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.

Outings With Difficult Dogs

Hello, everyone,
I wanted to let you know that we went to the park mentioned below. Our account
may or may not be useful to the list’s blog. Use freely if you think it is
useful.

http://www.dogresortwoof.jp/

Our son arrived home from Osaka and got acquainted with Rock-ie via Kuma.
Watching him relate to Kuma-a larger abandoned Nihonken and Robin – a Pointer type hunting stray, Rock-ie (newly rescued APBT –type from late May
2010) relaxed and warmed up.

So, on Tuesday, August 24, after a successful time at a camp ground the week
before, we took Kuma and Rock-ie. Robin is elderly and a hunting dog and would
not do well such surroundings. She stayed home with fans on.
The drive was good and the facility easy to find in Yamanakako just near the
west side of the lake.
The hotel is lovely from the outside and I had misgivings. I went in to the
front desk to discuss our dogs using the place. Behind the desk was friendly
pooch who welcomed us and the staff was so friendly and cheerful and helpful.
First time visitors/observers are free. We paid because we wanted to use it
freely. May not have been necessary.
I suggested they make their homepage available in English as many people want
to go there and many ex-pats vacation in that area.
We got a guided tour and they were fine with Kuma and Rock-ie who were on their
best behavior. They loved the place.
Unfortunately, upon entering the pool area, two unleashed large Corgis came
barking at them and cornered them and scared the living daylights out of Kuma
and Rock-ie. They especially went after Kuma who coward and controlled himself,
Rock-ie (whom we have gone out of our way to make sure no instinct of attack is
aroused) was scared out of her wits and didn’t know who to protect Kuma. Neither
of them barked in return. The owners and staff were apologetic and all was okay
but I regret that the day got off to that kind of start. It made Kuma jittery
all day.
We took them into the indoor dog run. It was hot! But, dark and isolated to
they could run freely. Neither dog did. Kuma searched for an escape hatch.
Rock-ie lay down and rested. “Why are we here?” We through balls, frisbies,
bones, and so on. Nope.
Then, two of us rested with Kuma in a quiet area with comfy chairs.
Two took Rock-ie to the gift shop to by shampoo. There, the clerk relaxed
Rock-ie and got her confidence back. Really nice staff!!!
We ate lunch on the wooden deck. The sandwich (700 yen) was pretty good. You
could bring lunch I think. The 2nd floor restaurant was about 1600 yen per meal.
Out of our range for the day.
Then, we tried the outdoor run with no other dogs at all. Again, Kuma tried to
get a running leap over the fence (which is too low for a dog that can jump like
a dingo) but Rock-ie herded him back like a sheep dog!! Eventually, they just
ran and chased and wore off energy. Kuma actually came to me and said he was
tired. Success!! (But would not do it with other dogs in the area after he was
cornered. Disappointment).
We took them to the pool area and they played in the wading pool. Not sure how
people get their dogs used to the real pool. Amazing.
Then we bathed them with shampoo from the gift shop and used the towels freely
and later the coin operated driers in a different room.
A staff member came and took their photos and said she wanted to blog them. The
picture of Kuma she writes makes him look like a crazed wild bear, but he was
just exhausted and really a charming boy she adds. He looks strangled, but that
is just him. He is dramatic.
Rock-ie was just said to be friendly with a lovely smile. That is all I hoped
for, nothing more. I never imagined I’d be taking such a dog to a park!!!
You can see them on the homepage under “STAFF BLOG.”

There was a questionnaire to fill out and I mentioned Angels with Fur and that I
appreciated their welcoming rescued dogs. A trainer is available on Sat and Sun.
But, it must be crowded.

One couple had 2 Rottweillers, 1 Doberman, an APBT, and a Black Lab.
Of course their were also Chihuahuas and Poodles there.

