Rescue dogs are overcrowding the Humane Societies of Maui and O’ahu. Whether it is because of apartments that are not pet-friendly or because a family is moving and unable to bring a part of their family with them, the shelters are in crisis. But, one rescue puppy has an amazing and inspiring story. Elua, a rescue puppy from Maui, has been selected to represent Hawai’i in Puppy Bowl XIX.
The Aloha State will be represented in the Puppy Bowl this year with Maui Humane Society’s persevering pup, Elua! Airing on Animal Planet on February 12 at 9am HST. Maui Humane Society is in urgent need of SOS Fosters for 105+ of their dogs. As their kennels only hold 40 dogs, the community can help by becoming an SOS Foster, which is completely free, all supplies provided and no experience needed.
Cindy Paulos talking story with Katie Shannon about Elua, the 2nd Hawaiian puppy in the Puppy Bowl, over 110 dogs in Maui Humane Society’s care means we need fosters! And MHS 3rd Fridays, where Maui Humane Society will be open until 7pm every 3rd Friday of the month, starting on February 17
America’s beloved Puppy Bowl is back for its 18th year, and its contestants are ready to rumble. This Hawaiian “star” was born at the Maui Humane Society last year after her mother, who was badly wounded, was brought to the shelter just days prior. When Hoku was born, the American Staffordshire terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix was timid but sweet after she grew more comfortable, and she was eventually put into a foster home.
Hoku means “star” in Hawaiian. One of a litter of seven, Hoku is the first dog from Hawaii to appear in the Puppy Bowl. She now lives in the Norwalk home of Patrick and Maureen Shannon. The couple’s daughter, who is the marketing manager for Maui Humane Society, fostered the dog from eight weeks until October and talked her parents into adopting Hoku. It wasn’t difficult to persuade them.
A local rescue from the Maui Humane Society will be the first young pup ever from Hawaii to play in the Puppy Bowl, a fun animal sports competition as part of a “call-to-adoption” television event. “This helped her train for her big Puppy Bowl debut,” according to a news release. “Hoku was adopted by this same employee’s parents who live in Connecticut, so she has gone from island life to snow bunny life.”
As a member of Team Ruff, Hoku is the first Hawaiian dog to compete in Puppy Bowl. This American Staffordshire terrier/Catahoula leopard dog mix comes from the Maui Humane Society whose mission is “to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals, accepting all in need, educating the community, and inspiring respect and compassion towards all animals.”
Puppy Bowl on Feb. 13 will host a special called “Pup Close and Personal” to showcase Hoku’s story and the Maui Humane Society who continues to care for her. The story will also be shared on the Puppy Bowl website.
Hoku, an American Staffordshire Terrier/Catahoula leopard dog mix, was recruited from the Maui Humane Society, but she’s since found her forever home in Norwalk with Pat and Maureen Shannon. Their daughter works for the Maui Humane Society. When Katie Shannon and Hoku came to the mainland for the game, Katie Shannon had her own play drawn up.
Hoku, an eight-month-old Staffordshire Terrier puppy from Maui Humane Society is still in the running in the Puppy Bowl that airs on the Animal Planet on Feb. 13. Help Hoku get into the “Pupularity Playoffs” by voting for her at Puppy Bowl XVIII – Vote For Your Favorite Pups | Puppy Bowl 2022 | Discovery.
