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Returned dog brings some comfort to grieving family

Haiku resident Kamele Latu holds her father’s dog, Behbeh, after reuniting with her Monday afternoon at the Maui Humane Society. Photos courtesy of Kamele Latu

Kamele Latu refused to let go of her father’s dog after a tearful reunion Monday at the Maui Humane Society.

Latu had just lost her father, Myves Manu Gould, on Friday night after he was struck while walking in the middle of the westbound lane of Hana Highway west of Haiku Road. She said Gould lost his dog, Behbeh, a week ago, which was picked up by the society and adopted within days.

On Monday, the adopters returned the dog and one of the few memories Latu has of her father. Gould was 48.

“I’m so happy. I’m so happy I have her,” Latu said of Behbeh. “I can’t even explain how happy I am. When she came up to us she was crying, she was so happy. She was licking our face all over.

“I can’t even put her down for a split second. I have her here, and she doesn’t want to come off of me.”

Myves Manu Gould poses with daughter Kamele Latu in this undated photo. Gould died Friday night after he was hit by a car while walking in the middle of Hana Highway west of Haiku Road.

The 5-year-old reddish brown Chihuahua Pomeranian mix had been given to Gould by a neighbor a week after it was born. From then on, the father and dog never separated.

“This is like my dad’s child, so she’s like my sister,” Latu said. “We feel so blessed and grateful (the adopters) came forward and brought Behbeh back to the shelter.”

Jerleen Bryant, the society’s chief executive officer, said the dog was picked up as a stray Sunday and had no signs of ownership or a collar. She said by the time the family came forward Friday, the dog had already been adopted.

The society made contact with the adopters, who were “very sad,” but agreed to return the dog back to the shelter.

“Our most heartfelt condolences to the Latu family for their loss,” Bryant said. “We hope it brings them some comfort during this challenging time to have Behbeh back with her family. We would also like to thank Behbeh’s adopters for their understanding and for bringing her back to be reunited with her original family.”

The adopters could not immediately be reached Monday.

While happy to have Behbeh, it was a bittersweet reminder of Gould. Latu’s mother, Iris Gushiken, said Gould would take the dog everywhere in his truck, from the beach to the store.

“We’re all sure if he had that dog this wouldn’t have happened,” she said. “I know that for a fact. He took this dog everywhere he goes. Nobody sees him without that dog in his hand.”

Gould was struck by a gold 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe multipurpose vehicle driven by a 35-year-old Washington state man, police said. The collision happened on a rural, unlit stretch of highway, and Gould was wearing dark-colored clothing.

The driver and his three passengers were uninjured. The incident remained under investigation Monday.

Latu remembered her father as “the life of the party,” but also as a “loving dad that would help everyone.” She said he was a handyman and worked as a carpenter, electrician and roofer.

“He was outgoing; everybody knew him and everybody loved him,” she said. “He could do it all. Whatever you wanted to fix, he would fix it for you. He was so helpful and so amazing.”

Family members planned to talk to police to seek more information about Gould’s death, but they were happy Behbeh was returned to them.

“It’s been a really touching and emotional reunion,” Gushiken said.

Organizers of an adult dance party plan to donate half their proceeds to the family for funeral expenses. EDM Spring Break Rage is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday at Da Warehouse on Waiehu Beach Road.

Presale tickets are $30; $40 at the door. Tickets are available at Sparky’s Food Truck at Maui Auto Depot, across from Target.

* Chris Sugidono can be reached at csugidono@mauinews.com.

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