Whether you already have a furry loved one to care for or you’re looking for that perfect animal addition to the family, Aloha Ilio Rescue’s fourth annual “Cause for Paws” event will have what you need.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Aloha Ilio will have 40 dogs and puppies available for adoption, said Andrew Hreha, who is on the Board of Directors for Aloha Ilio. A number of cats also will be available for adoption at the event through Action 4 Animals.
Additional partners on site will be providing crucial care services, including free on-site vaccinations and de-worming by the Good Karma Spay &Neuter Clinic, education on animal emergency preparedness by Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance, and free dog licensing and microchipping from Hawaii County.
Pet owners also can schedule spay or neuter appointments at the event through PETFIX Spay &Neuter, in addition to perusing the pet boutique and free dog food pantry among the over 40 local vendors and food trucks that will be present at the event.
Although every single animal at the event would make a wonderful addition to a loving household, a few dogs that will be at “Cause for Paws” next weekend have stood out to staff and volunteers at Aloha Ilio, Hreha said.
One such pup is Redding, a 1-year-old, medium-size mixed breed who has been with Aloha Ilio since he was just 3 weeks old. Hreha calls him “an absolute angel” who “was simply born knowing how to listen and be a good boy.”
The 43-pound cutie is potty-trained, doesn’t bark, loves to snuggle and has only had great interactions with other dogs. Though he loves all people, Redding can get nervous around men, so Hreha said Aloha Ilio thinks he’d thrive best with a female adopter.
For those looking to double their fun, it’s hard not to fall in love with bonded pair Jack and Bella, Hreha said. Both medium-sized mixed breeds, Jack is a 56-pound “charming” and “goofy” 9-year old who is never far from his best friend, Bella, a 57-pound “sweet” and “gentle” 6-year-old who loves belly rubs and leisurely walks, Hreha said. Whoever ends up with this well-mannered, social pair is getting “the perfect balance of fun and companionship,” he said.
Finally, for the adventurous adopters who need a four-legged buddy to join them for hikes and beaches, Lucky is looking for you, too. This almost-2-year-old, 30-pound Whippet mix is a playful snuggler full of energy, and would do great in a home with a furry sibling to keep him company, Hreha said. He added that, “with the right home, he’ll be the perfect companion: bringing joy, excitement, and plenty of love.”
Although this is Aloha Ilio’s fourth “Cause for Paws,” Hreha said this year’s event is far larger than any of the previous ones because the nonprofit is able to host it in a pet-friendly venue instead of a high school this year, allowing them to actually have a plethora of adoptable pets on-site.
Aloha Ilio, which was established in 2009, hosts several adoption events per month, Hreha said, but usually can only bring five to 10 dogs.
Hreha said Aloha Ilio receives dogs at its shelter from several different sources, and they work to connect them all with the best, seriously committed home for each specific pet’s needs. The rescue had 601 successful adoptions in 2024, Hreha said, adding that they also took in 173 dogs from county Animal Control, 300 dogs that were owner-surrendered for such difficult reasons as an inability to afford their care or an owner passing on, and 166 stray dogs.
Additionally, Aloha Ilio provided over 700 spay and neuter surgeries, donated more than 3,000 pounds of pet food, and assisted in over 50 major medical cases in 2024, Hreha said.
“The impact this organization has is incredible,” he said, explaining that donations of food and medical care for the pets of houseless individuals stands among the most impactful work Aloha Ilio offers outside of matching dogs with forever homes.
Ahola Ilio also visited 27 classrooms at local elementary and middle schools last year to distribute its educational coloring book and educate youths about their pet’s care, particularly feeding, bathing and vet visits.
Of the services provided at the March 29 event, Hreha said they’re all important — especially microchips, which can rescue a lost pet, and vaccinations that keep them free of disease — but he said that the spay/neuter treatments “make a strong case for most important” because “that’s what will ultimately solve the issue (of overpopulation) in the long run.”
Hreha said even if you don’t go home with a new friend that day, it’s possible attendees could meet their future dog at the event only to pick them up from Aloha Ilia’s shelter later, or possibly become a foster with the organization.
Well-behaved, nonaggressive dogs are welcomed to attend the event on leash as long as they always stay with their “paw-rents.”
Email Kyveli Diener at kdiener@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
