The Current Plan
1. Liz has offered to take him and get him a medical evaluation. She is going to be the first lead agent in getting this dog to safety. Thank you, Liz, for stepping in and hunting me down to volunteer. Liz has spoken with the vet and the shelter.
2. He needs to be flown from Kauai to Elizabeth's home. I am hoping that Elizabeth can make these arrangements locally. I am not sure which airline carrier or which airport. I am certain that Lihue, Kauai is the originating airport. This will insure arrangements meet your schedule and airline of your choice. Please get a reservation or confirmation number and then I will call the airline and pay the shipping fee. If you would relay this information to the shelter that would be great. They have promised me that if I get the crate and pay for the flight that they will in turn make sure he is at the airport as scheduled. Dr. Schultz has agreed to sign a health certificate and make sure he has pain medication before travel.
3. Elizabeth will get him to a skilled vet for an evaluation. Karen, I am hoping that you can be part of Elizabeth's support system. Your combined experience with dogs and local vets is most necessary and valued. Please give me a name and phone number and I will call in my credit card number to cover the initial expenses.
4. Once we know more about what he needs, and what can wait - let's talk about a final treatment plan. There are some things that will likely need to be done in Hawaii and maybe others that can wait until he gets to the Mainland. (Karen has some ideas about transporting him.) just guessing here at what he will need in the way of treatment.
Connie has openly offered her support through surgery and rehab. She is a pro at these things. With Cheryl's expertise thrown in for added support, I have no doubt this boy will be in good hands.
5. I will touch base with all the people who have contacted me regarding donations on his behalf. I think it makes the most sense for me to get the donations directly sent to me and I will in turn pay the bills as they occur. There will not be an unlimited supply of funds so we will need to be prudent. As I am sure all of us are dog lovers and/or rescue volunteers. Andréa will help to chronicle the journey of Ikaika Kekoa and publicly recognize those kind folks who make donations. Andréa, I am hoping that you will also create a joyful thank-you card to mail to send to donors.
6. It sounds like it is time to stop planning and get moving. He has overstayed his welcome at the shelter and they would like him to leave.
I'd like to end this with words from The Gustafson's:
He is a very personable, very sweet dog. When we found him, he was a bit skittish but did not run away. Within minutes he was lying right near us and wagging his tail when spoken to. A family with children and a female dog approached him and he was ready to be petted and to play - we saw no signs of aggression of any kind towards any age or species. When we visited him at the shelter, he was very excited to see us/have human contact (he was wagging his tail in "circle tail" form - which I always take to mean extra happy since our dogs only do it occasionally when they are really excited).
He was anxious to get out of his kennel and go for a walk, despite his leg injury. He was in very good spirits for his condition and he let us pet him all over. It was extremely hard to leave him and we were only able to do so knowing that the kind folks with your organization were going to take care of him. He is clearly not pure Airedale, but it would be hard to find a sweeter dog and I know he would make a great companion for anyone willing to give him a chance.
Thank you all for going the extra mile to aid a dog that you have never seen. I am humbled by your efforts, work and support.
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