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2020
Amber Crown
2007-2020
Amber was adopted into her family two weeks after her parents, Jen and Tom, were married. For her dad, it was love at first sight. In the car ride home, she was named Amber after the color of her beautiful chocolate fur and it wasn’t long until she had completely captured the hearts of her parents and was settled in with her new family.
Her parents were hunting dogs and she was a hunter. Although she was never taken hunting she enjoyed making sure that everything in her backyard knew who was boss. She chased after and caught many squirrels, birds, possums and even a skunk. If you landed in her yard, you didn’t stand a chance against her speed. She would howl at every fire truck that went by. She loved to be in your space, didn’t like to be left out and was always sure she knew where her parents were.
Amber was a talented and quick learner. She could, sit, stay, lay, howl and roll over and she had an affinity for peanut butter and hot dogs. Her specialty was in the game find. If her parents put a hot dog in her yard, she would hunt it down and find it everytime. She loved car rides, playing with other dogs and just being near anyone. If she was near people having a conversation, she would look back and forth like she was listening, almost as if she could understand English. In 13 years, she only met 1 person she didn’t like and she considered it her duty to convey her love to everyone she came across with unending licks.
Amber spread her love (and licks) with no hesitation and her devoted and caring spirit will be greatly missed by everyone who was touched by her love.
Jen and Tom Crown, 01/05/20
Baby Girl
a.k.a. “Baby monkey, Baby Lynn” July 4, 2001 – February 26, 2020
Baby Girl was an important part of her family from the day she was found, abandoned on the side of a deserted road. She shared her feline grace and abundant love with her parents and litter-mates, Tiger and Precious.
Her favorite place was curled up next to or on top of her mom, who she considered to be her “person”. In fact, 17 years after being taken in by her new family, she surprised her parents by finally warming up to her dad and this was only because she was on a new medication!
Baby Girl always made sure that whatever you were doing, you knew that loving her should definitely be priority, as is the kitty way. Her tastes include fresh fish, chicken and kalibi as well as an affinity for hummus and avocado.
Her endless love will be continually missed and cherished by her forever family.
Laura Curtis 03/11/20
Portia Dotson
September 9, 2009- December 5, 2020
Portia was a distinguished and beautiful Newfoundland who captured the hearts of her family from the moment they saw her. She was courageous, reserved, dutiful and a complete diva! She completed her Canine Good Citizen test, participated in various Oahu dog shows and was an ambassador for the Oahu Newfoundland Club of HI. She captivated those she met and then won them over with her gentle spirit and kind demeanor. She was photogenic and yet her favorite activity was laying around the house with her beloved Ohana, preferably with a milk bone. She was preceded by her brother Romulus but her remaining family are forever grateful to have had her in their lives and know they will see her again at the rainbow bridge someday.
Raider Dulay
a.k.a. “Puppy, Big Boy”
November 9, 2012- December 28, 2020
Raider was truly an important part of his family. The moment they met him, his family knew that he belonged with them and Raider knew it too. He was loving, kind, gentle, funny and so handsome. His black eye patch inspired the name Raider because of the similarity to the mascot for the Oakland Raiders football team.
Raider would always steal his papa’s recliner. If someone was already sitting on it, he’d stare them down until they got off of it, and if they didn’t, he would bully his way onto it, forcing them to move or have to share it with him. Raider loved resting his head on his papa’s shoulder or chest. He always needed to be touching someone when sleeping at night and would make his papa and mama sleep in the most awkward positions because he most definitely didn’t want to sleep on his own bed!
Any food that his family ate also became his favorite food because it just wasn’t possible to say no to his cute face. Anyone that attempted to say no would find his head resting on their knee and a great big slobber spot. He would go around and do this to every single person until he got food from everyone. Raider loved car rides, and he loved especially to look at the other dogs he passed though he never seemed to be able to summon the courage to stick his head all the way out the window. His favorite toy was anything squeaky. As long as the toy made some kind of noise, he would go crazy for it and break it within 10 seconds every time. He simply wouldn’t take a bath without a squeaky toy and would run across the house, all soapy and wet, if he didn’t have one.
