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ASSISTANCE DOGS OF HAWAII AT A GLANCE
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides children and adults with disabilities professionally trained dogs that will increase their independence and enhance the quality of their lives. We are committed to serving people with other special needs through our Facility Dog and Community Outreach Programs. ADH is dedicated to developing the potential dogs have to assist people in need. We are fully accredited with Assistance Dogs International. Assistance Dogs and lifetime follow-up support are provided free of charge.
WHAT WE DO
WHAT'S HAPPENING
New Partnerships!
October 2025
Team Training Camp is underway at the ADH campus this week! We are excited for our new teams: Facility Dog Bruno with Hanahou’oli School and Service Dog Bear with Micaela.
Team Training Camp is underway at the ADH campus this week! We are excited for our new teams: Facility Dog Bruno with Hanahou’oli School and Service Dog Bear with Micaela.
New Puppies!
Summer 2025
Announcing the arrival of two new litters at Assistance Dogs of Hawaii! Riley gave birth to six beautiful puppies—the “I” litter—on August 6, and Belle welcomed five adorable pups—the “H” litter—on July 15. Both moms and their babies are doing wonderfully and growing fast. These future assistance dogs will soon begin their early socialization and training, taking their first steps toward changing lives in our community.
Announcing the arrival of two new litters at Assistance Dogs of Hawaii! Riley gave birth to six beautiful puppies—the “I” litter—on August 6, and Belle welcomed five adorable pups—the “H” litter—on July 15. Both moms and their babies are doing wonderfully and growing fast. These future assistance dogs will soon begin their early socialization and training, taking their first steps toward changing lives in our community.
Camp Paws-Abilities 2025
June 2025
The 7th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was held this month, bringing children from Maui with a wide range of disabilities for three fun-filled days of dog-themed activities. Campers made new friends and participated in a variety of arts and crafts, games, a petting zoo, music and more! A heartfelt mahalo to our volunteers who helped make this special camp a big success!
The 7th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was held this month, bringing children from Maui with a wide range of disabilities for three fun-filled days of dog-themed activities. Campers made new friends and participated in a variety of arts and crafts, games, a petting zoo, music and more! A heartfelt mahalo to our volunteers who helped make this special camp a big success!
Puppy Love Gala
February 15, 2025
Mahalo to our incredible donors, volunteers, and supporters for making Assistance Dogs of Hawaii’s 25th Annual Gala such a huge success! 🐾💕
Your generosity and dedication helps to change lives through the gift of assistance dogs. We are so grateful for this amazing community!
Mahalo to our incredible donors, volunteers, and supporters for making Assistance Dogs of Hawaii’s 25th Annual Gala such a huge success! 🐾💕
Your generosity and dedication helps to change lives through the gift of assistance dogs. We are so grateful for this amazing community!
Olive's New Litter!
December 5, 2024
We welcomed 5 boys and 1 girl today! They are the "E" litter and we're looking forward to seeing what these future heroes can do!
We welcomed 5 boys and 1 girl today! They are the "E" litter and we're looking forward to seeing what these future heroes can do!
Star and Summer Graduate
October 29, 2024
Team Training Camp happening on campus this week! Star will be a Hospital Facility Dog at Wilcox Medical Center; Summer will be a Facility Dog at Punahou School.
Team Training Camp happening on campus this week! Star will be a Hospital Facility Dog at Wilcox Medical Center; Summer will be a Facility Dog at Punahou School.
Camp Paws-Abilities!
June 2024
The 6th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was held this month, and included children from across Hawaii with special needs. Campers enjoyed making new friends while participating in various dog-themed activities. Each day was action packed and included: arts and crafts, music and songs, a petting zoo, a treasure hunt and much more. Campers learned all about dogs and helped with their care, grooming and training each day. Each camper was partnered with a counselor and junior volunteer to ensure a safe and fun-filled event. "This is our favorite week of the year," shared one camper's mom. "We can't wait for next year's camp!"
Mahalo to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped make this event such a big success!
The 6th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was held this month, and included children from across Hawaii with special needs. Campers enjoyed making new friends while participating in various dog-themed activities. Each day was action packed and included: arts and crafts, music and songs, a petting zoo, a treasure hunt and much more. Campers learned all about dogs and helped with their care, grooming and training each day. Each camper was partnered with a counselor and junior volunteer to ensure a safe and fun-filled event. "This is our favorite week of the year," shared one camper's mom. "We can't wait for next year's camp!"
Mahalo to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped make this event such a big success!
Charity Walk 2024
May 4, 2024
It was another great turnout for Maui County's largest single-day fundraiser of the year. Team ADH brought smiles and enthusiasm to the event held at War Memorial in Kahului. After the 2.4 mile walk, teams were treated to breakfast by the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association. With your generous support, we were able to exceed our goal of $16,000 raised for ADH, which will get a percentage match by MHLA! Thank you to all who supported Team ADH!
