where Hawaiian Humane was honored to be one of the nonprofits that represented the 180 grant recipients. When called upon to be a part of a group photo, Sweetie obliged by planting her paws on the Governor’s desk and kisses on her handler, which resulted in a front page photo feature in the following day’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

It was there that Sweetie piqued the interest of the Tokumoto family who were looking to add another furry family member after adopting a Hawaiian Humane alum several months before. It was love at first sight. Congratulations to Sweetie and the Tokumoto family!