Dog of the Week: Kahuna

Hi! My name’s Kahuna (A12862715), which is Hawaiian for, “He who should be adopted by you.”

Okay, it doesn’t really mean that, but it should, and I’ll tell you why!

But first, my back story: I’m a 3-to 5-year-old pit bull mix who came to the shelter the first time (Yup, you read that rig. I’ll explain in a sec) when my owners surrendered me because they didn’t have time for me. They left me outside all day, which was really boring and really sad, because all I wanted was to be inside with them, being my silly self and making them smile.

Then, one day, I got adopted! I was so excited — I was so sure I had found the greatest family, and all my friends at the shelter were certain they were never going to see me again. Seven months later, I was unceremoniously returned to the shelter where I came from, let down by humans again.

My new family said I was being “destructive.” The truth is, I was just bored and lonely, and I was trying to get their attention the only way I knew how.So, now I’m back at the shelter, and I’m hoping the third time’s the charm for me! I hear all of my old shelter friends saying things like,

 “Kahuna, we missed you!”

“Sad to see you back but happy to see you!”

And, “Yup, same ol’ Kahuna!”

It’s nice to know how much people like me here, and it makes me feel good to know that even though I haven’t had the greatest start in life, my shelter friends can see that it hasn’t changed me. I’m still happy every second of the day, I still love, love, love, other dogs, I still know my commands, like “sit,” and I still just want somebody to notice how special I am.

My pen pals (two volunteers who I love and come to the shelter just to see me and help me find a home) say that I’m the true definition of a dog. I live in the moment — the past is behind me and the future hasn’t happened yet. I just enjoy today, and I just keep trying to show off my best side and find the family that will love me forever.

Think that could be you? I have a pretty decent amount of energy, but once I get my zoomies out, I settle down nicely. I’ve lived with cats and children, and I would really love to find a home with a doggie sibling since I’m so good with other dogs! And, since I’ve been living in a home for a while, I’m mostly housebroken, although I’ll probably need a refresher course once I come home with you (I try my best not to mess my kennel, but I don’t get outside every day, so I do what I can)!

Since I’m in the pen pal program at the shelter, my adoption fee is only $25, and I come neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all of my vaccinations. Pretty good deal, huh? Oh, and if you’re not sure if you’re ready to be my forever home, you can help find me my forever home, by fostering me!

When you foster me, all basic medical care will be provided by the shelter, you just have to do the legwork to find an awesome adopter for me (the shelter said they can help you with that). Wanna learn more about me, or what adopting or fostering me would entail? Just stop by the shelter and ask for the Big Kahuna. Everyone knows me there. I can’t wait to meet you!

These animals are located at Philadelphia’s animal control shelter, ACCT. They need immediate adoption or foster care. ACCT is located at 111 W Hunting Park Ave and is open 365 days a year. Adoption hours are Monday-Friday; 1pm-8pm; Saturday and Sunday; 10am-5pm. To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800. Check in every week with NEast Philly to see the cat and dog of the week.