HONOLULU -- A sea dog has traded in her sea legs for a fine Westloch home.

These days walks in the neighborhood twice a day are part of Hokget's routine.

Owners Mike and Helen Kuo said at first it took four months before the little dog would feel comfortable enough to wag her tail and Helen had to overcome her fear of dogs, but they've become quite the family now.

"Good company my children all move out so this is my only daughter laughs," said Mike Kuo.

Hokget's dramatic story began when the Coast Guard rescued a group of Chinese crewmen after a fire and explosion on board a tanker.

What they didn't know was that the captain's dog was left behind.

The burned out vessel had been adrift for days and for all anybody knew, had sunk.

But 20 days later, there was a sighting of ghost ship with the little dog very much alive.

It may have been one of the most publicized and criticized high sea rescues.

The story of the lucky dog triggered $50,000 in donations.

The once-famous face is just another dog to newcomers in the neighborhood.

Although Hokget was spooked by New Years' fireworks, like other dogs, her owners said they can't help but wonder if the trauma of the ship's explosion and fire isn't still with her.

"She was scared to death. She trembled and run underneath the bed," Kuo said.

But on this early evening, Hokget was just fine responding to commands in Taiwanese.

"We fortunate to have Hokget with us," Kuo said. "I like her more than my sons."

Hokget seems to really like her life on land.