HVNP unleashes the Bark Ranger program
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park wants dogs and their humans to have a pawsitive experience in the park, while keeping people, pets and wildlife safe through its new “Bark Ranger” program.
The new self-guided program is as easy as B.A.R.K.
• Bag your dog’s waste and remove it.
• Always leash your dog. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash and under control at all times.
• Respect wildlife. The park is home to many native species, most notably the State Bird of Hawaii, the nene.
• Know were you can go.
To get a dog Bark Ranger certified, visit the bark website, watch the new video and take the BARK pledge. Download and fill out the Bark Ranger certificate, bring your certificate to the park, and get it stamped by a park ranger at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Bark Ranger-certified pups can then visit the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store, where special Bark Ranger dog tags available for purchase ($5.95). The nonprofit will soon have nifty Bark Ranger bandanas, as well. All proceeds support the park.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of the park for safety reasons, and for the protection of threatened and endangered native species. Bark Rangers and their humans know where they can go (always on a leash), including Mauna Loa Road and most paved parking areas and surrounding curbs, and some areas in Kahuku.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/pets.htm.
Veteran, military family caregivers can apply for respite relief program
AARP and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation recently announced the new Respite Relief Program for Military and Veteran Caregivers is going nationwide in 2021. This free program grants family caregivers access to no-cost, short-term assistance to help those caring for wounded, ill or injured veterans or service members at home.
“Across the country, more than 5.5 million veteran and military family caregivers have been caring for loved ones through the COVID-19 pandemic, taking on more responsibilities along with increased worry, stress, and anxiety,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “AARP is heartened to collaborate with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to help communicate the support available to these hidden heroes. Respite relief can help lighten that emotional burden for veteran and military caregivers.”
EDF’s Respite Relief Program offers care assistance provided by CareLinx — a qualified in-home respite care provider — and national outreach support by AARP, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
Veteran and military caregivers can apply online at https://hiddenheroes.org/respite to receive 24 hours of respite care to help with activities of daily living, such as cooking, grocery shopping, housekeeping, bathing, and medication reminders.
“Now more than ever, military and veteran caregivers are feeling burned out and in need of a break,” said EDF Founder Senator Elizabeth Dole. “We’re proud to offer the Respite Relief program and provide caregivers the much-deserved opportunity to recharge and practice self-care.”
EDF’s Respite Relief Program for veteran and military caregivers started as a pilot program in California, Florida and Texas, with support from AARP, CareLinx, VA, WWP, and Bob Woodruff Foundation. Since August 2020, the program has connected more than 500 veteran and military caregivers with these basic in-home services.