Raider was a best friend and he was family. He put a smile on the faces of everyone he met. He will be missed dearly by many, but most especially by his papa (aka his best friend), his mama, Tristen, Joshua and his girlfriend Oohlala (a pink poodle).His family is forever grateful that he filled their lives with such love and will remember and miss him until they meet him again over the Rainbow Bridge.
Piper Marion
a.k.a.”Pipe Pipe, Puppy, Bear Face,” October 15, 2002- February 23, 2020
Piper was a beloved member of her family and shared her enthusiasm and zest for life with everyone she met. She gave so much love and devotion to her family and endeared many with her energy and sweet personality.
One of her favorite activities was Hide & seek. She would run around the house until she could find everyone and reward them with doggie love upon finding them. Her favorite snacks included bacon, peanut butter, steak and (most importantly!) string cheese. She would come running at the sound of a string cheese wrapper in anticipation of a yummy string of cheese. Her other loves were tug-of-war, tag and her stuffed bear and piggy. She would greet her people at the door with a great wiggling butt. Her enthusiasm carried through her whole body to show her happiness that someone had arrived.
Piper will live on forever in the heart’s of her family. She was a loyal friend, protector, snuggle partner, world traveler, road trip buddy and an awesome alarm clock! Her beautiful nature and gentle and loving ways will be remembered and missed by many but especially her mom, dad and two brothers who will never forget the love she gave them.
2019
Tama Apao
June 23, 2008 – May 13, 2019
Tama was a Husky/Malamute mix given his name after the American Indian word for thunder – it also happens to be the name of a drum maker so his mommy Ashley, who plays drums, thought that it was perfect. He loved his grandma and grandpa and would howl for Grams almost on command. He also loved snuggling with Ashley on cold mornings, playing with tennis balls, playing fetch, and playing hide and seek. Every Christmas he would manage to knock over the tree by accident!
Tama was loved by many – he leaves behind a large family of not just people, but many four-legged brothers and sisters. He will be very much missed.
Ashley Apao, 5/24/2019.
Mercury Collins-Burns
2005-2019
14 years and roughly 5600 miles ago a tiny silver kitten was rescued from his home beneath a dunkin doughnuts. No living creature should have to survive on dunkin doughnuts jersey garbage water so Brandon and Levi knew then he was meant to come home with them, if only so they could introduce him to some proper coffee.
Thus Mercury came to the growing family. He and his sister Zeus succeeded in capturing the hearts of Brandon and Levi most completely. Mercury was absolutely true to his name in so many ways. Mercury in Roman mythology was the Herald of the gods and a trickster and when he showed up it generally meant something was about to go down.
The day that Mercury passed Brandon decided to look up the position of Mercury in the sky in the south pacific over Hawaii. Mercury was set to rise at 5:46 am, almost the exact time Mercury had woken them up for 14 years every morning to let them know that breakfast time was in an hour and 15 minutes. Brandon looked up into the sky at 5:46 am and found that the celestial bodies where mercury is were a little dimmer than normal… or wait were they brighter now? Perhaps Mercury is still up there playing tricks.
***
And so the little tyger who burned so bright is wandering through the forests of the night.
***
Mercury can now be found chasing shooting stars across the night sky just like he chased lizards across his lanai on earth. He will forever be remembered by those who love him and Brandon knows they will one day be reunited to play fetch with his mouse.
Brandon Burns, 12/7/19
Zeus Xanadu Collins-Burns
(Queen of thunder and lightning, Duchess of shade, Princess of Jersey and Sovereign of the Most Noble Order of No- Shenanigans)
2003-2019
Zeus was a strange cat that came to Brandon and Levi under stranger circumstance. She was scrawny and black with a massive head that was matched only by her diva sensibilities.While her name started as a joke due to her white beard and mustache blending into a lightning bolt on her belly, it was also eerily appropriate. She quickly made it known that her owners were actually her loyal subjects.