It was another great turnout for Maui County's largest single-day fundraiser of the year. Team ADH brought smiles and enthusiasm to the event held at War Memorial in Kahului. After the 2.4 mile walk, teams were treated to breakfast by the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association. With your generous support, we were able to exceed our goal of $16,000 raised for ADH, which will get a percentage match by MHLA! Thank you to all who supported Team ADH!
Dog "Paw-ty" and Birthday Celebration!
April 13, 2024
Our graduate teams, retired dogs and puppies-in-training gathered to celebrate the 12th birthdays of littermates Abe (Medical Scent Detection Dog), Akamai (Service Dog) and Angel (Hospital Facility Dog). These special dogs have made a difference for thousands of people in our community and are now enjoying their well-deserved retirement years.
Our graduate teams, retired dogs and puppies-in-training gathered to celebrate the 12th birthdays of littermates Abe (Medical Scent Detection Dog), Akamai (Service Dog) and Angel (Hospital Facility Dog). These special dogs have made a difference for thousands of people in our community and are now enjoying their well-deserved retirement years.
Valentine's Benefit Event
February 17, 2024
The annual Valentine's Benefit at the Four Seasons Wailea was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors and supporters. The evening was a delightful celebration featuring a silent and live auction, wine pull, gourmet dinner, heartwarming presentations, hula, personal dog sketches, and the ever-popular, Puppy Kissing Booth! Our heartfelt thanks goes to our event sponsors: The Queen's Health System, Leslie Ann Yokouchi Foundation Fund, The Dowling Company, The Rice Partnership, and Maui Tax, LLC - for their dedicated support.
The annual Valentine's Benefit at the Four Seasons Wailea was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors and supporters. The evening was a delightful celebration featuring a silent and live auction, wine pull, gourmet dinner, heartwarming presentations, hula, personal dog sketches, and the ever-popular, Puppy Kissing Booth! Our heartfelt thanks goes to our event sponsors: The Queen's Health System, Leslie Ann Yokouchi Foundation Fund, The Dowling Company, The Rice Partnership, and Maui Tax, LLC - for their dedicated support.
Helping Dogs Help People
October 31st, 2023
"Assistance Dogs of Hawaii’s latest mission is providing Crisis Response for those affected by the wildfires on Maui. Therapy Dog Teams have been providing comfort to thousands of Maui residents at shelters and schools. ADH also provides support for first responders, including police and fire departments as well as FEMA and Red Cross workers. ADH adopted a puppy who was rescued from the fire in Lāhainā. She was named “Hope” and goes to school each day in West Maui, where she visits with students and comforts those who have also lost their homes." - READ more here.
"Assistance Dogs of Hawaii’s latest mission is providing Crisis Response for those affected by the wildfires on Maui. Therapy Dog Teams have been providing comfort to thousands of Maui residents at shelters and schools. ADH also provides support for first responders, including police and fire departments as well as FEMA and Red Cross workers. ADH adopted a puppy who was rescued from the fire in Lāhainā. She was named “Hope” and goes to school each day in West Maui, where she visits with students and comforts those who have also lost their homes." - READ more here.
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii Provides a Helping Paw for Those in Need
October 2nd, 2023
Honolulu resident, Gabe Nyrkkanen and Service Dog Gigi are a match made in heaven. Check out this video by Island Scene and HMSAHawaii highlighting this team and how Assistance Dogs of Hawaii serves the greater community and provides support through 4 helping paws at at a time.
Honolulu resident, Gabe Nyrkkanen and Service Dog Gigi are a match made in heaven. Check out this video by Island Scene and HMSAHawaii highlighting this team and how Assistance Dogs of Hawaii serves the greater community and provides support through 4 helping paws at at a time.
Samson in the news!
July 12, 2023
Samson has been a program dog for the past few years, traveling between our Hawaii and Northwest campuses, bringing smiles and snuggles to all he has met along the way. He has now found his calling and has been placed as a full time facility dog at Victory Academy in Sherwood, Oregon where he gets to interact with children who have special needs. We are so happy with this new placement and wish him all the best on his new journey.
Samson has been a program dog for the past few years, traveling between our Hawaii and Northwest campuses, bringing smiles and snuggles to all he has met along the way. He has now found his calling and has been placed as a full time facility dog at Victory Academy in Sherwood, Oregon where he gets to interact with children who have special needs. We are so happy with this new placement and wish him all the best on his new journey.
Hospital Dog Kula Turns 6!
July 10, 2023
Hospital Dog Kula just celebrated his 6th birthday with all of his family and friends. Kula is the best snuggler and enjoys seeing patients daily at the Queen's Medical Center-West Oahu. He is a comfort to patients and staff and provides a reprieve during hard moments. Happy Birthday Kula! You deserve to be celebrated.
