Join Animal Walk Tokyo for a morning walk around the park with your family, friends or pets to raise money for the animals who have been abandoned in the Tohoku region. Your entire 2000yen entry fee will be used directly to search for animals who are still lost, reunite families with their animals, and provide shelter, food and water to animals who no longer have a home to which to return.

Walk registration is from 9:00-9:30AM.  The walk will begin at 10:00AM, and there will be a fashion show included if your pet has a new Summer outfit to show off.

Sign up by visiting AWT’s website at www.animalwalktokyo.com or by adding our Facebook page “Animal Walk Tokyo” and signing up for the event. We look forward to seeing you!!

東北関東大震災　被災ペット支援チャリティドッグウォーク
Sanpo in the Park

東北関東大震災で被災したペットたちを捜索、救助するために奮闘中のJEARS(日本地震動物救援会）を支援するためのチャリティイベントです。
あなたも参加して飼い主と離れ離れになった被災ペット達を支援しませんか？

開催日時：　2011年6月4日（土）　9：00受付開始
10：00　ドッグウォーク開始（約1時間）
場所：　代々木公園　原宿門　時計塔左手集合
参加費：　2,000円　当日現金でお持ちください。
主催：　アニマルウォーク東京

チャリティドッグウォークって何をするの？
・代々木公園を他の参加者と楽しく歩くイベントです。ペットとの参加歓迎です！
・参加費がすべてJEARSに寄付されます。
・色々な人やペット達と触れ合えるのが魅力です。外国の方も多く参加します。
・東京から被災地のためにあなたが出来る活動です！

参加お申し込み、詳細はWebページをご覧ください。

www.animalwalktokyo.com/ja/
 

(Here’s a recent letter from an active member of Angels With Fur)

Hello to all who helped us adapt to the addition of our third dog last May.

I already wrote about it to the list.

In a nutshell, she was a tiny, skinny runt of a dog, and on death’s doorstep. Staying in the garages of two farm families. One family was about to call the pound after GWeek let up. We went to tell the elderly man that we would take her but were not sure he understood. Later that morning, the elderly wife brought her 10 minutes to our home with a pink hair ribbon. I put her on our deck, locked it and went out. When I returned, our daughter was on the deck with her and some elementary aged children.

 Thought nothing of it until our daughter pointed out that she thought she might be a breed we never ever thought we’d meet in Japan or anywhere!!

I asked the people of Angels with Fur and was given good advice. We researched and learned a whole lot.

 After one year, she has doubled in size and weight and is only 2 years old now, has been spayed, vaccinated, and is “cute as a button” and kind and gentle. Our neighbors have played a big role in socializing her and understanding. She is pretty much now, just a dog with a few quirks but a dog who can sit, stay and cuddle and play ball. She likes one cat in particular who just goes into her room, flops in the sink and purrs. She kisses him and one time he was locked in her room with her and they got along fine!!! “And the lion shall sleep with the lamb!” 

 Enclosed (above) is a photo of Tiger and Rock-ie with our daughter who helped me see the dog as an individual, without a label.

Thank you for all you do and I hope you succeed in finding more homes for those who so need them!!!

Amy U.

www.jears.org

Please donate at the Chip In widget in previous post OR you can use the PayPal email address, donate@jears.org , to pay directly. This was added recently because the Chip In page was getting so much traffic that people weren’t able to get in. We have been just informed that the PayPal address is not working properly and has been removed.  Fortunately, nobody was able to donate through this method.  WE have also been notified that the Chip In widget is not only working, but has more bandwidth to handle the volume.  If you want to donate, please click here to go to that Chip In page.  Thank you. It’s so awesome to see so much support and love from around the world. Just do a Dogpile Search (vs. Google as it supports Animals) and you’ll see all the organizations and media outlets that are supporting what we are doing. However, the best place to see all the updates is on the Facebook “community” page titled, “Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue And Support”. It has the same logo as above.

JEARS is also working on getting there website more interactive.  Keep an eye on their website for that happening soon.

Note: And a big thank you to Ben Logsdon, graphic designer in Boston, MA, for donating this logo to the cause. You rawk, dude!!

If you have a TV or a computer, you know what just happened in Japan and are aware of the ongoing issue at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. Tens of thousands of self defense force personnel have been deployed to the disaster zones. We doubt much effort is being spent on the thousands of animals that are undoubtedly affected by this horrific act of mother nature. If you can help, please visit Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support on Facebook and/or go to this “Chip In” page to donate to three reputable organizations that have come together to dedicate time, effort and energy to the animals in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Here is a message from David at Japan Cat Network:

WHAT is Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support?
We are a coalition of three groups; HEART-Tokushima, Animal Garden Niigata and Japan Cat Network. We are groups that have been rescuing and rehoming animals in Japan for many years. Our intention starting this group is to keep animal rescue on the agenda, provide shelter space, coordinate some Earthquake/Tsunami animal rescues, and to share animal rescue related news to the public. Like our individual groups, our collaboration will be staunchly no-kill. Any funds donated will be strictly and explicitly reported as well as expenses. Money and resources will be used strictly for rescue, care and support of animals in crisis due to the earthquake and tsunami. And while I first imagined cats and dogs, we can not yet know what animals beyond that we will be in a position to help.
Thanks to all for the support.

