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"Poi log Kai" Educational Program <br />This educational program is named after a shelter dog, Ka'i, that became a licensed <br />therapy dog with her owner. This program teaches pet care, responsibilities, dog training, <br />animal behavior, and animal assisted activities and therapy. "Poi Dog" is the Hawaiian <br />name for a mixed breed dog. <br />[ "POI DOG" is an acronym for "Pound Outreach Incentive, Dogs Out for Good." The <br />hope is that these dogs are not only providing a good service but are out of the pound for <br />I good. "Ka'i" means leader. We hope this program will be a leader in its field, <br />encouraging and inspiring others to use this program or to create similar programs. Ka'i <br />became a licensed animal assisted therapy dog. There are many dogs like her that have <br />the potential to become, not only good pets, but great therapy dogs. We want to bring <br />this awareness to the community. <br />There are many reasons pets end up at the shelters. Often, the reasons are that people do <br />not understand the behavior of their pets nor the responsibilities that come with owning <br />them; and they become overwhelmed. Teaching pet owners basic dog obedience <br />commands and problem solving techniques will help to make dogs more desirable <br />companions. Learning the behavioral characteristics of particular animals helps people to <br />understand why their pets behave the way they do. <br />Like Ka'i, many animals have the potential to be therapy animals. We expose students to <br />animal assisted activities and animal assisted therapy to bring awareness of this very <br />rewarding, experience. Students learn the differences between wildlife and domestic <br />animal behavior and what is required for their care. <br />CLASS INSTRUCTORS: <br />TUTIE BRENNAN (Professional Dog Trainer, Animal Behavior Advisor, and Vet <br />Technician for Veterinary Associates, Kamuela, HI <br />MARY WALKER (Delta Society Licensed Instructor, AAA/AAT) <br />Evaluator for Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted <br />Therapy <br />Foster Care Program <br />The purpose of the Foster Care Program is to extend the lives of healthy, adoptable dogs <br />or cats that have been at the shelter for their allotted time and would otherwise be <br />euthanized for lack of a home. <br />Animal Rescue Coalition of Hawaii agrees to provide loving care and to take full <br />responsibility for the pet while in their care. This responsibility includes providing any <br />necessary medical care for the pet, having the pet spayed or neutered (paid for by the <br />Humane Society, and advertising to find a home. <br />tj <br />