Hospital Dog Kula just celebrated his 6th birthday with all of his family and friends. Kula is the best snuggler and enjoys seeing patients daily at the Queen's Medical Center-West Oahu. He is a comfort to patients and staff and provides a reprieve during hard moments. Happy Birthday Kula! You deserve to be celebrated.
ADH Partners with ROAM Maui
June 20, 2023
Mahalo nui loa to ROAM Maui for their generous complimentary flight to Seattle this month for our founders, Mo and Will Maurer along with ADH Program Dogs, Samson and Sadie. ROAM Maui is a members-only, luxury air shuttle with flights from Maui to Seattle, Los Angeles and The Bay Area. Members enjoy exquisite culinary offerings as well as the comforts of first-class seating throughout their Boeing 737 with four feet of leg room between seats! Talk about service! And did we mention their dog friendly program which provides hassle free in-cabin travel for passengers and their pets?
Mahalo nui loa to ROAM Maui for their generous complimentary flight to Seattle this month for our founders, Mo and Will Maurer along with ADH Program Dogs, Samson and Sadie. ROAM Maui is a members-only, luxury air shuttle with flights from Maui to Seattle, Los Angeles and The Bay Area. Members enjoy exquisite culinary offerings as well as the comforts of first-class seating throughout their Boeing 737 with four feet of leg room between seats! Talk about service! And did we mention their dog friendly program which provides hassle free in-cabin travel for passengers and their pets?
5th Annual Camp Pawsabilities
June 2023
Our 5th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was once again a memorable and action packed three days of fun, festivities, and furry friends. Whether it was the petting zoo, live music at Tucker’s Treehouse, arts and crafts or the doggie day spa, campers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One mom said, "This is the best 3 days of the year!" We want to thank all our volunteers for their valuable assistance to help make this year’s Camp unforgettable. We are also grateful for our donor's generous support who make this annual event possible and free of charge to all of our special needs campers!
Our 5th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was once again a memorable and action packed three days of fun, festivities, and furry friends. Whether it was the petting zoo, live music at Tucker’s Treehouse, arts and crafts or the doggie day spa, campers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One mom said, "This is the best 3 days of the year!" We want to thank all our volunteers for their valuable assistance to help make this year’s Camp unforgettable. We are also grateful for our donor's generous support who make this annual event possible and free of charge to all of our special needs campers!
ADH Featured at Shops of Wailea Concert Series
May 26, 2023
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii was the featured non-profit this month at the Shops of Wailea Friday night concert series. Everyone enjoyed Maui's favorite guitar and ukulele duo, Eric Gilliom and Vince Esquire, as they played classic Hawaiian tunes and blues to a lively audience. Eric Gilliom reminisced about working with ADH graduate dog, Ollie, in his movie, "Get A Job".
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii was the featured non-profit this month at the Shops of Wailea Friday night concert series. Everyone enjoyed Maui's favorite guitar and ukulele duo, Eric Gilliom and Vince Esquire, as they played classic Hawaiian tunes and blues to a lively audience. Eric Gilliom reminisced about working with ADH graduate dog, Ollie, in his movie, "Get A Job".
Welcome "S" Litter!
March 15, 2023
We welcomed 7 new heroes-in-training to our program this month! Born on March 15, Tess delivered 6 girls and 1 boy, all healthy and hungry! The pups all weighed around 1 pound at birth and have already more than doubled in size. Their eyes have just opened and some are starting to walk. This is the "S" litter and their names are Scout, Sage, Skye, Sierra, Star, Summer and Sailor.
We welcomed 7 new heroes-in-training to our program this month! Born on March 15, Tess delivered 6 girls and 1 boy, all healthy and hungry! The pups all weighed around 1 pound at birth and have already more than doubled in size. Their eyes have just opened and some are starting to walk. This is the "S" litter and their names are Scout, Sage, Skye, Sierra, Star, Summer and Sailor.
New Team: Nalu and
Tripler Army Medical Center
March 2023
Hospital Facility Dog Nalu will be working in the pediatric unit at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu. His partner is Dr. Kathy Egan who works in Child and Family Behavioral Health & Pediatric Specialties. One of Nalu's main jobs will be to provide support for children who are going through cancer treatments. The staff is thrilled to have Nalu as the newest member of their team! Congratulations Kathy and Nalu for successfully completing Team Training Camp!
Hospital Facility Dog Nalu will be working in the pediatric unit at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu. His partner is Dr. Kathy Egan who works in Child and Family Behavioral Health & Pediatric Specialties. One of Nalu's main jobs will be to provide support for children who are going through cancer treatments. The staff is thrilled to have Nalu as the newest member of their team! Congratulations Kathy and Nalu for successfully completing Team Training Camp!
