Dog is Dog's best friend

Was just checking the news on the disaster in Japan and came across this news item. If you follow the news item, you will see that both dogs are being cared for. Since I myself live in Canada's most dangerous earthquake zone, I can only hope that someone will look after my pets in the event I cannot.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/dog-japan-stays-side-ailing-friend-rubble-20110316-073316-158.html

Floppy dog, I saw this and it is heartbreaking. The devastation really puts things into perspective.
I am certain that our fellow Canadians would pitch in for sure if there was ever a disaster in Canada. Infact I am certain as they have extended themselves to other countries.
I don't know if you recall the ice storm here in Quebec a few years ago. Everyone, and every organization tried very hard. Due to the efforts, many dogs, cats and others were reunited with their families. Those that did not were put up for adoption.

I've seen this video a number of times now. So hard to watch, but everyone who posts it says they're being cared for now. The more seriously injured dog looks very setterish...which of course hits very near home.

And it makes me sad for the thousands of animals caught up in Japan's devastation that weren't as fortunate as these two were. :(

Thanks for posting, Floppydog. Definitely made me cry!
You are not to far from me (I'm in Victoria) and I share your hope-I hope that if I live here when we get hit, that my dogs will be rescued or looked after if we are separated.
(BTW Squamish is one of my favourite towns, I lived there for a couple of years and totally fell in love)

http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/03/19/update-loyal-tsunami-dogs-safe-at-veterinarians/32822/

UPDATE: 10:30 AM PST, March 19, 2011 –

MR. KENN SAKURAI RESPONDS TO GLOBAL ANIMAL

The co-founders of GlobalAnimal.org spoke by phone this morning with Mr. Kenn Sakurai, who last week claimed in his Facebook Page that he assisted in the rescue of the two dogs in the “Loyal Friends” video. Given the apparent health of the dogs in the video, particularly the white dog (pictured right), it remains unclear whether they have survived. We have asked for photos of the dogs to confirm their survival and safekeeping. Given the unconfirmed reporting of the fate of these two dogs, Global Animal is awaiting the requested photos to verify the rest of Mr. Sakurai’s story about the dog’s rescue before printing it. Mr. Sakurai clarified in our interview that the donations he is accepting on his Facebook page are not for these two dogs or their care.

UPDATE: 12:14 AM, March 18, 2011 – TSUNAMI DOGS’ SAFETY UNCONFIRMED

Truth is a moving target, and sometimes comes in the form of uncertainty, without being wrapped up in a quick happy ending. Global Animal has received many inquiries regarding the loyal tsunami dog video (above) and we now regret to say that sources saying these two dogs are safe are unconfirmed. Susan Mercer, from Heart-Tokushima, one of the three rescue organizations connected with Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue And Support, wrote the following to Global Animal:


“We are amazed at the amount of support we are receiving from the International community and are deeply grateful. Isabella and team searched until dark for the two dogs that appeared in the youtube video but were unable to locate them. It has been rumored that they were rescued but we have yet to see any photos or videos of them post-rescue. We will update you when we find documented proof of their well-being.”
In Global Animal’s follow-up interview with Susan Mercer, she categorically stated that Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support did not rescue these two dogs, even though they went searching for them. So, the three legitimate rescue organizations connected with JEARS don’t know the dogs’ whereabouts, despite reports from CNN and The Telegraph UK. CNN’s video report by Jeanne Moos reported the dogs were rescued, citing a Facebook entry by a man named Kenn Sakurais.

From a member of Nevada Voters For Animals, an animal rights group in Nevada, comes this:



“There still is NO CONFIRMATION those dogs were rescued. Many requests have been made to Kenn Sakurai, who claims to have rescued the dogs to provide some definitive proof of rescue (video, pics) and he refuses. A local investigative reporter in LV, NV has made requests and he will not respond. CNN reported rescue based on his FB updates, however, NO PROOF has been provided. This guy is either a Saint or a Fraud, not sure which. I requested on his facebook page to provide some sort of proof of the work he is doing since he is requesting donations and he quickly blocked me from his page and I believe he deleted my posts. WHY WILL HE PROVIDE NO PROOF? People from all over the world are donating to his organization but I fear he may be a fraud. I hope someone will prove me wrong by providing some sort of update on those dogs who have made him famous. Please do not perpetuate this fraud by asking people to donate to his org until he provides some shred of evidence of the work he is doing. How hard is it to snap a picture on a camera phone and upload? He had no problem posting updates on Facebook and asking for money.”

Global Animal has sent a message to Kenn Sakurai’s via his Facebook page asking him about the whereabouts of the dogs and for photographic proof that they are safe. We have not heard back yet. Global Animal is also in the process of finding the names of the veterinarians supposedly caring for the dogs to establish proof. Too little is known at this time of his intentions. If Ken Sakurai responds to us with photographic proof, Global Animal will report it immediately. Such is the nature of news in the social media age. Until proof can be established on the safety and whereabout of these dogs, Global Animal cannot recommend that donations be made to Kenn Sakurai on his Facebook page.


Our aim is to keep Global Animal readers updated as we continue to find out what is happening in a chaotic and often desperate situation. The truth is important. To this end, we will post continuous updates on this story and will notify Global Animal’s Facebook friends (“like” us on Facebook to receive updates). Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support is doing exceptional work. Susan Mercer explained to Global Animal that donations will provide food and water for the animals who are in evacuation sites with their guardians. Plus, they are actively trying to transfer lost and injured pets out of the devastated areas to safe undamaged areas, such as the HEART -Tokushima shelter.


There are terrific organizations and people on the ground working on behalf of animals. It’s important these organizations receive the help they need and not be lumped in with one person who may or may not share their impeccable actions. For those who want to donate to animal rescue efforts, Global Animal recommends that donations go directly to Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support and organizations that are supporting them and/or the other agencies on our “How To Help Japan’s Pets.”


GA

(TRANSLATION OF JAPANESE FILM CREW THAT FOUND THE DOGS) Many people questioned what the two men who found the dogs were discussing. The summary of the mens’ conversation in Japanese is: at first the two thought the injured dog was dead. They immediately called a vet for assistance for both dogs. The men say they wish they had brought food to give the dogs. You can hear their empathetic tone as they discuss the dogs and it seems their actions and follow-up got the dogs rescued.

(REGARDING ADOPTION INQUIRIES FOR THESE TWO DOGS) In response to those seeking to adopt the dogs, first efforts will be to find their guardians, then to find a home for them both in Japan. Global Animal will post an adoption update here if the dogs are available for adoption after these two options are exhausted.

Previous posts, now unconfirmed:

(UPDATE): 1:50 pm PST, March 16, 2011 – CNN and The Telegraph UK are reporting that both dogs received medical attention. The injured dog is currently at a veteranarian in Mito and the loyal white and brown spaniel friend is at a shelter with vet services in the same town. Everybody is hopeful for their full recovery.

(UPDATE): 2:20 pm PST, March 15, 2011 – According to a facebook entry, a resident of Japan, Kenn Sakurai, is reporting that both dogs were found alive in Mito, Ibaraki. And thanks to the efforts of Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, the two dogs are currently in the care of a local shelter.

We wish all the people and animals of Japan heartfelt love during this incomprehensibly difficult time. We know that the people of Japan will respond like these two friends, sticking together in this time of need. Ganbatte kudasai! (“Don’t give up!”) – Global Animal