Earlier this year, a distressing discovery was unveiled – a canine, cruelly interred while still breathing, found on a picturesque Hawaiian beach. Though the perpetrator who wielded the machete remains unidentified, this tale ultimately takes a heartwarming turn. We are thrilled to share the news that this spirited dog now thrives in a joyful and flourishing existence, embraced by a compassionate family who fostered her. In case you missed the account, a witness on Oahu’s beach in Hawaii beheld a person brandishing a machete, callously burying a dog alive in broad daylight. Swiftly, the observer alerted PAWS of Hawaii, prompting the entire team to rush to the aid of the defenseless animal. The poor creature suffered from sunburns, numerous sores, almost complete baldness, wounds on her legs, and an overall deplorable state of health. The puppy, now named Leialoha, was promptly transferred to Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services, where diligent veterinarians evaluated her condition and provided care.
Amanda Krasniewski and her husband possessed prior experience in fostering pets. Their journey began during a vacation in St. Croix when they encountered advertisements encouraging people to fly adoptable dogs to the mainland to improve their chances of finding permanent homes. While on their journey, they made a stop at an animal sanctuary. Since the newlyweds intended to welcome a dog into their newly formed family, they decided to adopt one from the overcrowded St. Croix shelter. They chose a dog named Mocha and flew her home with them.
During Mocha’s puppyhood, the couple came across Bruce, a stray Chow Mix. Caring for these two rescued dogs instilled in them a deep appreciation for rescuing and fostering. When they arrived in Hawaii, they made the decision to become fosters with PAWS of Hawaii, and they have never looked back. Amanda described fostering as a fantastic way to contribute to animal conservation while actively engaging with the community. Prior to Leialoha, they had fostered twelve dogs. Upon seeing PAWS of Hawaii’s Facebook post about Leialoha, Amanda promptly reached out to the executive director and offered her assistance.
The first night proved to be arduous. Amanda recalled, “She emitted a foul odor due to her burial and her skin ailments.” Leialoha was swollen and crimson, and when Amanda attempted to pick her up from the travel kennel to move her into a spacious dog crate, she whimpered in pain. Uncertain of whether she would survive the night, Amanda admitted, “I was apprehensive.” Leialoha was underweight and completely exhausted, requiring time to recover. However, she reached a turning point and began her path to recuperation. Amanda shared, “The next morning, when I went to visit her, she mustered a little tail wag. I knew then that she possessed the spirit of a warrior and would make a full recovery.”
Initially, Leialoha only ventured out of her enclosure for bathroom breaks. During those initial days, Amanda and her husband spent a great deal of time in the kennel, offering companionship. Gradually, Leialoha grew more confident, transitioning from the crate to napping beneath the coffee table. Within a mere two weeks, Leialoha exhibited all the behavior of a typical puppy. Amanda reminisced, “She would play endlessly with our other dogs, engage in games of catch with my husband, and then snuggle up next to me for a nap. We provided Leialoha with the necessary time and space to heal and build confidence.” Unfortunately, the adoption that was arranged for Leialoha fell through while the Krasniewskis were on vacation, as one of their dogs fell seriously ill, preventing them from introducing a new dog into their household.
Upon returning from their vacation, Leialoha came back to their home, and Amanda’s husband developed an unwavering bond with her. Amanda explained, “We wanted to ensure that she found her forever home and that her popularity wouldn’t be the sole reason for someone wanting her. We concluded that keeping her with us was the best decision.” Thanks to Amanda and her family’s devoted and affectionate care, Leialoha now thrives in a state of happiness and good health. She spends her days immersed in play, brimming with energy, and according to Amanda, she can be quite vocal and demanding of attention. Nevertheless, she remains an exceptionally sweet youngster who adores everyone she encounters.
