The tale of Lucy the stray canine
If you were ever in the vicinity of Alu and Ahe Streets in Hilo, you probably saw Lucy, a tan hound dog (looks Andalusian) lounging in the street or being fed by local residents. Lucy was a stray that showed up about eight years ago. She was skittish, quick to cringe and dependent upon the kindness of strangers.
Lucy lived under a house, her safe place, which she was loathe to leave. Some people did try to take her home, but she had trust issues. She sometimes accompanied people who were walking their dogs. I only saw her go after another dog when she was attacked. Occasionally, she barked and chased a truck or a bike rider.
Sometimes Lucy wanted to be petted for 10 minutes before she ate. She did not have food aggression issues.
I contacted Aloha Ilio about her a few years ago, but no one could catch her. Lately, her growing trust of people enabled Animal Control to pick her up on Valentine’s Day.
I didn’t expect much when I called Animal Control to inquire about her and leave my number for follow up. The woman who answered the phone was courteous and said she would put my information on the file when she located it. She informed me that if you feed a dog for 30 days, you can claim ownership.
The next day, I was surprised to get a call from another woman at Animal Control, asking about Lucy’s background. She said Lucy was letting herself be touched, but she was very scared.
I called again, expecting to hear that Lucy had been euthanized, but she was up for adoption.
You’re probably wondering why her neighborhood guardians didn’t adopt her. Those of us who fed her for years have caregiving responsibilities, physical limitations, and inadequate shelter for Lucy.
With Animal Control receiving about 40 dogs a week, Lucy’s chances for adoption were slim, but kudos to them for their caring and concern. They do have a thankless job, which would be easier if people took care of their animals, trained them properly and had them spayed and neutered.
Mahalo, Animal Control.
T. Spinola-Campbell
Hilo
Kamana center a wonderful resource
I am a senior member of the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo. I’ve been attending classes three to four days a week since I moved here three years ago.
I enthusiastically recommend classes at Kamana for anyone interested in learning a new skill (or perfecting an old one), regularly exercising, practicing healthy habits and meeting and interacting with kind, joyful people.
The schedule of classes is extensive. There really is something for everyone. The quality of the class instructors is startlingly impressive.
We seniors are very fortunate to have this enriching resource in our community.
Mahalo to the wonderful Kamana instructors, staff and my lovely classmates.
Marilyn Curry
Hilo