Earlier this year, a distressing incident on a Hawaiian beach took the world by surprise. A dog was found buried alive in Oahu, but this story has a heartwarming conclusion. The dog, now living a joyful and healthy life, was rescued and adopted by the compassionate family who first fostered her.
A passerby on the beach witnessed a man burying a dog with a machete and promptly notified PAWS of Hawaii. The rescue team immediately came to the dog’s aid, finding her in dire condition. The dog, named Leialoha, was sunburned, nearly bald, covered in sores, and had numerous leg wounds. She was taken to Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services for urgent care.
Amanda Krasniewski and her husband, who had prior experience fostering dogs, became Leialoha’s rescuers. Their journey into dog fostering began during a vacation in St. Croix, where they discovered local shelters desperately needed help finding homes for pets. Inspired to make a difference, they adopted their first dog, Mocha, from an overcrowded shelter, and later rescued a stray named Bruce.
The couple’s move to Hawaii marked the beginning of their commitment to fostering for PAWS of Hawaii. According to Amanda, helping animals has been a fulfilling experience that also allowed them to engage with their community. Before Leialoha, they had already fostered 12 dogs.
When Amanda saw a Facebook post about the abused dog, she contacted PAWS of Hawaii without hesitation. The first night with Leialoha was challenging. “She smelled awful due to her condition. When I tried to move her, she cried out. I was unsure if she would survive the night,” Amanda recalled.
To her relief, Leialoha showed resilience. The next morning, Amanda was greeted with a small wag of the tail, a hopeful sign of recovery. Though Leialoha needed time to regain her strength, her progress was steady. In her early days with Amanda, Leialoha only left her kennel to relieve herself. However, with patience and care, she began to venture out more confidently.
Within just two weeks, Leialoha transformed into an energetic puppy. “She played endlessly with our dog, enjoyed fetch with my husband, and would cozy up to me for rest,” Amanda shared.
Initially, a family from the Big Island was set to adopt her, but unforeseen circumstances prevented them from taking her in. During this time, Leialoha’s story gained media attention. After Amanda and her husband returned home from vacation, it became clear that their bond with Leialoha had grown immensely. “We wanted to ensure she found a permanent home with someone who genuinely cared, not just someone drawn by her fame,” Amanda expressed.
In the end, the Krasniewski family decided to officially adopt Leialoha. Thanks to their dedicated care, she now thrives in a loving environment. “Leialoha is full of energy, demanding attention in the cutest way. She’s incredibly affectionate, without a hint of her painful past,” Amanda said.
Leialoha’s story exemplifies how love and compassion can lead to healing and happiness. Heartfelt thanks go to the Krasniewski family, PAWS of Hawaii, and everyone involved in bringing about her happy ending.
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