The Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' job is not an easy one. The dedicated staff and volunteers do their best every day to make animals' lives better. They rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and abused animals. They recently were involved in the rescue of more than 400 animals from a sanctuary on the Waianae Coast.

The pets that come to the shelter need food and medical attention. An emaciated Doberman and her five puppies were recently found on an abandoned farm. They were dehydrated, severely malnourished and suffered from worms. This mother and her pups need a temporary foster home until the puppies are old enough to be weaned.

In another case, a mother cat was brought to the shelter after losing all her kittens. At the same time, somebody found a litter of six newborn kittens. The mother cat took over feeding them and the kittens are getting stronger with their new mother's milk and love. This newly formed family also needs a foster home.

The organization is always looking for volunteers to foster animals. Oahu SPCA President Alicia Maluafiti does her part in fostering, too. "Right now I have 14 cats at my house. They can't be at the shelter because they have ringworm."

Currently the shelter in Kapolei has 50 dogs and 95 cats, and the numbers increase every day.

Donations of pet food are urgently needed. "One of the dog food brands we use at the shelter is Kirkland Lamb and Rice, which is very high-quality and economical dog food," said co-founder Stephanie Ryan.

Oahu SPCA also likes to serve wet pet food since it helps the animal transition easier. Many of them who come to the shelter are frightened and lonely.

If you can foster a pet or donate food or other items — towels, blankets, first aid supplies, cat litter, leashes, collars and pet toys —please call 551- 7207.

Monetary donations are also appreciated. A donation of $25 can provide life-saving shots for a puppy or kitten; a week of food for eight cats; a week of food for six dogs; and water for 150 shelter animals.

Please visit Oahu SPCA's Web page at www.oahuspca.org/pages/donate.html to make a donation and help them continue their work.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with the Advertiser for 19 years, or 133 in dog years. Check out her blog at Honolulu Advertiser.com/Blogs.