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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
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? Look for Samson in their new promotional video by clicking on the picture!
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? Look for Samson in their new promotional video by clicking on the picture!
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!
43rd Annual Charity Walk
August 20, 2022
ADH staff and volunteers got in some miles at the 43rd annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk this month. There was taiko drumming, aid stations with lots of goodies, live music and a delicious breakfast served up by the hotels. Thanks to everyone who donated to this event, as ADH will receive a percentage match by the Visitor Industry. A special thanks goes to our dedicated volunteer and fundraiser, Declan Levin, who raised the most money on our behalf.
ADH staff and volunteers got in some miles at the 43rd annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk this month. There was taiko drumming, aid stations with lots of goodies, live music and a delicious breakfast served up by the hotels. Thanks to everyone who donated to this event, as ADH will receive a percentage match by the Visitor Industry. A special thanks goes to our dedicated volunteer and fundraiser, Declan Levin, who raised the most money on our behalf.
Camp Paws-Abilities returns!
July 8, 2022
Our 4th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was held again after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Can we say, "Best Yet"? Held over 3 days, participants enjoyed the petting zoo, crafts, music, magic, and more. There was lots of laughter and puppy love too! A big mahalo to our dedicated volunteers for their hard work in making this event for children with special needs so much fun.
Our 4th annual Camp Paws-Abilities was held again after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Can we say, "Best Yet"? Held over 3 days, participants enjoyed the petting zoo, crafts, music, magic, and more. There was lots of laughter and puppy love too! A big mahalo to our dedicated volunteers for their hard work in making this event for children with special needs so much fun.
ADH COVID-19 Research Published!
May 7, 2022
ADH's groundbreaking research on dogs detecting COVID-19 was published in Oxford Journal's Open Forum on Infectious Diseases. The article has already garnered worldwide attention! The study proved that dogs can detect SARS-CoV-2 with an extremely high degree of accuracy. The screening protocol created here at ADH is being used in practical settings, including schools and hospitals. ADH is assisting the California Department of Health to use these methods to screen students at public schools.
ADH's groundbreaking research on dogs detecting COVID-19 was published in Oxford Journal's Open Forum on Infectious Diseases. The article has already garnered worldwide attention! The study proved that dogs can detect SARS-CoV-2 with an extremely high degree of accuracy. The screening protocol created here at ADH is being used in practical settings, including schools and hospitals. ADH is assisting the California Department of Health to use these methods to screen students at public schools.
Hospital Facility Dog Mikey begins work at Queens Medical Center
May 2, 2022
Hospital Facility Dog Mikey is beginning work at The Queen's Medical Center on Oahu in the Oncology Unit and Fusion Center. His primary handler is Nurse Manager Karla Ihara and his caretaker is Queen's Health System Senior Vice President, Dr. Rick Bruno. Mikey will be providing invaluable comfort and support for patients during their cancer treatments.
Hospital Facility Dog Mikey is beginning work at The Queen's Medical Center on Oahu in the Oncology Unit and Fusion Center. His primary handler is Nurse Manager Karla Ihara and his caretaker is Queen's Health System Senior Vice President, Dr. Rick Bruno. Mikey will be providing invaluable comfort and support for patients during their cancer treatments.
ADH Presents at Penn Vet Conference
April 22, 2022
Executive Director Mo Maurer was a presenter at the 2022 Penn Vet Working Dog Conference, an international conference for people who are invested in the health and performance of all types of working dogs. Mo presented our research on medical bio-detection, including an update on the COVID-19 Scent Detection study. University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, is a leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care.
Executive Director Mo Maurer was a presenter at the 2022 Penn Vet Working Dog Conference, an international conference for people who are invested in the health and performance of all types of working dogs. Mo presented our research on medical bio-detection, including an update on the COVID-19 Scent Detection study. University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, is a leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care.
Therapy Visit at Maui Memorial Hospital
April 10, 2022
For the first time in over 2 years, we were allowed to bring ADH Therapy Dogs to visit the patients and staff at Maui Memorial Hospital. Sadie and 5-month-old, puppy-in-training, Nalu, brought big smiles to everyone they met. The hospital designated a "paws from work" break-time, and staff from each floor came out to greet and pet the dogs. Everyone was delighted to see them and are looking forward to their next visit!
