Fugu’s Story

During the summer, my neighbours moved out. Three days after they left, their dog was still at the house. I asked around the neighbourhood and no one seemed to know what was going on. As I was going out of town the next day, I asked one of my other neighbours to look after him while I was away. During the time that I was gone, the dog’s owners came and picked him up.

Fast forward six months to early December.

When I left my house to go to work one December morning, I noticed a dog that looked an awful lot like the same dog sleeping in the neighbour’s former yard. I had taken some pictures of the dog in the summer, so I compared the dog to the pictures and, sure enough, it was the same dog. I called the real estate agent to get in touch with my former neighbours, and after a great deal of time, I finally found out that they had asked someone to look after the dog, but that it had run away and returned to its former home. I’m not sure whether that story is true or not, but it is clear that they didn’t have any intention of looking after the dog anymore. They had moved to an apartment building and there was no way for them to keep the dog anymore. They offered to take him to the pound (which would mean that the dog would die within one week), but I refused to let that happen.

So, now I am the proud owner of my former neighbour’s dog, whose name was Fugu (but who was renamed “Richard The Lionheart” soon after he adopted me). I cannot keep him because I have a cat who is not able to make friends with other animals, and she is extremely stressed out over the current situation. Also, as I don’t keep a very normal schedule, I am not a good candidate for dog ownership. So, I am hoping that someone will fall in love with him and want to welcome him into their family.

Here’s what I know about him. He is extremely quiet and doesn’t bark very much, except when he gets excited (when he knows that he is about to get food, or when you first come home). He is good on a leash. When you first start walking, he gets really excited and jumps around, but if you use your best “Dog Whisperer” techniques, he quickly settles down and heels. (I don’t start walking until he settles down and if I feel him pulling on the leash, I say “CHHT”, give a quick jerk on the leash, and stop walking until he stops too. After I do this for a few times, he remembers to keep pace with me and not pull.) He seems to love other animals and doesn’t try to fight with them. The neighbours had a cat and another dog (before I moved here), so he is very well-socialized towards other animals. He leaves my cat alone and doesn’t try to antagonize her. (My cat hisses and spits at him, but he just ignores her.) I feed him once in the morning and once at night. I mix up some dry food and wet food and he will often eat some and leave some for later.

I’m pretty sure he is not a purebred or anything, but the closest breed I can find to him is a Border Terrier. His colouring is tan with black on his back. I would say that he is “small to medium-sized” — not a small dog that you can put in your purse, but not a large dog that is stronger than you. An adult could easily pick him up, although you wouldn’t want to carry him around like that for very long.

Before he gets adopted, I will make sure that his vaccinations are up to date. He will also come with his own wooden dog house, some dog food, and a leash. (Actually, I have been using a leash that I bought for my cat back when I had illusions of training her to walk with me. She quickly informed me that she did not take kindly to the suggestion of a leash, so it has been sitting around unused since then. Fugu/Richard is a gentle dog, so he can be walked easily with the cat leash.)

If you can provide a forever home for Fugu/Richard (or whatever you want to call him), please contact Shaney through the Angels with Fur Japan address. I know he will make his new family very happy.

I Rescued a Human Today (by Janine Allen)

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY
Janine Allen

I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident
I had in the back of my cage.
I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t
been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy
and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about
my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.

Many Arigato’s to Sayako Katoh who sent the above poem/story to us. No matter if it’s a rescued dog or cat, they sure do make human’s lives better. Please take a moment and pass this poem/story on to others.

Cat for Adoption: Manabu

Hi! My name is Manabu. I just turned four months old, so I decided that it was about time I went to school. So, one day, I decided to show up at my local international school and see if they would accept me. You’re not going to believe this, but they refused to let me in! They said that schools were for kids, not cats! I had no idea! Well, I guess since I’m only four months old there are probably a lot of things I don’t know yet.

But wait! Maybe if someone could teach me lots of stuff, I could become a cat genius one day. Then I would start my own school and I would let all the cats come and learn as much as they want. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Gosh, I hope some smart person out there can act as my tutor and tell me all kinds of smart things…

By the way, “Manabu” means “to study” in Japanese, so it’s like I was BORN to be a genius! In case you are wondering, here are some of my other good points.

