Furry stories

Meet Aimee--she's the cat! Once upon a time, I sat up nights with another volunteer, working to help keep some tiny little kittens alive, that JCN had rescued from animal control. Aimee was one of them. We prayed, and we hoped, and we loved, and somehow, against all odds, she survived. She grew up and she found her way into the hearts and home of a wonderful family. That might have been the end of the story, and honestly, it would have been enough for me. But it doesn't end there...Aimee's family contacted us wanting to help with our rescue efforts in Fukushima. They have gone on to foster puppies, adult dogs, another cat, and to do many other things to help get lots of rescues into loving homes. I got a chance to see some of these happy pets and their families, over the past couple of days in Tokyo!

This is Pickle, one of five Fukushima puppies that might have been drowned, if not for us. That's what happened to those that came before her, but lucky for little Pickle, we were able to intervene. Now she lives with a loving family, and gets to visit with her brother Stewie at the dog park.



Stewie lives with Aimee, and is becoming a big cuddly old softie! You can see Stewie, as a dirty little puppy in Namie with Takumi (puppy on right).

 

Stewie loves other dogs, even those that aren't his siblings. Kumi, is a well loved playmate, and it was a thrill to see this happy dog come for a visit, too. She wasn't always so relaxed or healthy...Kumi was born outside to a left behind dog, and she was one of a lucky three that survived. We found her, and got her to the vet just in time. She was nervous and still on her guard for the first months, but her new adoptive mom has won her over and has completely changed the way that Kumi views the world. I was surprised when Kumi happily greeted me and ran around playfully, without one hint of fear. Kumi and her bother Taku's rescue video can be seen here.

Jimi was there, too! Jimi was a kitty that showed up at one of our feeding stations and insisted on coming back with us to shelter. He followed me right to the van! He seemed to have a lot of stories to tell us, and to be very grateful for some people to finally share them with.

And then there's Paul, another Fukushima rescue. This playful happy boy no longer has a care in the world, and he is so very loved. Many hands and hearts went into his rescue and recovery, in order to bring him to this life that he enjoys...sunny mornings on his enclosed balcony and nights wrapped around his papa's feet! Mom Sylvia juggles adoption help with an amazing amount of other support work for JCN--she even helped get a wandering dog to safety in the Tokyo area this week, while I was along for the ride. Ran out with her slip lead in hand, and waited until we were sure that guardians would easily be found, so that the dog could be returned home. 

Just a few more furry reminders as to why we are here, why we are working so hard, and why we need more help. Every cat and dog out there trying to survive on their own, and waiting for rescue, has a story. It could end there, on the side of some road, with no one ever even to tell it. Or it could begin all over again in a happy loving home, with people who care...it all depends on us.

(more photos in my facebook albums)