By Zoe Rappoport

Thousands of people suddenly became homeless after fast-moving wildfires destroyed many homes in Maui’s Lahaina and Kula neighborhoods. Most resorted to staying with friends or family or took up temporary lodging in area hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.

While many have been able to keep their beloved animal companions with them, plenty of others needed a temporary place to keep their friends safe, so they turned to local animal shelters. In Waihe’e, volunteers and staff quickly transformed a barn into rooms with a quiet cattery, dog kennels, a rabbit area, and even a few enclosures for tortoises. Anyone in need can house their animals there, and the community has stepped up with tremendous donations of food, treats, bedding, and supplies!

I’ve been volunteering as a dog walker and kennel cleaner along with other kind people. Some have been reading books to dogs during the hottest hours of the day, while others have been brushing rabbits’ fur, setting up comfy multilevel cat houses, doing loads of laundry, sorting food and toys, or giving hugs and reassurances to frightened animals who are missing their loved ones.

Four little white dogs came in together. They were mistrustful at first and greeted us by barking and retreating to the back of their kennel. Staff won them over within a day with treats, patience, and kind words and cleared the volunteers to take the dogs on walks. Once the dogs were out in the field, they sniffed around curiously and happily. I loved picking this one up, hugging him, and feeling him relax in my arms.

People affected by the fires have lost so much, far beyond their possessions, and there is a long road of healing ahead. I’m grateful to be just one of an army of volunteers dedicated to keeping precious animals safe and cared for until they can once again be reunited with their families.
Zoe Rappoport lives in Hawaii and is a senior membership correspondent with the PETA Foundation.