We expect to provide every pet transported to Berkeley Humane with the best possible medical care and Keone was no exception. He traveled almost 2,400 miles from Kona to get the specialized treatment he needed to save his life. Keone was suffering from a large inguinal hernia, which caused his intestines to leak out of his abdomen and into his scrotum.

To meet Keone is to love him. Keone is a sweet and lovable three-month-old terrier mix puppy who was transported from Hawaii as part of our Aloha Dog Project. Upon arriving at our shelter, every dog is provided with an extensive exam by our medical team. That is when the extent of Keone’s hernia was diagnosed.

Just like with people, sometimes a hernia operation is straightforward and at other times it can be a very serious surgery. Unfortunately, Keone’s needs were anything but straightforward. For each medical case, we assess the urgency, risk, and expected outcome of treatment. Due to the seriousness of Kenoe’s hernia, our medical team determined urgent surgery was needed to try and repair the damage and take away the excruciating pain he must have been feeling in his abdomen.

Since February of 2022, Berkeley Humane’s Aloha Dogs Project has transported dogs from Kona, Hawaii to our shelter to help alleviate overcrowding at the public shelter. Tourists returning from vacation or frequent business travelers escort each dog on a direct flight from Kona, HI to San Jose, CA. Each dog is met at the airport by a dedicated Berkeley Humane volunteer who drives them to Berkeley to begin the process of finding a new loving home in the Bay Area.

Keone came through surgery like a champ. He was given some time to recover and then went to a quiet foster home to ensure he was provided lots of treats and snuggles while being careful to ensure no further damage to his abdomen. Once he was made available for adoption, he quickly found a new family who coincidentally had adopted a dog many years before with the exact same medical condition!

Since his surgery, Keone has been growing quickly and has the most adorable underbite that makes you smile when you see him. He has also perfected a wiggle dance when he meets someone new which draws you in and makes you laugh. He is a good boy who will live a long and happy life thanks to donors like you who provided the resources necessary to save this very special dog. Mahalo!