New Team: Indy and `Iolani School
March 2023
Indy graduated this month as a Facility Dog for `Iolani School. His primary handler is Reverend Tim Morehouse, the school chaplain. Tim's wife, Kara, will be Indy's co-handler at home and school. Indy will participate in counseling sessions with the students to provide comfort and care. He will also help alleviate anxieties many students face throughout the school year. Students and staff already look forward to seeing Indy's big smile each day. Congratulations to this dynamic new team!
Indy graduated this month as a Facility Dog for `Iolani School. His primary handler is Reverend Tim Morehouse, the school chaplain. Tim's wife, Kara, will be Indy's co-handler at home and school. Indy will participate in counseling sessions with the students to provide comfort and care. He will also help alleviate anxieties many students face throughout the school year. Students and staff already look forward to seeing Indy's big smile each day. Congratulations to this dynamic new team!
Valentine Benefit 2023
February 17, 2023
A huge mahalo to all of our sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers who made our 15th annual Valentine's Benefit Event at the Four Seasons such a tremendous success! The event featured live music, gourmet dinner, silent auction, and lots of puppy love. A highlight of the evening was Cameron Pacrem and his mom, Christine, sharing about the difference his Service Dog, Grace, has made in his life. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we will be able to start 14 new puppies in our program this year - which is a new record!
A huge mahalo to all of our sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers who made our 15th annual Valentine's Benefit Event at the Four Seasons such a tremendous success! The event featured live music, gourmet dinner, silent auction, and lots of puppy love. A highlight of the evening was Cameron Pacrem and his mom, Christine, sharing about the difference his Service Dog, Grace, has made in his life. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we will be able to start 14 new puppies in our program this year - which is a new record!
Hospital Facility Dog Mikey Featured at Queens Medical Center
February 13, 2023
Mikey was featured this month in the Queen's Medical Center publication. Mikey is doing great work, visiting and comforting patients in the inpatient oncology unit. Mikey reduces stress levels and patients are more amenable to treatments when Mikey is at their side. He also brightens the day for many of the QMC medical staff. Click on the picture for the full article and to learn more about Mikey!
Mikey was featured this month in the Queen's Medical Center publication. Mikey is doing great work, visiting and comforting patients in the inpatient oncology unit. Mikey reduces stress levels and patients are more amenable to treatments when Mikey is at their side. He also brightens the day for many of the QMC medical staff. Click on the picture for the full article and to learn more about Mikey!
First Annual "Pickleball for Pups"
November 27, 2023
Maui Country Club hosted the first annual "Pickleball for Pups!" tournament this past weekend to benefit Assistance Dogs of Hawaii! The round-robin format made for great play, and everyone had a great time under clear blue skies. A special thanks to Chris Jennings from Maui Country Club for his tournament organization, pickleball pro Austin Sveom for his assistance, and Ryan MacLaughlin from Island Sotheby's for sponsoring the event.
Maui Country Club hosted the first annual "Pickleball for Pups!" tournament this past weekend to benefit Assistance Dogs of Hawaii! The round-robin format made for great play, and everyone had a great time under clear blue skies. A special thanks to Chris Jennings from Maui Country Club for his tournament organization, pickleball pro Austin Sveom for his assistance, and Ryan MacLaughlin from Island Sotheby's for sponsoring the event.
New Team Cameron and Service Dog Grace
October 2022
We are happy to welcome our newest graduate team, Cameron and Service Dog Grace! They just finished Team Training Camp and Grace is already making a difference in Cameron's life! She loves doing tasks to help Cameron every day. Some of her favorite skills are: retrieving items for Cameron, opening and closing doors, and turning the lights on and off. Grace also enjoys going to school with him ach day at Waipahu High School. Congratulations to this new team!
We are happy to welcome our newest graduate team, Cameron and Service Dog Grace! They just finished Team Training Camp and Grace is already making a difference in Cameron's life! She loves doing tasks to help Cameron every day. Some of her favorite skills are: retrieving items for Cameron, opening and closing doors, and turning the lights on and off. Grace also enjoys going to school with him ach day at Waipahu High School. Congratulations to this new team!
ADH Receives Generous Donation!
September 23, 2022
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii was honored to be the recipient of the proceeds raised at the Realtors Association Maui Installation Banquet this month. Through live and silent auctions, generous donations, and a Top Dog Photo Contest, they raised enough money to sponsor a new puppy-in-training! A special thanks goes to the event committee for organizing the wonderful gala. We are deeply grateful for their support!
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii was honored to be the recipient of the proceeds raised at the Realtors Association Maui Installation Banquet this month. Through live and silent auctions, generous donations, and a Top Dog Photo Contest, they raised enough money to sponsor a new puppy-in-training! A special thanks goes to the event committee for organizing the wonderful gala. We are deeply grateful for their support!
Mo Maurer
“There’s always a new opportunity — a new way we can help."
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