This was not a cat that would hunt; for you obviously would hunt for her if needs be. This was not a cat who would jump higher than a couch or bed; as you would obviously provide stairs or a ladder if you really wanted her to go somewhere. This was not a cat who liked milk or meat or fish; for she liked only 2 premium snacks – nacho cheese doritos or salted peanuts. This was not a cat who would ride in some pedestrian box while in the car, as she was being driven and would need to ride in the passenger seat, irregardless of human passengers. This was not a cat who would come and sit on your lap out of want for attention; for she was on your lap because you were in her spot. This was not a cat that was overly affectionate; she knew your heart belonged to her. She was just waiting until you realized..
She was many, many things, the least of which a cat. Her last year was fittingly just as unconventional, difficult and interesting as her first. The unexpected loss of her brother Mercury earlier this year was tragic for the whole family and Zeus in particular. Her mild senility would become full on dementia with blindness and hearing loss. While it was frustrating and incredibly sad to experience, there were undoubtedly some profound revelations, meditations, and lessons earned. Near the end she spent a good amount of time rediscovering things as if she were a kitten again, an unexpectedly poignant and beautiful meditation on the circle of life.
***
Zeus can now be found above, waiting on Neptune for the planned rendezvous with her brother and beloved servants, Brandon and Levi. Only 6 lbs of matter is physically not here, but the density and gravity of her absence is akin to a neutron star (think just shy of a black hole) in her family. She of course still has her on eye on the happenings below and will always keep her family honest and in line
-Brandon Burns, 12/7/19
Mya (Bear) Curtis
July 2009 – June 2019
Mya loved her family very much. She was adopted from a small rescue in Tennessee when Anna was in college and wanted a pitbull. It was love at first sight – and Anna decided she deserved a more beautiful name than the one the rescue gave her, so she named her Mya. Five years later they met DeMont and he joined their little family.
Mya hated walking on metal and would even jump over manholes on her walks. She loved sticking her head out of the window of her car, which would make her sneeze, and going to the beach to chase sticks and play in the water. Popcorn and peanut butter (she had her own jar in the fridge) were her favorite treats. She was an incredibly sweet dog, and Anna and DeMont had to train her to bark and growl when they said “What was that” so that she would scare off bad guys!
Bear was always there to provide her family with unconditional love, teaching them patience, compassion, and loyalty. She will never be forgotten and will be dearly missed.
Anna and DeMont Curtis, 6/14/2019.
Flash Kam
January 19, 2003 – February 26, 2019
Flash came to join Liz and Kiku’s family through sheer determination. He came to their house and started calling at the window to be let in, sticking it out through 40 days of wind and rain! Eventually he prevailed and became an “indoor cat.” They decided to name him “Flash” because he moved so quickly, running off to play and then popping back up suddenly to get cuddles. He loved to give kisses and snuggle, eating salmon, playing with his toys Mousey and Stringy, and playing chase and hide-n-seek. He was very much loved and is deeply missed.
Liz Kam, 3/19.
Juneau Lang
April 17, 2007 – May 25, 2019
Juneau joined his family when they were stationed in Washington state. He was named after the Alaskan city which seemed like a good fit because as a white German Shepherd, his looks reminded his family of white snowy landscapes. At first, he wasn’t allowed on the furniture. However, when he was about two years old, he was caught on the bed in the guest room and looked so sweet they pretty much caved after that. From then on, he was allowed to be on the bed to cuddle — as much as you can with a dog weighing 90 lbs!
When Juneau was young, he could run like a cheetah, easily covering a mile in just two or three minutes if you let him. Once, while on a walk, he managed somehow to get away and take off, chasing a bird across a park the size of a football field as it flew away from him. Another time, while Christine was rollerblading with him, he chased a squirrel across a lawn and pulled Christine smack into a tree.
