Non Profit Wish List

Ten years ago, Pat Borges couldn't wait to embark on her trip to Europe. She had saved $10,000 for this moment--her once-in-a-lifetime trip. Pat planned carefully, making sure that she would see and do everything she always dreamed of. In the months leading up to her trip, Pat visited the Humane Society one day, and saw dogs stricken with heartworm disease. Pat knew that her trip to Europe would be postponed.

Instead of spending her savings in Europe, Pat chose to spend it saving the dogs. In a span of 6 years she pioneered a program at the Human Society to help over 75 dogs that eventually got adopted. Shiloh Rescue was born.

Shiloh Rescue is affectionately named after one of her rescue dogs. A Border/Collie mix, with beautiful blue eyes, Shiloh had cancer. During a routine check-up, she died as a result of unfortunate complications. More determined than ever to save dogs from facing the same fate as Shiloh, Pat named her foundation after her--in honor of her.

Pat's mission for saving less-than healthy dogs is unbreakable. With unwavering spirit she tells a story of one of her rescues. Pat was in Hilo on a trip. As customary, she visited the shelter, only to find a dog left in a cage outside the door. The shelter was closed because they had an annual function at a nearby hotel. The dog looked terrible; she was pure skin and bones and no hair. As if by fate, Pat had just gone to the store and had a box full of treats to bring home to her own dogs. (It was cheaper to buy them in Hilo.) She fed this dog all of the treats and it was clear the dog was famished.

The next day Pat called the shelter and asked what they were going to do with the dog. She donated $100 to take care of her. The next day Pat called from O'ahu and again asked what they were going to do for the dog. The shelter knew that the dog was in less-than adoptable condition and told Pat that if she wanted the dog, she could have her. In other words, they weren't going to do anything to save the dog. Furious, Pat asked for her donation back and said she would take the dog. But the shelter charged her an adoption fee. Pat told them to keep the money. She called Rainbow Sanctuary  who helped her put the dog aboard the plane to Honolulu.

When the dog reached Honolulu, the airlines called and upon seeing the condition of the animal, they asked if she really wanted this dog. Pat picked up the dog and for the next three months nursed her back to health. Today, the dog is renamed Pakela, meaning Rescue, and she is the happiest, friendliest dog who loves children. The before and after pictures of Pakela are remarkable.

Shiloh Rescue receives no funding or grants. The entire operation relies on Pat's tips she makes as a waitress at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel and her heart of gold. Although she does receive a donation here and there, it is barely enough to cover her expenses of taking in a rescue dog and nursing them back to adoption status.

At the moment, Pat has a pure-bred Miniature Poodle for adoption. This dog requires lots of attention and prefers adults. Then there is Buster, part Husky with blue eyes. Looks like he came out of the movie Eight Below. He has arthritis, but is great with kids. And Pakela, the dog in the above story is also up for adoption. If interested in adopting a rescue dog or a donation, please contact Pat Borges at Shiloh Rescue, PO BOX 25096, Honolulu HI, 96825. Or, email her at shiloh_resq@yahoo.com  

Pat's ultimate dream is to create a No Kill Sanctuary for dogs. She firmly believes that if a dog is able to eat and drink, age is not a reason to put a dog down.