Pono, an adorable Labrador retriever with big brown eyes and a snugly demeanor, has found his claim to fame as Turtle Bay Resort’s new ambassador. The pup has more than 450 Instagram followers and deals with paparazzi in the hotel lobby on a regular basis.
“Someone is always coming to my office looking for Pono. And we can’t walk more than 2 feet in the lobby without someone trying to pet him,” said Alicia McCumbers, Pono’s “mom,” who is responsible for his formal training. “He’s famous all on his own. He has his own following.”
The 6-month-old puppy, who came to the resort when he was 12 weeks old, is going through a training program by the nonprofit Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs. While he won’t become a full-time service dog, Pono’s certification will teach him to be disciplined enough to walk unleashed around the resort.
MEET PONOPono is being transformed into “Bruno Paws” for “HOWL-O-WEEN,” the first big dog-friendly event at the resort. The event features an outdoor movie at 7:15 p.m. and trick or treating throughout the resort. Costumes are encouraged; prizes will be awarded for best group (families, friends, pups), cutest pup and ugliest dog. Hawaii Fi-Do will be on hand to educate the community about their mission to train and provide service dogs to people with disabilities.
>> Where: Turtle Bay Resort, Kuilima Point
>> When: Oct. 26, 5-9:30 p.m.
>> Cost: Free; suggested donation is $10 per person
>> Info: 293-6020, 808ne.ws/howloween
Susan Luehrs, founder and program director of Hawaii Fi-Do meets with Pono and McCumbers once a week to check on the pup’s progress. Luehrs brings another service dog to the training sessions because socialization is important during the first year, she explained.
“I’m hoping that Pono can be the ambassador for the hotel. When tourists come here, they are looking for a fur fix,” said Luehrs. “It’s a win-win for everyone. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
McCumbers, who serves as director of activities at Turtle Bay Resort, offers face-to-face concierge services and manages the stables, where Pono spends most of his time. While still a puppy, visitors can find him in the lobby at the Guidepost. Eventually, Pono will join guests on a guided hiking tour of Turtle Bay Resort’s trails, McCumbers said.
Jerry Gibson, vice president of Turtle Bay Resort, hopes to adopt more dogs to live on property, but for now they are just focused on Pono.
“It’s funny to watch his personality. He’s really mellow and has a good temperament,” said McCumbers, who takes Pono home nightly to her Punaluu home.
She said he gets along with other animals, including her two border collies and the resort’s barn cat, chickens and the horses at the stables.
“He loves to be the center of attention.”
Visit hawaiifido.org for more information on Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs. Watch Pono’s adventures on his Instagram account: @ponoturtlebay.