He loved balls and squeaky toys, but he didn’t like to share at all, stealing the other dogs’ toys, putting them on his bed, and growling if they complained. Hot dogs, roasted chicken, and dingoes were his favorite foods. He loved to go on walks and hikes, most recently on the Tripler Ridge trail, where he loved to sniff at everything along the way.
He was the best guard dog, watching the street in front of the house from the second story window where he had the best view. He would bark and scratch at the window whenever he saw people or animals outside. One time the window was open and he managed to push out the window screen, getting onto the roof and running back and forth along the roof barking at people until he was pulled back inside. Although some of the neighbors’ houses had been broken into, not once was Juneau’s house targeted.
He is survived by his caregivers Christine & Mark; Ed & Sue (friends who took care of Juneau in North Carolina for 9 months during a deployment) and dogs Jasmine and Makai. He is preceded in death by dogs Sitka and Sasha.
Juneau was a good boy. Although he had his challenges (he was extremely protective and not well socialized), he was one of the best dogs his family ever had. They love and miss him!
Christine Lang, 5/29/19.
Lana Nishii
2008-2019
When Lana was a puppy she pulled out her family’s hedgeliner in one day. A real feat in tenacity since it took them about five days to put it in. Lana chewed all the tops of the hoses off, chewed up all the rubber slippers and salivated and danced on her two front paws in anticipation of a tasty snack.
In spite of her puppy antics, Lana truly gave meaning to the phrase “Dog is Man’s best friend”, or in this case, woman’s. Her forever friend, Teri, recalls an incident that occurred after she had had rotator cuff surgery and had an arm in a sling. Lana was with her and off leash in the park because no one was around when Teri noticed a man a man appear out of nowhere. It was the first time Teri had ever seen Lana circle a man. She crouched low and growled, haunches up, ready to attack. Teri remembers being surprised because Lana was usually very mild mannered and was fine off leash at Kailua beach and at dog parks. Lana knew that Teri was injured and couldn’t protect herself and she assumed duty as Teri’s most valiant protector.
After that incident, Teri always felt peaceful going hiking and fishing before dawn or at night on desolate beaches because she knew Lana would be there to protect her. Teri always knew that Lana had her back and Lana could always count on Teri whenever she was frightened.
Lana’s family will forever thank her for her love and devotion.
-Teri Nishii, 12/2/2019
Frasier Weida
January 22, 2002 – April 23, 2019
Frasier was 8 weeks old when he entered Tanya’s life in her 2nd year of college. He spent 3 years with her until she graduated, then later joined her when she moved permanently to Hawaii. The Hawaiian sun definitely treated him well for the rest of his life. Frasier loved chasing geckos, going on hikes, laying in the sun, and having his belly rubbed. He would chase Paka, a roommate’s cat and the two of them would cuddle and lounge on the futon or lay in the sun next to each other.
Frasier could flip a treat up off his nose and catch it in the air. He would do a funny tap dance with his front paws when he saw his leash was taken off the hook or if the word “walk” or “run” was mentioned. His ears would perk up and he would come jumping to you. On walks or runs, he would literally pee and lift leg on every corner even if nothing came out. He still loved to go on walks in the wagon when his back legs didn’t work too well.
Frasier had the sweetest temperament with his human siblings, Noah and Sadie. He would snuggle with them all the time and when Tanya would change diapers, he would lay on his back with legs in the air.
Frasier leaves behind his Mommy and Daddy (Tanya and Jerrod), brother and sister (Noah & Sadie), Nana & Poppy; many former roommates and friends that would doggy-sit at the house when the family traveled to Pennsylvania during Christmas; fur-friends Cooper, Quincy, Norma Jean, Marley, and Paka; and his Godmother Amy who found him when he was dog-knapped for two days. He joins a few other furry friends at the Rainbow Bridge: Quincy, Cooper, Norma Jean, and Marley.
