Helping Yourself by Helping Our Furry Friends
Written By Daisy Willis
Video interview filmed and edited by reporter, Daisy Willis.
Helping hands make the world turn, and Asia Howe has been busy volunteering and lending her hands to sick, injured, and abused animals for the last year. Volunteering for the East Maui Animal Refuge, otherwise known as the Boo Boo Zoo, Asia has worked as the manager of the Cat House (cattery) cleaning, feeding, brushing, and giving her love to the cats that have found a home at this sanctuary. The work Asia does is very important for both her as a student and the animals she cares for.
“I am applying punctuality. UH Hilo instructors who grade their students on attendance have taught me this skill. In regard to my volunteer work, it is helpful because I'm dealing with live animals. If I tell the person who oversees me that I'm going to be at the cattery at 9:30 am, I have to be there at 9:30 am, because the person who oversees me won't schedule someone else to come in at the same time as me and the cats need to be given, if nothing else, food and water. Second, I am applying the steadfastness I gained through the UH Hilo courses I have taken. When faced with fifty cats, thirty litter boxes, twenty food and twenty water bowls, and a number of dirty floors and towels, you can't give up in the midst of working. Even if I'm feeling tired or lazy, I can't just jump in my car and leave. The refuge has struggled to find volunteers and is currently shorthanded so I always know that when I go to the refuge, I'm going to be there for hours and I need to stay until I'm finished,” said Howe.
The Boo Boo Zoo located in East Maui. Photo found on The Boo Boo Zoo website, http://www.booboozoo.org
Asia also benefits on a personal level. After being diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression, She found that working with animals gives her a much needed break from her own life to help other small creatures in need. Sylvan J. Schwab, the Executive Director of the East Maui Animal Refuge attested to the excellence of Asia’s work saying that “Asia has come in often to clean and care for 86 cats both on her own and with others and has been an integral part of our facility for the past year”.
Being a volunteer is all about giving back to people (or animals!) and Asia gives any and all of her free time to the Boo Boo Zoo. She volunteers every time she visits her home island of Maui, even if she in there for a holiday, and she plans to continue giving back to the refuge in the form of donations after she reaches her goals of becoming a business lawyer.
Students everywhere should take notice of the wonderful work Asia is doing both for herself and the animals in need. If you are interested in volunteering for the Boo Boo Zoo on your next trip to Maui, email Sylvan at thebooboozoo@gmail.com. Step up your resume and mental health by volunteering today!
