Paws for a Cause in Kaneohe provides training both to the dogs that go there for day care and boarding and the young people who work with them. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, according to Stacy Evensen, director of educational and vocational services at Hale Kipa, the nonprofit agency that runs the facility and offers a job-skills program to youths in troubled situations.
"Animals are nonjudgmental. They are accepting and provide unconditional love," Evensen said. "Holding or petting an animal can provide comfort and health benefits to someone in need. We are hoping that these types of programs will keep youth off the streets and out of mischief. The dogs are learning impulse control. The youths have similar issues. They act out, blow up, get angry and do something silly."
Scott Reimann, a 19-year-old Ewa Beach resident and one of the first program graduates, said the animals helped him as much as he helped them. He worked with Zora, a golden retriever, during the first six-week program, which ended June 26.
"I like the physicality behind it and getting the dogs to do what you want," he said.
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PAWS FOR A CAUSE
>> Where: 46-178 Kahu hipa St., Kane ohe
>> When: Day care services available 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
>> Cost: $32 full day, $18 half-day
>> Info: 235-0005
>> Note: Donations of dog toys and furniture sought; email sevensen@halekipa.org
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After moving here from Utah in January, Reimann was living on the streets in Waikiki when he was introduced to Hale Kipa’s programs.
"People on the streets tend to get stuck. I didn’t want to get stuck," said Reimann, who was able to learn job and communication skills and build his resume during the program.
Kanoe Rutledge, 14, of Kaneohe said working with the dogs offered relief from some of the stress in her life, much of which has been spent in the state’s foster-care system.
"I always have a bag packed because I move back and forth between families … and I worry about things that other kids my age don’t need to worry about," she said. "I wish that the qualities that I see in dogs I could see in people. They are understanding and open-minded."
Paws for a Cause opened Feb. 16 and was modeled after Virginia Woof, a program in Portland, Ore. Hauoli Mau Loa Foundation provided a $100,000 grant to Hale Kipa to start the program.
The training is optional for the pet owners who drop their dogs at the facility. The trainees supervise and care for the dogs at play. They learn customer service skills, facility and inventory management, Web design and photography. Teamwork, punctuality and conflict resolution also are emphasized. Graduates who complete the six-week program are awarded a certificate and assistance finding a job or enrolling in school.
Paws for a Cause will next host an animal-assisted health and healing program funded by the HMSA Foundation. It starts Aug. 4, with part of the curriculum looking at how dogs need adequate nutrition, sleep and exercise, to be on a regular schedule and to establish relationships.
"By working with the dogs, the youth can learn that they have similar needs to be healthy," Evensen said.
Angel Firme, an 18-year-old Kaneohe resident, worked with Zuko, a German shepherd puppy, during the just-concluded session. She said she bounced around foster homes until taken in by a family member and reunited with her own dog. It was a happy reunion, she explained.
"Dogs avoid conflict. They are peace-seeking animals. People tend to go to conflict," she said. "I was a loner in school and didn’t have friends. My pets were my friends.
"When my dog does something amazing, I think, I can do that, too. I’ve learned so much from them."