Tanya Weida, 5/17/2019.
2018
Fredrick Douglas Anspach
a.k.a. “Freddie Pie, FDA” August 2001 to October 24, 2018
Fred’s owner, Jill, got him when he was just a few weeks old. Jill was 20 years old and in college, and it was her first time living alone. She decided to get a furry companion to help ease her anxiety about being alone at night. She responded to an ad for free kittens and never found the correct address – however, when a neighbor came out to offer help, it turned out they had free kittens, too. And so it was meant to be.
Jill knew she wanted to name him a one syllable “human” name. When she came up with Fred, her brother said she should add “Douglas” on the end, after the slavery abolitionist and author. Fred was always by her side as she graduated and started her career that allowed her to travel to multiple states. It was in Hawaii, about 5 years ago, that Jill and Fred met Tai. After Tai and Jill got engaged, someone asked Jill when did she know Tai was “the one”. Jill responded with, “When I saw how loving and caring Tai was for Fred, especially as in the beginning Fred was very protective and would often bite Tai’s feet. But soon Tai and Fred became best buddies. I think that is when I realized Tai was ‘the one’.”
Fred was lucky to have so many loving people in his life, but especially Jill, Tai, Takako, and Takako’s cat Hana.
Tai was… allergic to cats but loved Fred. Fred’s favorite place to take a nap, no matter what they did to try to prevent it, was right on Tai’s pillow often making sure that he was planted there whenever Tai might want to jump into bed. Fred is also slightly famous as Tai owns a printing company and pictures of Fred standing on a rainbow and wearing a unicorn horn have been printed on everything from pillows to sticker to t-shirts that have literally been worn around the world (by Tai and Jill’s friends).
Fred would always come to Jill whenever she called his name and seemed to know exactly how she was feeling, comforting her when she was sad and always being there for her when she needed him. Sometimes, during dinner when Tai and Jill were eating their meal at the table, Fred liked to jump up on Jill’s lap and then perch himself up on her shoulder so he could look out of the big window to the neighborhood below. In the mornings Fred would often be Tai’s alarm clock by sitting on the bed looking down at Tai and making noises like a pigeon until Tai would wake up.
It’s been a very difficult adjustment saying goodbye to Freddy. He’s been Jill’s best friend for 17 years, always by her side, partners in crime. “Home” was wherever Fred was at. She and Tai will never forget him and will love him always.
Jill and Tai, 10/29/18
Munchkin
2003 to 2018
Saying goodbye to Munchkin was one of the most difficult things that I’ve experienced in my lifetime. She was my best friend. This Scottish Fold beauty, who behaved more like a dog than a cat, came into our lives and it was love at first sight.
My son was in second grade at the time and really wanted a pet cat. We looked for kittens for quite some time and then Munchkin turned up at a co-workers house and was brought to the Humane Society and held for a week. Nobody claimed her so we went and signed the adoption papers without seeing her first. She definitely found us.
Munchkin brought so much joy into our lives. No matter what we were doing, she was involved. If my son was doing homework, she would sit on his papers and she would always join in when we were playing a good game of checkers or chess. She loved being around us as much as we enjoyed her company.
Munchkin even decided to jump into my relaxing lavender bath, which didn’t last long once she dove into the water. This happened not once, but twice! She didn’t like to feel left out.
If we were not feeling well, she would always come to snuggle and provide comfort. This was true even in my last hours with her. She was still providing that unconditional love.
Munchkin loved taking a drive in the car. She would sit on the car seat and relax or put her paws on the window and take in her surroundings. And although she was a house kitty, she had to have her daily dose of sunshine where she would lounge on the porch or a grassy area in our yard.
She was a vocal kitty and always “talking” to us. She’d greet me at the door when I got home and expected some treats and snuggles.
I miss Munchkin’s exuberant, fun and silly personality. I miss her constant need to be involved and of course, her warm and comforting snuggles.
