For these dogs, life’s a beach.
The popular Beach Buddies program sponsored by the Maui Humane Society allows visitors to take an adoptable dog out of the shelter for a day and frolic on one of the island's beaches or hike in a state park.
The program operates on Wednesdays and Fridays and can have a lengthy backlog. Participants receive a talk about safety and a backpack with supplies. The dogs benefit from the program by getting exercise and social interaction. Sometimes, visitors fall in love with their beach buddy and end up adopting the dog.
All the dogs in the Beach Buddies program come with a yellow leash that says, “Adopt Me.” The extra public exposure gives dogs more opportunities to find their forever homes. Visitors post photos of the dogs enjoying their day out on social media, which also can help them find good homes.
