I’d learned the Hawaiian term “kahu” years ago. But a few months back, I’d found its definition again, and I read it differently. It wasn’t just a cute meaning anymore, or a simple explanation for why “pet owner” no longer fit as a title. It felt like an outgoing tide that leaves all the shipwrecks and the bones of the earth exposed in white, chalky sand—ripe for exploring. I don’t know…it’s Monday as I write this and I’m probably over-thinking it (which is always a possibility I have to navigate), but in the off-chance that this also reverberates in your soul today, here it is.
KAHU (Kah-hoo): In Hawaiian culture, you do not call yourself your pet’s owner. You are their “Kahu.” The word has a deep meaning and is defined as the sacred role of a guardian, protector, steward, or honored attendant. Essentially, they are entrusted with the safekeeping of something precious and cherished. What a Kahu protects is not the property that they own, but a piece of their soul.
Around the same time I was reintroduced to the word, I had this strange, beautiful revelation. I was supporting a client who was dying and whose last purpose was to make sure her dog would be loved and cared for once she was gone. I’m a death doula, you see, and so I’ve seen how much anxiety surfaces when they don’t know what will happen to their animals; the idea of putting their pet in a foster home or a shelter doesn’t feel comforting to them, because there’s a certain level of ambiguity that is uncomfortable to accept. They ultimately want to be sure that this piece of their soul will be cherished and loved to the same degree they have.
What if there was a better option that could hold the weight of that love and responsibility? What if, in that process, the terminally ill patient could still have their beloved pet by their side for as long as humanly possible? And what if the person stepping in to adopt them was willing to be involved and make the transition as compassionate as possible?
That’s where The Next Kahu began. It has since expanded to include the care of terminally ill animals who need a final home to live out the rest of their days, too.
And I am so, so thankful you are here.
By joining The Next Kahu as a paid subscriber, you're supporting animals who might otherwise find themselves in a shelter, or being bounced around foster homes in a system that means well but is already constrained by resources and time. You now have access to:
Stories of animals + their families in search of a new Kahu, Kahu success stories, reflections on love, loss, and occasional updates about our mission.
The opportunity to adopt through our carefully matched process.
Access to intimate online support circles, where we can share our experiences of navigating the end of life for both human and animal loved ones, as well as grief support.
Thoughtful resources to help navigate the complex emotions of death, dying, and end-of-life care.
Your ongoing contribution enables us to continue offering this work intentionally and with heart, at no cost to current and new Kahus.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for answering this call.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Michelle Montgomery
Certifed End-of-Life Doula + Founder
The Next Kahu 🐾 Matching hearts at the end of life.
This is such a beautiful piece. Congratulations.
Let's join at:
salmizindagi.substack.com
... continue the conversation.