Update 18th January 2012

Akita-ken: Kiritan, rescued from Koriyama Hokenjo, Fukushima, 13th January 2012

Kiritan is a female Akita estimated to be around 3 to 5 years old. She was found wandering around a small town in Fukushima with 5 other dogs for one month. After the other dogs disappeared, Kiritan was left alone, several people who had been caring for her took her to Koriyama-hokenjo, where they hoped she would find a home. Unfortunately, Koriyama-hokenjo does not have a shelter that holds big dogs like Kiritan; however, they put her in Yokuryujo for a temporary stay. After 2 weeks, the hokenjo had to try and find Kiritan a home. ARK was then asked to take Kiritan in for the hopes of her possibly being adopted. Koriyama-hokenjo told us that Kiritan had a strange black crust about 5 cm thick starting from the middle of her spine all the way down to the base of her tail, and she is also missing hair around that area. We took her to the Nakata sensei, and test results showed she had no sign of fleas and ticks, the reason still remains unclear. However, she has not been prescribed any medication.

Despite her health condition, Kiritan seems to be willing to learn, as she has already grasped the meaning of the word 'house' as she goes into her kennel when requested, as well as beginning to learn many other commands. As of now, Kiritan is currently staying with a professional dog trainer, so that will greatly help her learning skills and basic training. It should also be noted that Kiritan would do best in a household where there is experience with handling bigger dogs, as well as knowledge of the Akita breed.

Three puppies were also rescued from Fukushima this month, one, called Ichiko has a severe eye infection and has been hospitalised.

-Tokyo ARK

I shall be attending a symposium on the Animal Protection Law due for revision this year, on January 20th in Tokyo.

Elizabeth Oliver