Pictured with her new Mom, Maya is among the dogs that have been rescued from the Big Island.

WAIHEE – Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation (H.A.R.F.) is providing aid to the Big Island to help with the crisis number of newly displaced dogs in the Kilauea Volcano evacuation area.

With the continued flow of lava, many Big Island residents have lost their homes and all of their belongings, forcing them to surrender their pets, according to Melanie with Aloha Ilio, a dog rescue organization on the Big Island.

H.A.R.F. has collaborated with Aloha Ilio Rescue, K.A.R.E.S. Hawaii and numerous other animal welfare groups on the Big Island to bring animals in jeopardy to safety on Maui.

Thanks to Makani Air and several private pilots, H.A.R.F flies these dogs to Maui, where they are placed with foster families until they can be adopted out into new homes.

To date, H.A.R.F. has received 56 dogs from the Big Island and has already placed 54 of those orphaned pets into new forever homes across Maui. However, the organization is still receiving new dogs weekly with no end in sight.

H.A.R.F Co-founder Dawn Hall said, “Our ability to provide assistance to these animals in need greatly depends on the community’s support. The more foster families, funds and adopters we have, the more animals we can take in.”

Hall added, “It really is a group effort to save these precious animals, and we can’t do it alone.”

Adoptable animals range from puppies to mature adults in many breeds, colors and sizes to fit the needs of any family looking to add a pet as a new member of their family.

These dogs are available at the H.A.R.F. weekly adoption events held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maui Mall between Whole Foods and Longs Drugs.

The dogs are posted on the H.A.R.F. Facebook page throughout the week for viewing, and appointments can be made for adoptions during the week by calling (808) 876-0022.

For more information about Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation and the work they do, or to make a donation to support these animals, go to www.hawaiianimalrescue.org.