Helping Pets in Japan

By Lisa Spector, Canine Music Expert, Juilliard Graduate, and co-creator of Through a Dog’s Ear.

People worldwide are heartbroken over the tragedy that has taken place in Japan in the last week. In other parts of the world, we are snuggled safely in our homes with our families and want to be of service and help in some small way. We give our children an extra hug and kiss, spend extra moments of gratitude with spouses and partners, and give an extra tummy rub and kiss to our pets.

Japanese man reunited with his dog

Millions of dollars are pouring into the Red Cross, as it is so important to help people in need. And people who are trained in helping animals are leaving the safety of their homes to be of service in Japan. Pets who once belonged to a loving family were suddenly left homeless after the earthquake and tsunami. Other families are fleeing the country and are forced to leave their pets behind, often with money attached to their collars, begging others to find a loving home for their pets. I watched the video below with tears in my eyes. Fortunately, the dogs have found medical care and safety, but not before going through an extreme amount of anxiety and confusion.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Catherine M.

12:10AM PDT on May 5, 2011

I have just read the following on PetaAsiaPacific.com (http://action.petaasiapacific.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=110&ea.campaign.id=10483 ) and find it very upsetting that the Japanese government is not taking action to help the farm animals which are inside the 20-kilometre no-go zone of the Fukushima power plant. Many farm animals are dying of starvation and dehydration due to the government not allowing the animals to be transferred to a safe place where they can be cared for. Please follow the link and urge the Japanese government to take immediate action to stop these poor animals suffering.

send a green star

maurits c.

2:46AM PDT on Apr 25, 2011

i have a lot of animals,and i ask why like china they still kill dogs or cats to eat,why do this,and how they do this,we most stop this,same in thailand,i have 7 dogs,cats,pony and donkey,i like them,because they dont do like people,hurt other ones

Andrea P.

2:26AM PDT on Apr 24, 2011

Thanks for the article!

Izis A.

6:46PM PDT on Mar 28, 2011

this is so sad... we have to help them

Lisa Z.

12:09AM PDT on Mar 27, 2011

I'm praying for pets & people in Japan.
Shared on Facebook.

Bruno M.

7:31AM PDT on Mar 26, 2011

i feel bad for the pets and animals:(

John S.

12:56PM PDT on Mar 25, 2011

We tend to think of the people but we should forget the animals.

Linda J.

11:57AM PDT on Mar 25, 2011

I agree your pets are part of you family and you wouldn't leave your family behind under any circumstance. Lots of luck for all the work being done in Japan for saving animals.

Ziva M.

6:37AM PDT on Mar 25, 2011

ooo

Maria D.

9:19PM PDT on Mar 24, 2011

Thanks for the article. I love cats and dogs and all other Godly creatures. The devastation is incredible. Those poor people and those poor animals without their human companions. Animals are family and they also deserve to be rescued. You can definitely see where that poor animal's loyalty laid, with his/her mate/friend, I loved the fact that the animal lay in front of the others head to protect it. I am really glad to hear that rescuers are doing their best to unite the pets with their human friends. God Bless You All.