• I’m a boy.
• I’m cute.
• I’ve had my shots.
• I’m like super really cute.
• I’m friendly and can get along with just about anyone.
• Did I mention how cute I am?
• I’m already smart enough to use a cat litter box. That was like sooooo easy for me.

Interested in Adopting Manabu?

Please contact Angels with Fur Japan and we will put you in touch with Manabu’s temporary foster family.

Cat for Adoption in Okinawa

From Terry:

My wife and I were walking the dogs in a local riverside park where there are a lot of stray cats. Some kindly person feeds them, so most look in pretty good shape. There was one good-looking unusually coloured tabby I’d seen before that I pointed out to my wife, then she noticed that it had a badly injured tail — something that I didn’t see before. Being the mugs we are, we decided we’d finish walking the dogs, then bring the kit we needed to catch the cat and take her for repairs. She had the tail snipped and stitched and she is staying with us until the stitches can come out. We’ve dewormed and debugged her, as well as getting her checked for FIV and leukaemia. She’s negative.

She’s about four years old, the vet here said. She is good with people, and would make a lovely house cat. Uses a litter tray just fine. A bit wary of dogs but getting better with ours around her. She’s become more vocal now that she’s feeling comfortable in her surroundings.

Apart from her beautiful looks and big beautiful eyes, this little lady’s selling points are that we’ll pay all the expenses for her vaccinations, sterilisation and transportation.

Interested in Adopting This Cat?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site

Dog for Adoption: Yu

What she lacks in size, Yu makes up for in heart. She has a huge one. This little tan dachshund is half the size of a big cat and certainly smaller than your average one. Indeed, there’s nothing average about Yu. Nine years old, she is a friend to all — dogs, cats, children, men and women. She’s a dog with class. No crazy kid stuff here. She’s quiet and social and loves to sit in laps. Yu would fit into any family, one with children, one without. She’d suit single people and senior citizens as well, or even make a great dog for a busy shop. You name it, Yu can handle it, because, like they say, size… just doesn’t matter.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, August 15, 2009. Photo by Kaori Kayano.

Interested in Adopting Yu?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Prospective new owners undergo a screening process.

The Japan Times supports stray and abandoned animals by publishing this photo box every Saturday in the Weekend/People section of the paper. The information is then archived here on the Angels with Fur site one week later, on the following Saturday.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site

Dog for Adoption: Beckham

The 10-year-old beagle Beckham came to ARK after he was found wandering along a major intersection alone about seven years ago. He was fortunate enough to be adopted but returned to ARK when his owner had to be hospitalized. A second adoption resulted in his return to the shelter yet again due to a weight gain and his owners’ unwillingness to either slim him down or deal with the consequences — a need for frequent walks. Beckham loves to beg for food and he’s so cute it’s hard not to be a pushover. Still, what he needs more than tidbits is a loving but intelligent owner who can show him a bit of tough love in order to keep him svelte and healthy. Beckham is good with children and other dogs. His only vice is an appetite that gets him in trouble.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, August 8, 2009. Photo by Asuka Hirata.

Interested in Adopting Beckham?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Prospective new owners undergo a screening process.

The Japan Times supports stray and abandoned animals by publishing this photo box every Saturday in the Weekend/People section of the paper. The information is then archived here on the Angels with Fur site one week later, on the following Saturday.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site

Cat for Adoption: Lailie

Lailey came to the ARK shelter as a sweet, stray kitten. That was nine years ago. For whatever reason, no doubt her less-than-popular tortoise-shell coloring, Lailey was passed over all these years. With the many success stories prompted by the Japan Times photo box, however, hope that Lailey will find a home has been revived. The staff members are keeping their fingers crossed with memories of such as Queenie, in ARK for eight long years, and Zeros, who despite a slight health condition, found a loving home that radically improved his condition. Then there was Zeros’ friend, Otto, who was adopted happily into the same home. And there was Tetta and Neeta, both with health troubles from a traumatic start to life. There have been many miracle tales and they are giving all hope, including Lailey. Not an aggressive bone in her body, a sweetheart who loves to play with people, Lailey’s happiness is just being with someone. All she needs is someone happy to be with her.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, August 1, 2009. Photo by Kaori Kayano.

Interested in Adopting Lailie?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Prospective new owners undergo a screening process.

