In 10 lush acres of land in the paradisiac island of Kauai, Hawaii, where a little blue farm house welcomes those who come in, lives a beautiful dog and cat sanctuary - KAWS: Kauai's Animal Welfare Society.
As of February 2024, KAWS is the home to 17 dogs and 20 cats. The dogs live in either colorful cabins with comfy beds, and outdoor space, the Senior dog home, or the KAWS house. Every detail is intentional, creating a setting where each animal can feel safe, seen, and at ease.
Days at KAWS are filled with care and connection. The founder, Dinah, and devoted volunteers, give these dogs their daily walks, exercise, training, and lots of love and care. The team meets each animal where they are, tending not only to their physical needs but to their emotional well-being as well. Each dog comes with their own story, and those stories continue to unfold in KAWS as they are catered to as much as one can wish for.
KAWS was the first sanctuary I visited after my dog, Bernard, passed away. I brought with me many of his toys and donated them to the dogs there. In a quiet and meaningful way, it feels like a small part of Bernard lives on in this project – symbolically - and at KAWS, physically.
