Forty-one dogs got a wash Saturday in the first “Doggie Wash Day” organized by 6th grader Amona “Amonstah” Fanene to celebrate World Animal Day.
Amona said he came up with the idea because he saw so many dogs on the roadside “looking dirty, hungry, scare and homeless.”
He said, “It makes me sad and it breaks my heart. The world is their home too, so we need to make them feel safe and loved.”
The dog owners who turned up gave their pets a wash, and Amona and his classmates at Tafuna Elementary also helped. The Vet Clinic was also there and Amona thanks them for cleaning the dogs’ ears and trimming their nails. 
Amona said, “I want to tell people that it doesn’t matter how old you are, where you live or what you do. We all can make a difference by just being kind. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.”
Pet owners shared their thoughts on what can be done to improve animal care in the territory.
The responses include, expand the dog shelter, more animal services, more vets, more supplies, resources and information to the public, and fleas and ticks control.
Amona thanks all those who contributed to the first Doggie Wash Day and made it a big success.