The Japan Times supports stray and abandoned animals by publishing this photo box every Saturday in the Weekend/People section of the paper. The information is then archived here on the Angels with Fur site one week later, on the following Saturday.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site

Kittens for Adoption: Sarah, Sion, Moomooki, Minky

Here are (clockwise from bottom left) Sarah, Sion, Moomooki and Minky. They are now 2 months old (pictured at 6 weeks) and are four of the 12 kittens at ARK currently looking for homes. For now they are able to snuggle together, safe and content as innocent new life should be. These, unfortunately, are only the lucky ones, those of the discarded and abandoned that have gotten a chance at a life. They will not be among the 1,000 animals put down every day at pounds throughout Japan. A tiny number to be sure, but surely each life saved, each life cherished and nurtured in a caring home, is a bright light in the darkness, a blow against the apathy. Please, strike a blow.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, July 25, 2009. Photo by Machiko Nakano.

Interested in Adopting a Kitten?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Prospective new owners undergo a screening process.

The Japan Times supports stray and abandoned animals by publishing this photo box every Saturday in the Weekend/People section of the paper. The information is then archived here on the Angels with Fur site one week later, on the following Saturday.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site

Success Story: Cherry

The Japan Times and Tokyo ARK have given Angels with Fur kind permission to reprint notices regarding pet adoptions (see: potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site). In addition to requests for adoption, they also publish success stories about pets who find new homes. Here is the latest success story.

Kyoko Kitaguchi poses with her recently adopted Cherry (right) and Boss, another dog she had adopted from ARK. Cherry was first featured here last November. She had been abandoned by her first owners and left locked in an apartment when they moved out. She spent seven long years at the shelter waiting for a home. Finally, adopted by the Kitaguchis, Kyoko and husband, Hiroki, Cherry is now part of a caring family. Love and care have done wonders. Kitaguchi, however, refuses to take the credit. “It is Cherry who is trying her best to fit in with us.” This is the third dog the Kitaguchis have adopted from ARK. Although they recognize how adorable and cute puppies are, Kyoko says she has a fondness for older dogs and also sympathizes with them. “Like humans, the loneliness that comes with age is a very sad thing.” Also, she feels more of a bond with older animals. “Unlike with puppies, I find it easier to communicate with older dogs. There is something about older dogs that I love.” And, Kyoko, there’s something about you we love! From ARK and The Japan Times, thank you for giving Cherry a home.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, July 18, 2009. Photo by Kyoko Kitaguchi.

Interested in Adopting a Pet?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Prospective new owners undergo a screening process.

The Japan Times supports stray and abandoned animals by publishing this photo box every Saturday in the Weekend/People section of the paper. The information is then archived here on the Angels with Fur site one week later, on the following Saturday.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site

Dog for Adoption: Black Jack

Black Jack spent all nine years of his life with his previous owner before that person fell ill and had to be hospitalized. Black Jack came to ARK, but being an older dog, he is having trouble adjusting to the noisy shelter. To tell the truth, he is not doing well. In fact, his is one of the rare cases where euthanization has been considered. A Siberian husky mix of about 15 kg, Black Jack has one brown eye, one blue, is very friendly, loves to cuddle and loves to go for walks. But, he is sad and visibly stressed at being kept in a confined area. He has some space at the moment but will cry all night long if kept in the kennel. He is in good health now but it is feared the stress and loneliness will take its toll. Black Jack is fine with other dogs and would be good for someone with a garden and a high fence. Even though he is 9, he can jump like a puppy. Older dogs often have difficulty adjusting to change and the move from a loving home to the impersonal shelter can be traumatic. ARK is hoping some kind soul will help give Black Jack back what he so painfully misses, a place he can call his own, a place to call home.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Kyoko Harada.

Interested in Adopting Black Jack?

Please email ARK at tokyoark[at]arkbark.net or call 080-6146-3889 (English) or 080-6517-8913 (Japanese). Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Prospective new owners undergo a screening process.

The Japan Times supports stray and abandoned animals by publishing this photo box every Saturday in the Weekend/People section of the paper. The information is then archived here on the Angels with Fur site one week later, on the following Saturday.

See also: Other potential pets who have been featured on the Angels with Fur site