Assist in Japan Animal Disaster Relief Efforts

I had some formatting problems with this post, but just want to get the info out - please ignore the mess:)

A friend from Surfrider shared this on Facebook a few days ago, and another friend emailed the same video to me.

Here is the translation:

We are in Arahama area. Looks like there is a dog. There is a dog. He looks tired and dirty. He must have been caught in the tsunami. He looks very dirty.

He has a collar. He must be someone's pet. He has a silver collar. He is shaking. He seems very afraid.

Oh, there is another dog. I wonder if he is dead.

Where?

Right there. There is another dog right next to the one sitting down. He is not moving. I wonder. I wonder if he is alright.

The dog is protecting him.

Yes. He is protecting the dog. That is why he did not want us to approach them. He was trying to keep us at bay.

I can't watch this. This is a very difficult to watch.

Oh. Look. He is moving. He is alive. I am so happy to see that he is alive.

Yes! Yes! He is alive.

He looks to be weakened. We need to them to be rescued soon. We really want them rescued soon.

Oh good. He's getting up.

It is amazing how they survived the tremendous earthquake and tsunami. It's just amazing that they survived through this all.

I needed to know that dogs were rescued from this situation. Unfortunately the dogs' whereabouts and conditions are unknown.

I found these two recent updates on the Global Animal page. They updates are, at least consistent with each other, but I cannot verify their accuracy:

* The media has taken the word of a possible scammer named Kenn Sakurai who claims to have rescued them but refuses to provide any proof, photos or information on their current condition. However, he is begging for donations on his Facebook page. Many people have already sent this man money that could have been sent to legitimate rescue charities. The news media or a reporter needs to investigate this and provide a truthful update.

Also, it was reported that the Fuji News team that stumbled upon the dogs did not have food or water with them and had to leave them as they had no way to transport them although they did supposedly call a rescue group to advise them. The rescue group, JEARS (

Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support)

has claimed they tried to find the dogs but could not. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SEEN SINCE THE ORIGINAL FIRST VIDEO.

- unidentified individual

* Unfortunately, the rescue and health status of both of these dogs remains unconfirmed. Global Animal spoke at length to Kenn Sakurai today (March 19, 2011) and we have requested photos to verify that the dogs are indeed rescued and alive.

It is heartening to see the outpouring of compassion for these two dear dogs. Let us all hope for good news soon.

- Global Animal

photo: Rescue workers pull a small dog from rubble in the wake of Japan's earthquake and tsunami. Photo: Associated Press.

While these two dogs' whereabouts remain unknown, there are so many pets that need your help. World Vets has reported that many people are leaving their animals at shelters before fleeing the country. However I found out that dogs and cats are permitted to board outgoing flights. I'm not sure if this only applies to families of US military members. The Pet Kennel at the Misawa Air Force Base is taking care of the pets of military service members' families who voluntarily leave Japan based on the recommendation of the Department of Defense. I read that ARK (Animal Refuge Kansai) will take care of foreigners' pets free of charge, when the foreigners leave Japan. The pets will be held for up to three months, and then the animals will be re-homed.

CONTACT INFO:
Osaka ARK
ph: 072-737-0712 (1885) 10:00-17:00
email: ark[@]arkbark.net
595 Noma Ohara, Nose-cho, Toyono-gun, Osaka-fu 563-0131 JAPAN

Tokyo ARK
ph: 050-1557-2763
email: tokyoark[@]arkbark.net
Tokyo Office is in Ota Ward, Tokyo. Contact by phone or email.

If you can make a financial contribution, then I suggest going here to read about World Vets' efforts, and to make a financial contribution. At this time they are not looking for supplies and due to safety concerns in Japan, they are not accepting volunteers. I am a huge fan of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). I was following their efforts in the wake of Katrina - they are amazing. Their international component is also working in Japan and is accepting donations here.

I have been following JEARS on Facebook for updates. Global Vets is working with JEARS. To donate to JEARS go here.

If you live in San Francisco then you can sign up for the Disaster Animal Relief Team training course. I'm currently taking the inaugural course. The course (which is free) should be offered again towards the end of 2011.