seeking fur-ever love

David Frickman
March 17, 2026
lifestyle

It’s heartbreaking when dogs are unwanted. All they need is a loving family.

Since 2014, an organization on Oahu has taken on the challenge of finding forever homes for these abandoned and needy dogs, by being an alternative to the traditional shelter.

The Fur-Angel Foundation (FAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has rescued almost 1,000 homeless and unwanted dogs, providing them with second chances through a fully foster-based model.

“We don’t have a facility, so the dogs all go into foster homes,” says Tiffany Kim, president and executive director of FAF. “That creates a challenge.”

Many dogs to help
Dogs come to FAF primarily through owner surrenders, where individuals facing challenges submit requests online and join a waitlist due to limited foster space. The foundation also accepts some strays and pulls from high-risk situations to prevent euthanasia. Intake prioritizes urgent cases, with careful evaluation to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Unlike other animal rescue organizations that have a physical shelter, FAF depends on a dedicated network of volunteer foster families to care for dogs while they await permanent homes. This approach allows the foundation to focus resources directly on veterinary care, supplies, and matching dogs with compatible families. 

Foster recruitment is ongoing and critical to avoid turning away dogs due to capacity constraints. Prospective fosters can apply online, undergo a virtual in-home tour and orientation with a coordinator, review policies, and begin fostering.

Commitments typically range from 30 days to several months. FAF covers all essentials—food, medical care, crates, preventatives—while fosters supply love, socialization, walks, and temporary separation of pets until veterinary clearance.

Kim says the foster volunteers, “truly are ‘angels’ for the less fortunate pups on our island.”

Adoption
FAF operates on the ethos of “Adopt Don’t Shop,” by educating the community on responsible pet ownership, spaying/neutering, and animal welfare.

Adoptions follow a structured, compatibility-focused process. Potential adopters browse profiles on the adoption page and submit an application. After that, they participate in a phone consultation, complete a virtual home check, and arrange an in-person meet-and-greet. Approved matches include a trial period for adjustment, followed by final paperwork and fees. All adopted dogs receive comprehensive preparation—spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, deworming, heartworm testing/prevention (where applicable), and initial wellness exams—ensuring they enter new homes healthy and ready.

A mission to believe in
Jessica Vea, member engagement specialist at HMSA, is a strong supporter of FAF. “As a dog mom and animal lover, I full-heartedly believe in their mission to rescue and find permanent homes for Oahu’s homeless and unwanted dogs,” she says. “Their work strengthens the human-animal bond in our community by educating the public about animal welfare.”

Vea follows FAF on social media and helps to spread the word about their mission. “They’re always in need of resources,” she says. “These donations and supplies are truly a lifeline and make it possible to rescue and care for the dogs until they’re healthy, loved, and finally ready for their fur‑ever families.”

Spreading the word
Community outreach is vital to FAF’s success through promoting education and advocacy. Active on Instagram and Facebook, FAF shares success stories, urgent needs, and alumni updates, fostering community engagement.

Their merchandise shop funnels 100% of profits to medical care, food, and foster needs, while monthly donors ($18/month) ensure stability for ongoing rescues.

FAF also accepts in-kind donations of items such as puppy pads, post-surgery cones, or new and lightly used dog kennels. They maintain an Amazon Wish List for easy purchase of donations.

In late 2024, Fur-Angel also received a donation in its mission to educate the public on animal welfare and to fund dog visits to children facing health challenges.

“A $10,000 grant means more than just funding; it’s an opportunity to bring the healing power of rescue dogs to our youth,” says Kim. “This allows us to create moments of joy, comfort and companionship in ways that bring healing through the deep connection between humans and dogs.”

As the homeless dog population persists, the foundation would continue turning away intakes without more fosters and donors, making every contribution vital to expanding impact.

Because of the donations, volunteers, and foster families, pups leave transformed, ready for their “fur-ever” families.

More tales of rescue and care
Fur-Angel Foundation is just one example of how our community comes together for animals and how animals give back by offering comfort, connection, and unconditional love. Here are more stories about local groups and volunteers making a difference every day.

Photos courtesy Fur-Angel Foundation

Share this article

By commenting, you agree to Island Scene's Terms of Use.

;