&

性別　 猫メス 年齢　 生後3ヶ月位
She is a female kitten about 3 months old.

＜特徴＞
名前は「セサミ」と言います。毛色は白黒で人に懐こくてとてもおとなしい性格です。

Her name is Sesame. She is a lovely black-and-white cat with more black than white.

＜経緯＞
市内のキャンパスに捨てられているところを保護しました。私のところでは既に２匹の捨て猫を保護しているためこれ以上は困難と思い里親になっていただける方を探しています。

I am helping feral cats and keeping cats and really don’t have a place to keep Sesame. I’m glad to give her a temporary home and to keep her healthy and safe until she finds her special family.

依頼者のお住まい　 福井県福井市

We are in Fukui City, Fukui Pref., the Hokuriku area (Japan Sea side of Honshu).

依頼者のお名前　 チャールズ・ジャヌッツイ

My name is Charles Jannuzi.

メールアドレス　 werchikineko@gmail.com

That’s my cat-rescue-related e-mail address above.

ＴＥＬ：　０７７６－２７－７１０２

＜その他＞

北陸地方に住んでいる里親を希望します。お届けいたします。

We can deliver in the Hokuriku area. If beyond that, please contact, we can work it out.

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.
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.

<<On Saturday we finally made the much anticipated trip to the Woof Dog Resort in

the Fuji Five Lakes area. The website makes the place look brand spanking new. It isn’t. It is an
old tennis club that has been converted into a dog resort. Many parts of it look
“worn.” It is expensive. For two adults and three dogs it would
have cost us over 10,000 yen for full use of the facility for the day (dog runs
and pools). And no one was there! We went on a Saturday of a three day
weekend and I expected lots of dogs to be running around in the dog runs. There
were none.

I think depending on your needs, it could be a good place. If you live in an
area where you don’t have large dog runs or can’t let your dogs run off leash
then it would be a good place to exercise dogs. The runs are quite large and
park-like. Again, if you don’t have a place to let dogs swim then the 25 meter
pool would be ideal.

If you want to just use the facilities on a weekend the rates are:

1,260 yen per person
1,260 yen per dog for the dog runs
1,260 yen per dog for the pool

There is a hotel as well but we didn’t see the rooms. Rates start at 14,700 yen
per person with meals and 9,450 yen per person without meals (regular season).
Add about 4,000 yen to those prices for “top season.” >>

http://www.dogresortwoof.jp/index.html

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

1) From Sherri on the AWF email Listserve:

“On Friday my puppy had surgery for hip dysplasia. The surgery involves removing the head of the femur bone. Through Elizabeth at ARK, we learned of Dr. Yamaguchi at Fabre Animal Medical Center in Osaka (Kadoma area). He is AMAZING and for anyone with a pet that has orthopedic issues I highly recommend him (he only does orthopedics). Our first consultation was about a month ago. He spent an hour with us discussing all aspects of hip dysplasia and the surgical options. He was extremely thorough and encouraged us to contact him with questions as they arose.

On the day of the surgery he asked me to come back in the evening so he could explain how the surgery went. I got to see my groggy dog and hold him as well. Dr. Yamaguchi even gave me the head of the femur that he removed! (additionally, he made two copies of all the xrays and gave me those as well) He invited me back to the cage area so I could see where Cheek would spend the night.

I came back at 8:30 AM the next day to pick Cheek up and Dr. Yamaguchi and his staff showed me how to do the various exercises needed for his rehabilitation.

Dr. Yamaguchi speaks English (he will say it isn’t very good but it is more than enough!). Some of his staff can speak English as well. Thanks to him, Cheek will have a pain free life once his recovery is over. (my local vet told me this was inoperable!– always get a second opinion!)

http://www5.ocn.ne.jp/~fabre/

(He works at the clinic on the left on the second floor. I don’t know what kind of clinic is downstairs or what the other building is)”

2) Beth from the Listserve replied with this:

“I definitely second this recommendation for Fabre Medical Center. When I had a very sick cat who ended up having to be put to sleep, the vet who had taken care of us the most actually came in on her day off so we would have a familar face at that final visit. This was 3 years ago, so I cant remember her name, but I know she had worked with ARK (maybe still does?).

Anyway, it seems like most of the doctors at Fabre are fairly young, are open to different ideas, and don’t mind working with foreigners. One doctor brought out an English veterinary dictionary from the back to show me, just to make sure I understood everything.”