Special breed: Rainbow Friends hosts adoption event for dogs with challenges

To give “special” dogs an opportunity to be adopted into an equally exemplary home, Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary will be hosting a Special Needs Dog Adoption Event on Saturday.

For its first event since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rainbow Friends will be boasting its special needs dogs to the public.

“I thought this event would be great for attracting special people with compassion for animals with challenges,” Camille Sigmund said. “These dogs are all so wonderful and just need a little extra work to feel comfortable.”

Some dogs that will be featured have anxiety or are fearful while others have physical disabilities.

Huntress, who was the inspiration for the event, is a social, happy dog, but walks with a limp.

“I was walking Huntress one day when it occurred to me that we should have this event,” Sigmund said. “These dogs have been here for a long time and they are so sweet, but just need a better chance to find permanent homes.”

Rainbow Friends will have 16 dogs at the event for interested adopters to meet and get to know.

Apollo will be featured with his tail tucked between his legs due to anxiety.

“After having time to get used to people and a new environment along with some extra care, Apollo will be great for any household,” said Mary Rose Krijgsman, founder and president . “All these dogs need is some compassion and a chance. They deserve to have a place of their own.”

Rainbow Friends is currently housing its maximum of 65 dogs and hopes the event will help make space for more dogs in the future.

“If we find good homes to place these dogs, the better chance we’ll have to rescue other dogs as well,” Krijgsman said.

The adoption event will be at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club in Keaau from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Anyone interested in fostering or adopting any other dogs or cats can visit the Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kurtistown from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.

More information on fostering and adoptions can be found at www.rainbowfriends.org.

Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com