Kea the Little Westie

Please Note: The dog in the accompanying photograph is the subject of the story, but any persons shown are probably not those in the story.

"Here comes the hula girl" is usually the phrase we hear when entering hospitals, assisted living homes, or the various other places we visit. Many of the doctors and nurses know Kea the little Westie as "the hula girl" because she wears an official hula skirt and flower lei on all her visits. She dances the hula – well, the doggie version of one - for any patient, doctor, or nurse that requests it. Of course, it's not really the hula, but she tries her best to imitate the official dance. Sometimes she gets a round of applause, and a crowd gathers to see a repeat performance.

Occasionally a patient is not feeling well enough for a bed visit but enjoys having Kea do a little dance for them. Kea just wants to make as many people smile as she can, and she also likes to get a cookie for each performance. Once in a while we come across someone who is from the islands, and her outfit and dance seem to awaken a special fond memory for them. One of the Sisters of St. Joseph taught school in Maui and always sings a special Hawaiian song while Kea twirls. Kea keeps herself in tiptop shape by eating really good food, taking frequent walks, and, of course, dancing. Kea and her owner are proud to be a part of Love On 4 Paws and strive to bring the aloha spirit to all the nice people they get to visit.