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Senior Citizens Rally Together to Save Abandoned Puppies in Hawaii
Owning a dog is a lifelong responsibility, but sadly, not everyone is willing or able to make that commitment. Across the country, countless animals are abandoned when they become inconvenient, left to fend for themselves in dangerous conditions. In Hawaii, one such case of neglect recently turned into a remarkable story of compassion and teamwork when a group of senior citizens banded together to save a litter of puppies left behind on an abandoned property.
The rescue effort began when Maraya Pierro, director of Rescue Kitties of Hawaii, received an urgent call from her 80-year-old mother. Puppies had been spotted on a vacant property, and the situation appeared dire. Pierro immediately gathered supplies—formula, bottles, and blankets—before rushing to the scene. When she arrived, she quickly discovered the puppies were not only abandoned but hiding under the deck of the empty house, making the task of rescuing them far more challenging.
It soon became clear that the property owners had fled quickly and without regard for the dogs they left behind. Fortunately, a man tasked with watching over the property had been feeding the animals, keeping them alive until help could arrive. Still, it was clear the puppies needed immediate attention. Recognizing she could not do it alone, Pierro called for help—and that’s when an unexpected group of local senior citizens stepped forward.
Despite their age, the volunteers wasted no time. “I’ve never seen any of us jump into action that quickly. We’re not spring chickens, either,” Pierro later shared. Following the faint cries of the puppies, the group worked together to carefully retrieve them from beneath the deck. In the end, seven puppies were pulled to safety. Once they confirmed that no others remained, the team transported the fragile pups to a secure location where bottle-feeding and medical care began right away.
Moloka’i, the small island town where the rescue took place, does not have the luxury of a large shelter facility. Even so, Pierro quickly coordinated with local veterinarians to administer vaccinations and arranged for the puppies to stay in a foster home. Within days, each puppy began to show its own personality—some playful and mischievous, others more affectionate and snuggly. Despite their rocky start, the puppies began thriving, delighting their caregivers with boundless energy and unique quirks.
Rescuers also set out to locate the puppies’ parents. The Maui Humane Society managed to capture the father dog and place him in a permanent home. The search for the mother dog is still underway, with advocates hopeful she will be found and given the same chance at a better life.
What started as a heartbreaking case of neglect ultimately became a story of kindness, determination, and community spirit. Thanks to the compassion of local seniors and the tireless efforts of rescue advocates, seven abandoned puppies are alive and safe today. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of cruelty and despair, human compassion can make all the difference.