Dogs don their best apparel at the 2007 Petwalk

Watch video by Nathan Serota and Nodoka Fuse

Watch slideshow by Elizabeth Galang and Nalea J. Ko

By Elizabeth Galang and Nalea J. Ko

Hok Get, a mixed terrier dog, waited for a month on a damaged oil tanker for the Hawaiian Humane Society to rescue her, but recently she witnessed first-paw as costume contestants dogged it out. 

Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and more than 3000 humans showed up to take part in the 17th annual Petwalk at Magic Island to benefit the humane society. One of the highlights of the day was costume contest for the dogs.  Pooches of all shapes and sizes were clad in army gear, aloha wear and other animal costumes, like a chicken and bumble bee.

The first place medal went to a dog that arrived in a Japanese inspired carriage and was dressed in a Japanese kimono and wig.  A Dalmatian dressed as a polka dotted clown took second place. 

One walker dressed her dogs, Pepper, 10, and Rocky, 8, in Harley Davidson motorcycle gear.  “This is our fifth Petwalk.  We like to show our support, but aren’t going to take part in the costume contest,” she said.

Besides the costume contest, other festivities took place, including stupid pet tricks and the retelling of Hok Get's incredible story.

In 2004, Hok Get was on an oil tanker which was heavily damaged by a fire. The crew was rescued right after the incident but Hok Get was unintentionally left behind. For a month, the humane society and its many supporters raised money for rescue efforts for the little dog.

Pamela Burns, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, said Hok Get’s rescue was an “important rescue story and an important reflection of what our staff does everyday.”

So Burns was thrilled to see that many people showed up for the Petwalk."The money that was raised goes to help the animals at the shelter and helps with our volunteer program and all the programs that we have at the Humane Society.”  Burns said. 

“All the money raised stays in Hawaii." Burns added.  "We are not part of a national organization so it’s really important for us to have the community support so that we can have the programs that we do.”

The actual Petwalk was a two mile course that began at Magic Island, looped around the Ala Moana Beach Park, and ended back where it started.  A volunteer happily said, “This is the biggest Petwalk so far!”

During the walk, Kalaeloa performed its best songs for the walkers.  Along the walking route, runners stopped to observe and cheer, family members took pickets and volunteers made sure everything went smoothly.  It was definitely “an event for the dogs,” one observer said. 

Participants crossed the finish line encouraged by peppy cheerleaders.  “You’re all so great!” they yelled standing under a colorful arch of balloons. 

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona adopted his dog Ziggy from the humane society and showed his support by participating. He said, “It’s just a fun event and it’s for a good cause."

Related links:

Volunteer at the Hawaiian Humane Society

Hawaiian Humane Society

Adopt a Pet