December | 2017
Happy New Year!
As we look back at 2017, we are so thankful for our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers who made it possible for our program to grow and touch more lives than ever before. In 2017 we graduated and provided support to over 50 Assistance Dog teams, expanded our Community Outreach Program, and had more puppies in training than ever before! Highlighted below are just a few of the accomplishments from this past year.

Click here to see our new program video for 2018!
Graduate Team Support
This year we provided support for over 50 graduate teams including Service Dogs, Hospital Facility Dogs, and Courthouse Facility Dogs. Together these teams have touched the lives of more than 10,000 people in Hawaii with special needs and had an incredible impact on our community. Brian Kajiyama and Service Dog Zeus pay it forward by volunteering at Ben Parker Elementary School.
New Assistance Dog Teams

This year we graduated nine new Assistance Dog teams, including Hospital Facility Dog Winnie at Kapiolani Medical Center. Winnie visits children daily who are receiving chemotherapy and comforts other children on their way to surgery. She brings joy and laughter to those who need it most.
Puppies in Training

During 2017, we had 29 puppies come through our training program! All of these future heroes were specifically bred for Assistance Dog work and traveled to us from the best Guide and Service Dog Programs around the world. ADH puppies learn over 90 commands before graduating.
Community Outreach Programs

In 2017 our Community Outreach Programs benefited over 1,000 residents of Hawaii with special needs. We celebrated twenty years of service to residents of Hale Makua, ten years of therapy visits for residents at Kalama Heights, and five years of visiting with special education students at Maui Waena Elementary School.
Camp Bow Wow

This year we kicked off an exciting new summer camp program for children in Hawaii with physical disabilities. This week-long camp held at Sadie's Place brought kids together for a variety of fun and educational activities including grooming, crafts, nature hikes, and carnival day. National Geographic filmed a special feature about ADH and Camp Bow Wow that will be aired soon.
USC Partnership

This year ADH hosted two interns from USC's School of Occupational Therapy. Brynne and Kaitlyn were a tremendous help establishing Camp Bow Wow, conducting therapy visits, and participating in Team Training Camp.

"I learned things not only about the dogs, but also about myself. I truly believe that this fieldwork experience has changed me forever." - Kaitlyn Cruz
Comforting Survivors in Las Vegas

Two of our Courthouse Facility Dog teams were invited by a federal agency to Las Vegas in the wake of a tragic shooting earlier this year. Marshal and Astro, along with their handlers, provided much needed comfort to survivors and their families. They helped victims talk through the painful and traumatic experience and allowed them to begin the healing process.
Assistance Dogs Northwest

This summer we successfully completed the opening of our Assistance Dogs Northwest program. This new program is an LLC of Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and benefits people with physical disabilities and other special needs in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Donate to Assistance Dogs of Hawaii this holiday season and help to provide more Assistance Dogs free of charge!
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii | (808) 298-0167| info@assistancedogshawaii.org | www.assistancedogshawaii.org