Instant Mood Booster: Take a Shelter Dog Out on a Field Trip
The Hawaiian Humane Society’s ‘Īlio Explorers program paves the way to adventure for you and a canine companion.
From left: Andrea Lee, Brie Thalmann, Katrina Valcourt and Thomas Obungen with Sesame the dog in the middle. Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Humane Society
The Hawaiian Humane Society has started a fantastic new program with a dual purpose: getting shelter dogs some fresh air and giving animal lovers like us our fill of their adorable antics. When we heard about the ‘Īlio Explorers field trip program, which started last month, we signed up immediately.
Dogs behave differently in shelters than when they’re out and about among people, and insights from these day trips can help HHS place them in the right homes. With the shelter currently over capacity for dogs, anything visitors to the shelter can do to perk them up and help them de-stress can make a difference in getting them adopted.
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How to Book an ‘Īlio Explorers Field Trip
Make an appointment online. ‘Īlio Explorers is currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with orientation at 9 and 10 a.m. (attend one session). The program is offered at both the Mō‘ili‘ili Campus and Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili in ‘Ewa Beach.
Kama‘āina can book a day trip for $50; nonresidents pay $150. You will be asked to verify your residency in person for the kama‘āina selection. The fees help to cover program costs.
Photo: Andrea Lee
We book the 10 a.m. orientation on a Tuesday, which takes about half an hour and covers the program’s mission, rules and tips. The Humane Society provides a backpack of supplies with towels, info sheets, a dog seat belt, poop bags, a water bottle, a collapsible water bowl and a copy of Poi Dogs & Pōpoki, a book by the Hawaiian Humane Society. We also get some printed profiles of our dog with QR codes to share with people who might be interested in adopting her.
The Experience
Our ‘Īlio Explorer is Sesame, a former stray Doberman pinscher estimated to be 5 years old. She seems eager to go and even does some happy jumps as we walk to my car. Once we hoist her in the back and get her buckled in, we head to Mānoa Valley District Park for a romp in the grass. Then it’s on to the nearby Hawai‘i Doggie Bakery, but it’s closed, so we return to the park. On our way back, we discover one of Sesame’s quirks: She likes to walk between our legs. It’s probably her way of showing affection, but it could also be a tripping hazard if we don’t pay attention.
For lunch, we set out for Kāhala Mall, where we sit at one of the tables outside Whole Foods. Puka’s Bar, our original destination, doesn’t open until 1 p.m., so we end up getting food from elsewhere in the mall. Sesame has a lie-down while we eat, then we get her a pup cup of whipped cream from Starbucks.
Next, we take Sesame shopping at The Public Pet in Kaimukī. Since she doesn’t seem too interested in the toys, we buy her some ‘ahi jerky from Poi Dog Treats. And to cap off our day, we enjoy shave ice at Waiola, with Sesame getting a dog-friendly peanut butter flavor. At the shop, a college girl hits it off with Sesame, so we share our info sheet with her and cross our fingers. Maybe Sesame will be adopted!
The day flies by, and we finally have to drop Sesame off at the Humane Society. To conclude our trip, we fill out a “report card” detailing our observations of Sesame as she interacted with us and other people, plus feedback on the program.
Overall, it was a wholesome day, and we’re fully Team Sesame. We can’t wait to go on another field trip! See a reel of our day trip here.
Update: Sesame has been adopted!
Photos: Andrea Lee
Tips
- Plan where you want to go on your field trip ahead of time and check opening hours. A few of the places we wanted to visit were not open on Tuesday.
- Take notes on your dog’s behavior throughout the day, so you’ll have plenty of feedback to provide on the report card.
- There are two towels in the supply pack to place in your car for the dog to lie on, but you may want to bring more of your own to minimize cleanup afterward.
- Take photos and videos to share with the Humane Society in the report card. If you post on social media, tag @hawaiianhumane and use the hashtags #hawaiianhumane and #ilioexplorers.
- Want a souvenir? HHS has cute ‘Īlio Explorers T-shirts, key chains and stickers that you can order when you book an appointment or buy onsite before or after your field trip.
FAQ
Can kids participate?
Yes! Keiki 8 years and older may participate. But the person who signs up must be at least 18 years of age. That person is responsible for the dog; don’t leave the dog unattended with a child.
How many people can participate?
There is no limit on group size, but everyone needs to attend the orientation.
Do I get to choose the dog?
No. Because dogs cycle in and out of the Hawaiian Humane Society, whether through fostering or adoption, it’s difficult to say which dogs will be available the day of your appointment. HHS also prioritizes their VIPs (very important paws), those who have been in the shelter the longest. Your experience level with dogs is considered as well to determine which pup is best suited for you.
Where can I take the dog?
You can take the dog anywhere on the Hawaiian Humane Society’s list of approved field trip locations, which includes parks, beaches and restaurants.
Peanut butter shave ice for Sesame at Waiola Shave Ice. Photo: Andrea Lee
Can I give treats to the dog?
Yes! Treats are included in your supply bag, but you can also buy more while out on the town. If you buy a whole pack, opt for smaller training treats that a dog can eat unsupervised. Larger pieces or rawhide are not recommended. When you bring the treats back to the Humane Society, the staff will label the pack with your dog’s name. Pup cups and doggie shave ice are also approved.
Can I buy toys or other things for the dog?
Yes! Pet stores are on the list of approved field trip locations. Keep in mind that stuffed toys are not recommended since the dog may tear them open.
Can I adopt the dog?
Absolutely! But keep in mind you will need to return the dog to the HHS and go through the application process; you can’t just take the dog home after your field trip. Nonresidents are also welcome to adopt, and the HHS will assist with getting the dog ready for travel.
How can my business get on the list of approved field trip locations?
Reach out to the Hawaiian Humane Society at info@hawaiianhumane.org to have your business vetted or call the Mō‘ili‘ili Campus at (808) 356-2200.
See more FAQ on the Hawaiian Humane Society website.
hawaiianhumane.org, @hawaiianhumane