Nancy, 7/10/2018.
Element Eskaran
2005- 2018
a.k.a “Ellie”
Element was brought home to be a “guard” dog after a home invasion, but he turned out to be a guardian angel to his mom from the day they laid eyes on each other. Element was a friend to all who knew him! He was one of those dogs that could change one’s fearful perception of dogs with his loving demeanor. Ellie loved cuddles and would even allow kids to use him as their pillow. He was the best sport, especially when he was getting eyebrows drawn on him after flicking his mom’s arm while she was painting. He was also a goofball at times! Digging up snotty tissues from the trash was a hobby, and he was familiar with the word “bocha” meaning bath. Bocha was also his disciplinary word! It was all that he needed to hear to find a good hiding spot. During some of life’s big moves, Element was his family’s rock. He kept a good attitude and made sure they were never short on love or affection. Though he is at the rainbow bridge with his health restored, gallivanting in forever love and has been for some time – Element is now a big brother who is watching down proudly over his little sister. Kamele and Maika feel beyond grateful to have had such an incredible best friend for 12 years, by their side he will always be. He is so treasured and so missed by all who knew him, especially his mommies Kamele, Maika, and his brother Boston.
“WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH, ELEMENT!” – Kamele and Maika
Sadie
a.k.a “Chocolate Thunder, Little Girl, My Little Nugget” April 30, 2015 to September 4, 2018
Sadie was a sweet Shorty Bull survived by Roberta, Scott, Sue, Taz, Mojo, Kaji, Django, and Cha-Cha. She was so pretty, smiled a lot, and wiggled her whole body (throwing back her head to do a short “woooo”) when she greeted her family that they wanted to give her a cute “little girl story book” name, and so they chose Sadie.
She would try to copy the other dogs by sitting up on her haunches, but because she was a bit on the chubby side, she would sometimes fall over. Sadie loved all kinds of food and even linked chewing on the chunky end of a head of Romaine lettuce. She also loved small, soft toys; chasing the laser light; going after birds, and having her belly rubbed and head scratched.
Sadie’s sweet spirit and big smile truly brought out the best in everyone. She is missed so much.
Roberta, 10/23/18
In Memory of Pikake
March 14, 2005 – May 8, 2018
Pikake joined her family when Sherisee and her grandma saw a sign advertising puppies for sale at the mall. She took to Sherisse instantly and showered her with kisses – which is how she would always greet her when she came home. Sherisee knew right at that moment that they should be together.
Named Pikake after their favorite flower, she had many outdoor adventures with her family, including surfing, hiking, going to the beach, camping, and traveling. She went to the grocery store all the time and loved playing with her tennis ball – she would even play “fetch” with herself by hitting the ball with her nose! Her favorite food was white chicken. She would heel without a leash and could play dead and roll over, and over, and over. She was the boss of the other two dogs in her family, and always slept by Sherisse’s head on her pillow. She snored like a human and would sometimes lay on her back with all four legs sticking up.
Pikake is survived by her caregivers Sherisse and Kimberly Meyerowitz and their three children Isaac, Joshua, and Angel. She was truly special to her family, and they are comforted by knowing they will be reunited with her someday.
Sherisse Meyerowitz, 5/21/18.
Abrams “Abe” Spangler
Abe brought everyone he met joy and happiness. A true gentle giant in so many ways, Abe had the most loving character you could ever imagine. He will always be remembered for sneaking naps on the couch and sandwiches off the counter. Whenever we would return home, we would hear a loud thud as he jumped off a bed. He’d give us a look to say “I wasn’t on your bed”, but the evidence of blankets in heaps and slobbery pillows would suggest otherwise.
Abe was born in Washington state and had the chance to live there along with Alaska and Hawaii. He was happy anywhere he went as long as we were all together. Abe will be missed by his family and so many that grew to love him. We say farewell till we meet again buddy.
Jefery Spangler, 10/8/18
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