Puppy kisses promised at Adopt, Shop and Sip to support Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue

Few comforts in life are better than shopping, coffee and puppy love.

Paws University, an innovative dog and cat boarding, and canine day care and training business in Kailua-Kona, is combining them into one event this weekend.

“We are so excited to host our first adoption and fundraising event with Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue … ,” said the business in a recent Facebook post. “Stop by our Lower Field to check out some local vendors and get some puppy kisses!”

Adopt, Shop and Sip is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Paws University, 73-4259 Hawai‘i Belt Road A, and will feature Lava Paws of Hilo, GigiWhy by IwaWhy of Kona and Kohala Coffee Co.

Attendees get the opportunity to check out available dogs for adoption and love on some pups.

All proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue.

During the first half of this year, the Puna-based community dog rescue took in 95 strays, returning 18 to their owners, and 190 canines that were surrendered.

Six full-time and 3 part-time employees operate the facility with the help of several volunteers. They got 326 dogs adopted during the first 6 months of this year, coming on the heals of finding 701 canines new homes in 2023.

People are grateful for Paws University’s support of the dog rescue’s mission of “saving lives one dog at a time.”

Paws University invites everyone to come out, meet the pack of adorable — and adoptable — puppers, grab a pick-me-up from Kohala Coffee and spoil your furry friend to some treats from GigiWhy and Lava Paws.

“We look forward to seeing you there!” the business said Friday morning in another Facebook post.

For more information or questions, call Paws University at 808-325-6436 or email Woof@PawsUniversity.com.

If you can’t make it to Saturday’s event and still want to help, click here to donate to Aloha ʻĪlio or here to find out how to lend a hand as a volunteer.

You can also become a foster parent to one of the pups at the rescue.

To learn more about Aloha ʻĪlio, call 808-960-1704 or visit the rescue’s website.