PUPPY SAVED
After 'ruff' life, dog left at sea heads to new Vegas home
By Dave Dondoneau
Advertiser Staff Writer
Even in dog years, Snickers has lived a lot of life.
In his eight months of puppyhood, the brown-and-white cocker spaniel has:
Snickers arrived at Aloha Tower this morning amid great fanfare through the help of the Humane Society, Norwegian Cruise Line officials, his new owner, the local sailing community and government officials.
The Pride of Aloha, in its last trip to Fanning Island, picked up Snickers and brought him to Honolulu, where the dog will be taken to the airport this afternoon to catch a plane to Las Vegas, his new home with good samaritan Jack Joslin.
"Mr. Joslin read about how Snickers was left behind on Fanning Island when the owners were rescued after being adrift at sea for 95 days," said Gina Baurile. "He called us saying he wanted to adopt him and we tried to help with Norwegian Cruise Lines.
"Snickers is very lucky dog. On Fanning Island, most dogs run wild. There was someone watching him, but if he hadn't been rescued ..."
NCL officials said Snickers may have been euthanized had the cruise ship not been available to pick him up. When he first got on board, Snickers was timid of people and a little underweight.
During the return trip to Honolulu, however, Snickers lived a life of luxury and bonded with crew members, who took a photo with the pup this morning before Snickers left the ship.
"I wish I could keep him," one NCL employee said. "He's a great dog."
Reach Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.