My dearest readers:

This is my last column.

The Advertiser was sold on May 3 and will be merged with The Honolulu Star-Bulletin soon. Sadly, there are few jobs for newsroom folk. For me, it's time to move on.

My 20 years here have gone by so quickly. I will miss all the wonderful people at the newspaper who will always be part of my family.

I am glad that I got a chance to write this column. By educating Advertiser readers, I could promote awareness about pet overpopulation, animal abuse and animal care. I also wanted to highlight the work of Hawai'i's animal charities that desperately need our help, as well as the many animal heroes who care very deeply about the plight of animals and deserve our praise.

I've been blessed to meet the many people in the animal world who have made this column a joy to write. I've learned so much about the specialness of all animals, and how they make our lives so much better.

My favorite pet story was my adventure of escorting two stray kittens to Portland, Ore., to meet the new family in February. The two kittens are now happily situated in Milton Freewater, a farming community. I hear regularly from the Wachter family about Lilo and Lila's "adventures" (read: mischief) and how much their family adores them. Knowing that they are loved is a wonderful feeling.

My hope one day is that all animals will have a loving home, just like Lilo and Lila.

As I go forward, I will look back at my time here and this column as one of the greatest and most satisfying accomplishments of my life.

I wish you all the best. Take care of yourselves and your pets!

PRINCESS

Tag no. 10-8810. This beautiful canine is ready for the ball. You'll be swept off your feet!

Tag no. 10-9622. Can I get a hug now? Love and affection awaits when you cuddle up to this cute beagle mix.

Tag no. 10-3080. This colorful kitty wants to be your sweetie pie.