For the first time in over 2 years, we were allowed to bring ADH Therapy Dogs to visit the patients and staff at Maui Memorial Hospital. Sadie and 5-month-old, puppy-in-training, Nalu, brought big smiles to everyone they met. The hospital designated a "paws from work" break-time, and staff from each floor came out to greet and pet the dogs. Everyone was delighted to see them and are looking forward to their next visit!
Scent Detection Goes Live at Seabury Hall
March 7, 2022
For 2 weeks in March, we screened for COVID-19 at Seabury Hall. Our Super Sniffers, Sadie, Tess, Grace and Georgia, screened sweat samples from volunteer students and staff. This research has the potential to provide early detection and slow the spread of the virus. Our hope is that dogs can be used in public places for an additional level of safety.
Check out the story on Hawaii News Now HERE!
For 2 weeks in March, we screened for COVID-19 at Seabury Hall. Our Super Sniffers, Sadie, Tess, Grace and Georgia, screened sweat samples from volunteer students and staff. This research has the potential to provide early detection and slow the spread of the virus. Our hope is that dogs can be used in public places for an additional level of safety.
Check out the story on Hawaii News Now HERE!
NC STATE HIGHLIGHTS SYDNEY!
February 23, 2022
Sydney Champion, ADH Program Assistant and former intern, was recently featured in North Carolina State University Accolades magazine, an online publication showcasing success stories of their alumni. It's a wonderful article describing Sydney's time at ADH, starting out as an intern and culminating in the success of puppy-raising Zadoc and his placement at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Honolulu. Click HERE to see the amazing work she has done!
Sydney Champion, ADH Program Assistant and former intern, was recently featured in North Carolina State University Accolades magazine, an online publication showcasing success stories of their alumni. It's a wonderful article describing Sydney's time at ADH, starting out as an intern and culminating in the success of puppy-raising Zadoc and his placement at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Honolulu. Click HERE to see the amazing work she has done!
COVID-19 SCENT DETECTION PILOT PROJECT
January 20, 2022
Our Super Sniffers are back on the job, learning to identify and alert to the Omicron variant. Sadie and Tess participated in our first COVID-19 detection research study last year. They are joined by Tess's daughters, Grace and Georgia, for our current study. We are working with The Queen's Medical Center, Hawaii Film Safety and Seabury Hall on this pilot project. The dogs will soon begin screening for COVID-19 at a high school. Our goal is that dogs will be able to provide an additional layer of screening at public places and help prevent the spread of infection. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please click HERE.
Our Super Sniffers are back on the job, learning to identify and alert to the Omicron variant. Sadie and Tess participated in our first COVID-19 detection research study last year. They are joined by Tess's daughters, Grace and Georgia, for our current study. We are working with The Queen's Medical Center, Hawaii Film Safety and Seabury Hall on this pilot project. The dogs will soon begin screening for COVID-19 at a high school. Our goal is that dogs will be able to provide an additional layer of screening at public places and help prevent the spread of infection. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please click HERE.
VALENTINE'S BENEFIT EVENT
February 12, 2022
Thanks to our wonderful supporters and volunteers, our annual Valentine's Benefit Event was a big success. It was a beautiful evening at the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea on the oceanfront lawn. Guests enjoyed live music, a gourmet dinner and heartfelt presentations by some of our inspiring graduate teams. A special mahalo to our event sponsors: Dowling Company, Inc., Leslie Ann Yokouchi Foundation Fund, The Rice Partnership and Four Seasons Resort! Thanks to everyone's generosity, 8 more assistance dogs will be provided free of charge. Mahalo!
Thanks to our wonderful supporters and volunteers, our annual Valentine's Benefit Event was a big success. It was a beautiful evening at the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea on the oceanfront lawn. Guests enjoyed live music, a gourmet dinner and heartfelt presentations by some of our inspiring graduate teams. A special mahalo to our event sponsors: Dowling Company, Inc., Leslie Ann Yokouchi Foundation Fund, The Rice Partnership and Four Seasons Resort! Thanks to everyone's generosity, 8 more assistance dogs will be provided free of charge. Mahalo!
Mo Maurer
“There’s always a new opportunity — a new way we can help."
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