“We all know that the Maui Humane Society makes a great effort to meet the community’s needs and does a wonderful job, but there are more animals in jeopardy than they are able to rescue,” said DebyJo Kleinsasser, co-owner of Kīhei Pet Supply, a locally owned and operated business focusing on the health and well-being of animals.
So Kleinsasser, who understands times have been tough on Maui, decided to hold this event for Maui’s beloved animals and her valued customers—and have some fun, too.
“We are excited and honored to be a part of Maui’s pet community and wanted to have a special day each year where we can honor all of the donated time, personal efforts and sacrifices these folks make each day, and also help them raise the much-needed funding for food, shelter and medical assistance our homeless animals deserve,” said Kleinsasser.
In addition, Kleinsasser wanted to help inform the community about a no-kill shelter located in Kīhei called “The Last Resort.” This shelter run by Lesslie Farnum has taken in homeless and hapless animals for many years.
“The organization’s dog rescue program truly is the last resort for many of this small, grassroots shelter’s animals, which is known for taking in the hardest, toughest cases,” added Kleinsasser.
The owners and staff of Kīhei Pet Supply also want to raise awareness about the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which is active in our community through accessible, affordable spay and neuter services for companion animals. Education is the mission of the all-volunteer SPCA Maui representatives, who will be on-hand to distribute spay and neuter information.
“This is a great way to get our new critters seen and all of our upcoming events known,” said Penny Dearborn from Hawai‘i Animal Rescue Foundation (HARF), Maui’s newest no-kill facility. Dearborn will also share the organization’s plans for an Upcountry dog and livestock sanctuary.
Sylvan and Susie Schwab, who run the East Maui Animal Refuge, fondly known as the “BooBoo Zoo,” also care for injured or unwanted animals and will be present to answer questions.
Kīhei Pet Supply will offer storewide specials and stock a huge selection of fish, bird, dog, cat, reptile and small animal products. Kleinsasser will donate 100 percent of the profits of sales that day to these great organizations.
“Come on in for great food, door prize drawings, contests, tortoise races, free stuff and great deals on the very best pet products,” said Kleinsasser. “But best event of the day will be the loving animals available for adoption to good homes.”
Kleinsasser wants to “shout out a large mahalo” to vendors, including Petmate, Natura and Earthborn Holistic, for donating to this effort.
“Their help makes it even better,” said Kleinsasser. “I especially want to thank the Maui Weekly for the coverage to help me get the word out. I know I am getting to the most people this way.”
Kīhei Pet Supply, located at 1819 South Kīhei Road, D-10 in Kukui Mall, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (808) 874-0015 and visit theshop@kiheipetsupply.com for more information.
