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 special needs through our Community Outreach Programs and 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
TESS AND OTHER ADH DOGS DOING THEIR PART TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID
May 20, 2021
Tess, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever from ADH, is now helping to screen incoming surgery patients at The Queen’s Medical Center who also receive mandatory PCR tests to determine whether they have COVID-19. Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and Queen’s Medical Center have been conducting research to see if it is possible to teach dogs to detect people infected with COVID, so far with 100% accuracy! Check out the stories on KHON2, Hawaii News Now, KITV, and in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
“The goal of the study is to show what is possible and to help to provide a practical application of this research to help screen people, even those who may be asymptomatic, at places like airports, schools and hospitals. We have been in contact with state and county officials and are hoping to share our protocol with other agencies who can scale this program.” - Mo Maurer, ADH Executive Director
April 1, 2021
ADH Founder, Maureen “Mo” Maurer, has written a book and we are thrilled to announce it will be
released on July 13th, 2021!
In Wonder Dogs, Mo shares her story of being given a second chance at life and taking a leap of faith to follow her childhood dream of training dogs to help people. The book includes triumphant stories of her beloved dogs and their inspiring partners as they overcome incredible challenges to live life to the fullest.
Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy this fascinating, behind the scenes look at what goes into selecting and training Assistance Dogs. Anyone who loves stories about second chances and overcoming challenges will find in Wonder Dogs a whole pack of kindred spirits.
Pre-order NOW on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
COVID SCENT DETECTION
November 24, 2020
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii (ADH) and The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu are participating in a major research study to teach dogs to detect coronavirus in people and help prevent the spread of infection. Phase 1 of the study is underway and includes using sweat samples to teach dogs the scent of COVID-19. Hundreds of positive and negative samples are needed for COVID scent detection research here in Hawaii and for our research partners in the United Kingdom. (Press Release).
TEAM TRAINING CAMP ANNOUNCED!
August 18, 2020
We are thrilled to announce two new Hospital Facility Dog placements on Oahu. Zadoc will be working at Shriners Hospital with handlers, Helene Freni Rogers and Michele Chee. Toby is going to work at Rehab Hospital of the Pacific with handler Kasey Alexander. Both dogs will be working full time assisting patients in their recovery and providing much needed comfort, especially during this time. We have worked closely with the hospitals to create strict infection control protocols to mitigate the risk of Covid-19.
MEET THE G-LITTER
August 11, 2020
There is nothing more optimistic than new life and the promise of future heroes. We are pawsitively overjoyed to announce the arrival of Tess and Skipper’s puppies…4 girls and 2 boys, born Saturday July 18. In order, they are: Gigi, Gilligan, Grace, Gidget, Griffin, and Georgia.
CLICK HERE to meet them!
COVID-19 UPDATE
July 1, 2020
We hope all of you are doing well and staying safe and healthy during these challenging times. Like all of you, we are following the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. CLICK HERE to see what we’re doing.
“There’s always a new opportunity — a new way we can help."