The Ohana Project is a non profit, no kill, multiple species rescue and sanctuary for elderly, injured or special needs animals.
We believe that being an old, special needs, or behaviorally challenged animal, is not a disease nor should it be a death sentence. Our goal is to provide the management and maintenance of a safe and loving sanctuary for those that have no other place to go, with the provision of proper medical treatment and care.
Also to assist in the education of the community about spay and neuter, proper care, animal behavior, and training of both people and their pets to enable owner retention. We wish to be a part of the establishment of partnerships with other animal rescue groups in order to increase access to resources and to provide information and referral support regarding animal rescue. And, always, to endeavor to find each adoptable animal the right home.
Ohana means family...family with the idea of no one being left behind. This is the idea we chose to build on. We cannot save them all, it would be physically impossible. What we can do is work for the individuals that are put in front of us and do the best we can to make sure their lives are better because of our commitment.
We believe that being an old, special needs, or behaviorally challenged animal, is not a disease nor should it be a death sentence. Our goal is to provide the management and maintenance of a safe and loving sanctuary for those that have no other place to go, with the provision of proper medical treatment and care.
Also to assist in the education of the community about spay and neuter, proper care, animal behavior, and training of both people and their pets to enable owner retention. We wish to be a part of the establishment of partnerships with other animal rescue groups in order to increase access to resources and to provide information and referral support regarding animal rescue. And, always, to endeavor to find each adoptable animal the right home.
Ohana means family...family with the idea of no one being left behind. This is the idea we chose to build on. We cannot save them all, it would be physically impossible. What we can do is work for the individuals that are put in front of us and do the best we can to make sure their lives are better because of our commitment.
My name is Kara Irwin and I am the director and founder of The Ohana Project. I started working in veterinary hospitals when I was 12 yrs old. This became my main source of income over the next 30 years. I did work in other vocations periodically, but always seemed to end up back at a vets office. I left my last job as a veterinary technician in 2008 or there about.
I never intended to go into rescue...it was not a goal...not even an idea. But in 1980, I got sucked in by a cat named Kalamazoo. (brought in for euthanasia with both rear legs broken) Then it was Domino, (a feral cat who learned to love) then Cassidy (brought in to be euthanized with a fractured femur) etc, etc.
So here I am, 35 odd years later. Still getting sucked in by the innocence and love of animals who, through no fault of their own, are in dire need and have little hope of rescue.
They are my joy, my heart, my family. They are the reason I work so hard and go without. And they are worth it.
Some come to stay and some come to stay for just a little while. They all matter. They make me laugh, they drive me nuts, they love...unconditionally.
They are teaching me to be the person I need to be.
I owe them everything.