Survivors of "Worst-Ever" Maui Animal Cruelty Bounce Back!

(August 14, 2002—Kanab, Utah) Abused Maui Dogs Ready for Adoption.

Boomer, Hank, Keiki, and Girlie are delighting in mainland living after being rescued from appalling living conditions on Maui. These four poi (mixed-breed) dogs spend their days romping in the pool, rolling in the dirt, and getting attention from Dogtown staff and volunteers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.

Animal lovers were shocked when 82 dogs and 14 cats were found in Tim and Jean Bermudez' small Haiku, Maui home. Most of the animals were in poor health and one of the dogs was dead after being attacked by others. Of the 96 animals taken from the home, 89 were destroyed. The couple now faces 85 counts of animal cruelty.

Four of the dogs were relocated to Best Friends and now live in custom-designed octagons with indoor/outdoor access, shade, a small wading pool and open running areas. Although they will always have a home at the 350-acre sanctuary, these Maui transplants aren't out to pasture. The Best Friends staff has been preparing the Maui pooches for adoption.

Dogtown staffer Curtis Burgoyne, 34, feeds, medicates, and socializes the Maui dogs. "Hank's bonded with me and he follows me everywhere," said the longtime Utah resident. "He's gained a few pounds, but I'm not saying how many," Burgoyne joked. "He's definitely getting more confident." Burgoyne says Hank has someone ready to adopt him.

The dogs are regularly checked by the veterinarian, walked by staff and volunteers, and even taken home by volunteers on "sleep-overs" to help them get adapted to human living. "At some point, we'll put them on the web site or take them to adoption events in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas," said Burgoyne.

Through their adoption network, 82% of the dogs that arrived at Best Friends in 2001 were placed into good homes.

"When we first get dogs from traumatic situations, they just need time to become dogs again," said Michael Mountain, President of Best Friends. "After that, we will inevitably find a person who is just right for the dog. It might take some time, but we seem to always find a match."





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