More than two years have passed since the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami which devastated so many lives, but as we learnt after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, we are in this for the long haul. That means that the animals rescued at that time who are still with us, have to be cared for as long as it takes. After the Kobe quake, owners regularly came to visit at first but as time passed, they came infrequently and in the end stopped coming. Some of those animals were with us for 10 years and passed away at ARK. The Hanshin area is quite close to ARK, a couple of hours drive away, Tohoku on the other hand is very far but even so, some owners managed to come here last year. However, most of the owners we know, are unable to take their pets back due to housing and other problems.

Meanwhile our work continues to rescue other animals in need of help. Some - as always - because of irresponsible owners, over-breeding, abandonment or hoarding. But there are more genuine reasons; owners die, have to go into care or are hospitalized. Divorce, bankruptcy, major changes in family circumstances are all reasons why people might regretfully have to give up a pet. We continue to be a refuge for animals in need, whatever the situation.

In March a small group of ARK staff were able to visit several shelters in the UK to see first hand how large organizations there, with many years of experience, care for homeless pets. We were all impressed by the designs and scale of the facilities and the high standards of animal care. With all this in mind, we are hoping to have the first kennel building at Sasayama started within this year.

Thank you all for your continuing help and support.