Earlier this year, a distressing incident unfolded on a Hawaiian beach where a dog was found buried alive. Despite the troubling beginnings, there is a happy conclusion to this story.

The dog, now rescued, is enjoying a new life with a caring family who took her in.

It all started when a bystander on a beach in Oahu, Hawaii, observed a man with a machete attempting to bury the dog. Acting swiftly, the witness contacted PAWS of Hawaii, whose team immediately rushed to rescue the animal.

The dog, later named Leialoha, was in poor condition—suffering from sunburn, sores, and bald patches, while her legs showed signs of wounds. She was taken to for medical treatment.

Amanda Krasniewski and her husband are no strangers to fostering dogs. Their journey into animal care began during a vacation in St. Croix, where they encountered a shelter promoting  adoption.

Inspired, they adopted a dog named Mocha, and later, a stray Chow Mix named Bruce. This experience motivated them to foster dogs with PAWS of Hawaii when they moved to the islands.

According to Amanda, fostering provided a wonderful chance to save animals and engage with the community.

Before meeting Leialoha, they fostered 12 other dogs. Touched by Leialoha’s story, Amanda quickly reached out to PAWS of Hawaii to offer her help.

Leialoha’s first night with her new foster family was challenging. Amanda recalls, “She had a bad odor from being buried, and her skin conditions were troubling.”

Leialoha was swollen and red, and moving her from the travel kennel caused her to cry out in pain. Amanda feared she might not survive the night.

However, the next morning brought hope. “She wagged her tail slightly when I visited her, and it was clear she was a fighter,” Amanda said. Leialoha, though tired and underweight, was on the road to recovery.

Initially shy, Leialoha ventured out of her kennel only to relieve herself. Amanda and her husband spent considerable time comforting her, eventually encouraging Leialoha to move from her crate to resting under the coffee table.

With patience and love, Leialoha blossomed. Within two weeks, she embraced her new environment, playing enthusiastically with the family’s other dog, fetching with Amanda’s husband, and cuddling with Amanda for naps.

Leialoha was initially slated for adoption by a family on the Big Island, but due to an illness in their existing  pets, they could not proceed. During a family vacation, the Krasniewski couple received news that drew significant media attention.

On returning, Amanda’s husband grew particularly attached to Leialoha, and the couple decided keeping her was best, ensuring she found a forever home not tied to her newfound fame

Thanks to the love and care from Amanda and her family, Leialoha is now thriving. “She’s full of energy, loves to play all day, and is quite vocal about wanting attention,” Amanda noted. Despite her past trauma, Leialoha is affectionate and trusting.

Leialoha’s story reminds us that love truly heals. Appreciation goes out to the Krasniewski family, PAWS of Hawaii, and everyone involved in this happy resolution.