Pet toys bring joy to homeless animals, so the Hawaiian Humane Society is asking for donations so that every pet adopted during the holiday season can head to their new home with a new toy. Clubs, schools, groups, companies and others are asked to adopt this Humane Society project and serve as collection sites and host toy drives.

"Our goal is 500 toys," says adoptions supervisor Jamie Ehia. "We want every animal adopted this holiday season to go home with a bag full of toys from caring animal lovers who just want to wish each animal a lifetime of happiness with their new families."

Made-for-pet toys can be dropped off 24 hours a day at the Humane Society through the holiday season. Suitable toys for dogs include Kong toys, Nylabones and sterilized beef bones. Suitable toys for cats include anything without string.

Toys provide stimulation, mental activity and a positive way for Humane Society volunteers and the shelter animals to share quality time. Toys may also help prevent behavioral issues from developing. For cats, toys are a positive outlet for their instinctive prey-chasing behaviors.

In fact, one of the most fun and beneficial experiences to shaping a dog's social development is play. For families with dogs, play time means he'll be well-exercised, and it can be used as part of a program to modify unwanted behavior. Dogs that play learn appropriate restraint and inhibition over aggression and other socially inappropriate behaviors.

A few examples of games to play include:

• Hide and Seek — When he finds you, praise him, offer him a few treats or let him play with a favorite toy. When he becomes good at finding people in simple hiding places, try making it harder.

This game should be played in a safely enclosed area. Some dogs panic when they can't find their owner, so the first time you hide, keep an eye out to make sure that he's not running off in the opposite direction to try to find you.

• Monkey in the Middle (or in this case, doggie) — The entire family can play this fun game. Fido runs between two or more humans who are tossing a ball or toy back and forth. The dog chases the ball/toy, and the dog occasionally gets to have it when it is dropped for the dog to pick up or thrown to him. This game is enjoyed by dogs who like chasing objects, as well as those who don't like to retrieve them. Running and chasing not only lets dogs get exercise, but it is a good time to teach him to "come" when called.

Playing with your dog is a bonding experience for your pet, who is accustomed to social experiences. But when you're not available for play time, consider providing interactive dog toys, which are becoming more and more sophisticated.

Kong toys — a brand sold at the Hawaiian Humane Society — are hard, hollow rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats. Your pet will soon figure out how to get the treats out of the toy, whether by rolling the toy or picking it up and dropping it on the ground. Other toys will have your dog solving simple puzzles or pawing at sliding doors to access treats. Interactive toys not only satisfies your pup's need to work for food, it also teaches him that he can get things by doing things — not just by sitting still and being a "good dog."

Animals repeat behaviors that are rewarding to them. If bad behavior isn't reinforced, it decreases, then goes away. The following behaviors can be inadvertently reinforced during play, including biting/nipping, barking, jumping up, grabbing things out of your hands and running away. While some of the behaviors, like barking or jumping, may be integrated into play, your pooch should only do them when given a cue that they are acceptable.

ADOPTABLES

ROCKY

TAG NO. 08-25363

Rocky was rescued from life on the streets, which is no place for an 8-year old feline. Rocky is looking forward to a long life with someone. He is free to anyone 60 or older through the Senior for Seniors program.

BABY

TAG NO. 08-16986

Baby is named for her baby-soft coat and ears big enough to hear the dinner call. She's looking for an owner with a relaxed lifestyle, as too much activity makes her nervous.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187.