Today is the first day of Be Kind To Animals Week, which celebrates the loving bond between people and their pets. It's a week to remind everyone of how important it is to show kindness to animals, as well as to remember the special animals that have shared our lives.

Sarah Crockett embodied this caring spirit when she wrote about her relationship with her dog in her essay "My Little Best Friend."

A University Laboratory School sophomore, Sarah wrote: "Dogs are known to be man's best friend. They are there for you when no one else is. They give you all the attention in the world for just a simple pat on the back. They never talk back."

Her essay was one of the entries in the Hawaiian Humane Society's annual Be Kind to Animals poster and essay contest, open to O'ahu students in grades K through 12. Nearly 1,200 posters and almost 120 essays were submitted this year, proving that the younger generations care deeply about animals.

If they could speak, the animals at the Hawaiian Humane Society shelter would tell you fascinating stories. In a typical week, the society's field service investigators respond to 44 rescues and emergencies and conduct 24 cruelty investigations. The shelter weekly finds new homes for 112 lucky animals and reunites an average of 210 pets with their families. Each week of the year is filled with heartwarming stories of kindness.

Everyone has the opportunity to be kind to animals, no matter what their jobs may be. When you see a stray animal, take the time to care. Place the pet in a protected space and quickly call in a "found" report to the Hawaiian Humane Society. When you see an animal in need of help, bring it to the shelter or call the humane society immediately. If you witness animal cruelty and abuse, don't look the other way. Call your local humane society and file a report.

If they could speak, homeless animals would tell us how being adopted from the humane society was their ultimate rescue. Waialua Intermediate eighth-grader Reef Weaver and his family visited the shelter last July and adopted a dog named Coco. Reef and the dog developed a great friendship that started during the drive home when Coco put her head on Reef's lap and slept. In his essay for Be Kind to Animals Week, he wrote, "She might not be the prettiest dog ... but she is full of personality. She's a great dog and a great pal."

If we could understand 'dog-speak,' Coco would tell us how happy she was to be adopted by the Weavers. These animal lovers made the choice to acquire their pet from an organization committed to animal welfare. Nonprofit agencies appreciate your support all year long, whether you adopt a pet, volunteer your time or donate money to a program you care about.

To learn more about the importance of being kind, visit the Hawaiian Humane Society's booth at the Pet Expo on May 13 and 14, at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Admission is free for the whole family, including your pets.

ADOPTABLES

Miss Muffet

Tag No. 92151 Little Miss Muffet is sitting at the Cat House waiting for her handsome adopter. This friendly 3-year-old has pretty stripes in a swirl pattern. Miss Muffet is spayed, vaccinated, has a microchip ID and is ready to move to her new home.

Pua

Tag No. 91992 Adorable Pua is 4 years old and gets along well with gentle people and most other dogs, but not cats. She is shy and will blossom with positive reinforcement. A terrier/ridgeback mix, Pua is medium-size with a short brown coat.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events, and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane .org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals.