You may see him driving around the island from Pearl City to Kahana Bay in his white Hawaiian Humane Society truck, early in the morning to midday. Please wave hello! He's an animal hero.

Several months ago, I met Hawaiian Humane Society investigator Vernon Ling when I filed a cruelty complaint. Two dogs were caged in a kennel all day and night without adequate protection from rain, sun and wind. Because of his intervention, these dogs now have proper shelter. From time to time, he continues to keep a watchful eye on this house to make sure these dogs are OK.

This investigator is trained in educating people on responsible pet ownership, enforcing animal laws, and helping animals and people in emergencies. Did you know Humane Society investigators are deputized by the Honolulu Police Department?

Officer Ling doesn't have a "typical" workday because animal situations change from day to day. He's used to expecting the unexpected. The most rewarding part of his job is rescuing animals and reuniting lost pets with their families, and he does it every day.

In one case, which he affectionately calls "Pearl City Lassie," it took two weeks to befriend a stray hiding in the trenches. Every day he would visit, enticing her with food. She kept running away from him, but he didn't give up. One day, he finally was able to leash her. This story has a happy ending. "Lassie" was adopted by a loving family weeks later.

Officer Ling: We need more heroes like you!

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with The Advertiser for 18 years, or 126 in dog years. Read her blog at www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/Blogs