Worth the trip, and the dogs must be crated when sleeping in the rooms which
look lovely. For children, there is nothing to play on and no place to play
ball or frisbee without the dogs so I cannot say that kids would have the best
time their. It is really for the dogs.
If your dog is well-trained and confident and loves to play and obeys, it is a
great place. We will go again, but on a weekday off season.
Thank you all for your support and I wish you all a great end of summer and
ensuing autumn.

from the staff blog with pics of Kuma and Robin:

http://ameblo.jp/woof-dog/

残暑厳しい中、本日もお越しいただきまして

誠にありがとうございます

ちらっと本日のお客様を紹介致します

くまくん

まさにその眼力は野生の熊の感を持っていそうな

鋭さ

・・・・と思いきや

とってもおちゃめな男の子でした

プールではしゃいでご満悦

一緒に来ていたロッキーちゃん　も

大きなお口でスマイル

とってもフレンドリーな女の子で、おすわりの姿勢が
きれいっっ

オーナー様とお話させていただいたところ・・・

２頭はレスキューされて今のお家にやってきたそうです

そんなことは感じさせないぐらいとっても幸せそうな
表情をしていました

これからもずっと幸せが続きますように

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

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

Success Story: Jay

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.

The lovable Newfoundland Jay, pictured here with his new owner Ikuo Oiwa, was kept chained up inside an empty office at his former home. He was not allowed to play or approach other dogs. After being featured here in late April, he was adopted by Ikuo and his wife, Hiroko. The Oiwas, who reside in Ehime Prefecture, love big dogs and also have a female Bernese mountain dog named Flan. Ikuo flew to Tokyo to meet Jay, then flew him back to his new home. Jay is now part of the family, with a new big friend to run and play with, and a huge dog park to romp in. The Oiwas have even converted the car so Jay can ride to the park more comfortably. Most importantly, he has found a family that cares about him and loves and understands his breed. From ARK and The Japan Times, we extend the Oiwa family a most heartfelt thank-you for adopting Jay and showing that big dogs too can find love and wide open spaces in Japan.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Photo by Hiroko Oiwa.

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: Mac

Update: Mac found a new home!

Mac is a 7-month old puppy that was dumped in front of the shelter along with his two sisters. The sisters have already found homes, but Mac hasn’t. He has a lovely character, and though young, is a very secure, well-rounded dog that appears older than his years (months). At adoption events he is so engrossed in playing with the other dogs that he forgets the task at hand (to impress humans with his adoptability) and is forever being left behind. The needy and insecure often get the attention and get adopted more quickly. It’s a shame, because Mac is a great little guy. House-broken and trained on pet sheets, Mac doesn’t bark and he plays well with all dogs. Best of all, he loves people. He’s in perfect health and is full of energy, perfect for an athletically minded person or someone who wants to be more active. Please welcome this kind character into your life. He will be a true friend, a loyal and loving companion for life.

Originally published in the Japan Times on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Photo by Machiko Nakano.

Interested in Adopting Mac?

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

Dogs for Adoption: Remi, Romi, Route

Ed’s note: Remi, Romi, and Route found new homes!

These three Yorkshire Terriers came from a breeder and were used as breeding dogs, so they look older than they really are. They came to ARK when the breeder fell ill and was unable to take care of them. Unfortunately, breeders do not always know what they are doing and the dogs that they produce sometimes have problems.

Remi is six years old. Her ears get dirty but if someone tries to clean them, she gets very stressed. Of the five dogs who were rescued from this breeder, Remi was the biggest “frady cat”, but she is slowing becoming more brave. With her thin body and long legs, she kind of resembles ET — her nickname at the shelter — but she is a good dog who doesn’t bark unnecessarily.

Romi is seven years old. She had a mammary tumour that was removed when she was spayed.

Six-year old Route has a right ear that flops over but it doesn’t affect her at all.

It would be wonderful if these dogs could find families that could take care of them during their golden years. None of them have been toilet trained, so their new owners will have to have the patience to teach them.

Interested in Adopting a Yorkie?

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.

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