Suzie was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and shortly after met her dream man. He wanted to marry her, but first he wanted to be sure she would be around awhile, so he enlisted the help of a doctor who treated her illness with good nutrition consisting of large doses of vitamins and herbs.

When the doctor told Sylvan that Suzie needed something more to help her fight, he recalled her excitement during a recent pet store visit. Suzie was very taken with an injured bird in the pet store, and fascinated by the healing process.

Sylvan asked for wounded and orphaned animals, and soon their home was alive with love and nurturing. As Suzie worked with the animals and poured her heart into healing them, she healed herself. They provided her with hope for the future and a will to fight, as did her soul mate, Sylvan. Together they have created a sanctuary for over 400 animals. After being declared cancer free, they had another cause to celebrate when the Hawaiian government donated land for their “heaven on earth”, as Sylvan calls it.

This is Scarlet. She used to be so lonely that she would peck at her feathers until she was bald. Her owners had to give up the beautiful macaw because of their neighbor's complaints of noise. Now she can talk all she wants, and loves to take almonds from Sylvan's hand, and as you can see her beautiful plumage has grown back.

Sylvan is holding an indigenous Wedge-tailed Shearwater. When it was just a few days old, the bird was found floating off the shores of Molokini by a tour boat operator. He kindly brought it to Sylvan. Sylvan and Suzie mixed up a healthy formula that has helped other birds, and exercised it's wings daily, in the hope that is would regain it's strength.

As this picture demonstrates, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater is ready to test its wings and reclaim its freedom, thanks to the assistance of Suzie and Sylvan.

Here is Doogie, a miniature horse who just happens to be 90% blind. Doogie was about to be put down, but fortunately for him someone brought him to the Boo Boo Zoo, and now he happily chases after the dogs and munches on carrots. Bo, lying on the ground near his constant companion, is a loving and gentle friend.

Sylvan says that when he hears squeals coming from the pig pen, he knows that Doogie is visiting a very fat pot-bellied pig. He likes to gently prod her to get her to play.

These beautiful Siamese kittens were only days old when found in a drainage pipe in Wailuku. Thanks to their rescuer and the EMAR there mother would be very relieved to know that they are now running and playing like normal kittens.

They took in Duchess who was left for dead after a car accident. Her legs and vertebrae were so shattered that the veterinarian said she would never walk again. A good hearted donor paid for her surgery and Suzie and Sylvan found her a doggie wheelchair. Duchess is a real inspiration and has never given up. She is very mobile and wheels every where she wants to go. Not only that, she has been adopted by a loving family.

“Yes Deer”, as she is called now was a victim of “capture myopathy”. Yes Deer suffered paralysis as result of extreme stress. Hunters captured her and her mother. They tied her to a tree and gutted her mother in front of her. At EMAR or the Boo Boo Zoo she had made friends with many of the kittens who provide her love and affection. Here she is pictured with Flojo.

Sylvan and Suzie treat an Axis deer that sustained a knee injury. With the healing touch of these two, this deer should be up and about in no time.

Look at the interesting faces of these Pueos owls. This is an owl species that is endangered in other areas of the country, but are continuing to do well In Maui thanks to the hard work of EMAR.

Although these two were struck by a car, and their wings were so badly shattered the owls required partial amputations that rendered them flightless, they are safe here in the aviary at the Boo Boo Zoo.

“The East Maui Animal Refuge (EMAR) is a no-kill, all volunteer-run, non profit, rehabilitation sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals who would otherwise die”

The love found here at the EMAR, or the Boo Boo Zoo, as Suzie has nicknamed it is limitless. It cures all and conquers all. I enjoyed my visit, and I hope you did too.

While traveling around Newfoundland, one of the "must see" places is known as Iceberg Alley, just off the eastern coast at St, Anthony and of course the town of St. Anthony itself. This unique, tidy little town boasts many interesting facets including an invigorating ecological and cultural journey into unique heritage.

Go on one of the boat tours and explore the northern corridor of Iceberg Alley which consistently has more icebergs that any other area of Newfoundland, because they are breaking away from the large ice fields of Greenland and sweeping down the Canadian coast. The beauty of these shimmering iceberg mountains will rejuvenate your soul. When they appear, you can feel the chill in the air, as you pass a 15,000-year-old iceberg. You can taste the purest water on earth - iceberg ice water at many of the restaurants in St. Anthony.

Be awestruck by the splendor of the bird life and cave formations around St. Anthony. Observe the majesty of the bald eagle in flight and visit fascinating colonies of kittiwakes, guillemots and arctic terns. Experience the excitement of viewing one of Newfoundland's largest sea caves, the Old Man Cave, while listening to stories about local legends, about how a man fell overboard while fishing near the cave and managed to get inside, up on the rocks. How he stayed there for three weeks before other fishermen found him, suffering from hypothermia and dehydration but alive, after giving him up for lost at sea.

The coastal waters off St. Anthony are noted for its annual gathering of humpback whales and dolphins. Sightings of the minke, fin and killer whales are common. When the whales arrive, savor the sounds of their acoustical blows or watch them breach nearby. Witness the speed and agility of the white-beaked dolphins as the playfully leap and race before the bow of the boats. Or join the locals as they stand on the tops of the capes of St. Anthony and watch as the whales breach just off-shore and blow water out the blow holes on the top of their heads. Listen and you may hear their soulful whale song.

One of the quaint customs of the people of Newfoundland is the small garden plots along the highway. Newfoundlanders found a rich deposit of soil after the government had the new highway built and threw the topsoil to the sides. The gardens are fenced with bright flags fluttering from the top rung, to keep the moose and caribou away from the precious winter vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, turnips and beets are grown within feet of the highway, miles from any type of settlement. It takes dedication to tend a kitchen garden so far from home.

In the northern reaches of Newfoundland the people can also boast about being the berry capital of the world, for good reason. Nearly everyone goes into the barrens to pick fresh raspberries, partridge berry, cloudberry or bake apple as the locals call it along with many other types of berries. These berries are made into the most delicious jams and jellies and adorn their breakfast tables with a variety to tempt the unsuspecting visitor.

St Anthony has what most people want in life. It is a unique blend of old heritage and culture mixed gently with modern living. Enjoy a refreshing blend of nature, education and Newfoundland hospitality that can never be forgotten.