We love meeting new furry friends and their families. If you are interested in any of our services but would like to test the waters before diving in, we are happy to meet you in person/pup. This is a great way for animals to break the ice before a lengthy trip or to answer any questions you may have, face to face. We want to be sure it is a good fit for everyone, and will even apply this fee as a credit towards your first overnight companionship booking! *Booking must be for two or more consecutive days. Credit will be applied to your remaining balance due at time of departure.
Strawberry Shortcake is a special needs chihuahua with partial paralysis stemming from a spinal injury. I adopted her in the early months of the pandemic shortly after an amazing team of staff and fosters at MHS took her in and got her on the mend. Our story began the day I first saw her picture online. She was smiling brightly on the beach, sitting up happily with the most excited look on her face. I fell in puppy love immediately, so when the unexpected picture of her in a wheeled harness popped up I knew I was about to become the dad of a special needs dog. We had a 3-day trial run, and on adoption day that very same week I proudly welcomed four paws and two wheels into my life. She and I have formed a beautiful bond.
My love and care for animals dates back to the early 90’s when I volunteered for organizations like the SPCA and Pets Unlimited. I have been rescued by multiple fur babies over the years, and hope to continue to return the favor. My private pet care services have been requested by friends and clients for over 15 years, and I also spent a portion of those years working various supportive roles in the medical veterinary field. I have since retired from that branch of the animal lover community in order to focus on companionship services with Strawberry full-time. She has made this experience better than I could have ever imagined.
Throughout the four and a half years (and counting) that we’ve been together, Strawberry Shortcake has made amazing progress. As you can see from our adoption photo, her back legs first required stirrups. No more! Thanks to a combination of patience, massage, acupuncture (Thank you Dr. Jenny Li Helsen at Kihei Veterinary Clinic), water therapy and lots of love, this little miracle now places her back feet and takes steps stirrup-free! She will sometimes even stand on her own for what I call “meals without wheels.” Food is an amazing motivator, and her voracious appetite deserves much of the credit. She still requires manual bladder expressions regularly, but this is our norm and she’s adapted quite well. What a trooper (and the light of my life).
Strawberry gets along with just about anyone, and has the most adorable muted bark - often reserved for making sure her meals are ready on time. All of our clients love her and she has yet to meet a furry face she couldn’t warm up to. She’s a love bug who will bathe you in buttery kisses and loves when we get to work with other new furry friends. Being with her in this life is a dream come true, and we look forward to sharing the dream with you!
Here is Strawberry, anxiously awaiting her chance to try a pup-friendly shave ice with fruit on top!
Lava Java is our favorite coffee house! Strawberry rolls in regularly to meet visitors and visit with our pals while Dad sips away on a Frozen Kona Mocha.
Rainbow Attic is like a home away from home. All of the staff is wonderful. We love to treasure hunt and talk story in the air conditioned space. It is full of everything from housewares and collectibles to one of a kind pieces and even some high-end end clothing and accesories, all on consignment!
