One dog...

In Japan, if you do something a little different, even if there is a difference that you can barely notice, it shocks a fair few.

Here, rules are rules, and people like to stick by them. Whether it is a recipe for takoyaki (octopus dumplings), or the way you sit and behave in school, to the number and types of animals you may keep.

Some cultures teach people to be different, to express themselves in many ways and not be shy. Other cultures are not like this. This is all fine, but one must respect the other, or at least pretend to...

Today's rant refers to pets.

We are noticing a change in attitude from the people around us. Whether idle gossip has actually sparked a change, or we are just being paranoid after recent events, something in the air is different.

'Ah, you have TWO dogs', they say as we walk together in the fields. Everyone around here has one, at least one big one. There were three shitzus walking without leads yesterday, but they are small dogs, so I am guessing that is ok.

So, once again, we, the quirky ones, are changing the way things roll.

All we are trying to do is help, but, it seems that concept is lost. The words 'volunteer' and 'NGO/NPO' are understood, but the actions and work behind them are not.

Keeping two dogs here is not easy. Elbi is, in his own right, enough work. Susie cannot stop barking when left alone. Today being the worst day so far! I tried to walk Elbi three times and then resigned myself to bringing Susie out once more so she wouldn't bark.

We don't need anyone else making things more difficult.

That said, one of the guys and his dog did stop to say hello for the first time today. Maybe the vibe is not as bad as I think...


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My Day

Thought I would log this for my own amusement in the future (and now!) apologies for the nothingness of it!

5am...wake up, help hubby out of house, make breakfast, feed dogs.

6am...hubby is out the door, try and okay with dogs for a while, dogs crazy, elbi cheeky, Susie playful. They need the garden and they need it dry. Go away rain

6.30-7.30...walk dogs, separately. First Susie, then Elbi. Susie is not bothered by the rain and just wants to run! The rain stops for Elbi.

7.30-8.30..get ready for work, sort the dogs out. Susie has to stay outside. Painful for me and for her. The rain starts again, she isn't used to being outside so much. Breaks my heart, but we have to. (she stops whining after about half an hour and actually does go into the kennel after much bribing with lots of food and snacks.)

8.18...write this, run out of house for work

9am-2pm...work, the rush back home for dogs. Going to walk them together later. Can't wait to see them.

3pm...home after quick dash for poop bags and small random things.

8pm...and I am wondering where the last 5 hours went?????

I took the dogs for a walk, together. It was so windy that we had to run with the wind across the fields. We met (for the first time ever) a big ( and I mean massive!), ten year old Labrador. I chatted with the owner for a bit, but Elbi was sick. When they left, Susie's lead slipped off and use ran after her new boyfriend! It was a close call. She could run off into the night if she wanted to. Apparently, she has escaped from two carriers before!

The storm arrives good and proper with all sorts of things blowing away and the garden being destroyed (again) in the process. Can't wait for a sunny day to repair the greenery.

I guess hubby came home around 5, we made some dinner of curry udon! Great way to finish off a delicious curry. We do love udon!

Catching up on emails and the like bring us to now, 8.03. I am going to read Kentaro, my first novella. It is in it's final stages of editing, and like many things, the nearer the end, the more I procrastinate away from it.

And that is a day in the life of me, the new countryside Lee! What a change, eh! I love it!!


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Location:Kasukabe,Japan

Get out my way!!!!!

What follows is not a rant, surprise, surprise.

Here is a little list of the things (read 'creatures'!) that I have seen on my travels here in Kasukabe.

Amongst all the madness, we are still adapting to the countryside life and i marvel at the beauties I see each day.

Walking the dog (read 'dogs'), there have been a few things that you certainly would never find on your travels elsewhere.

If you walk at dusk, you witness an amazing sunset, but, if you leave the house a little later, you may miss it, but you won't miss the mystery the darkness brings.

The little frogs may jump ahead of you, moving from field to field. Sometimes they are camouflaged and match the colour of the road. Other times, they are a stunning green. I believe I posted a picture of them already. Either way, Elbi is bound to spot them and chase after them!

This weekend, on a walk with Susie, there was a duck up ahead waddling along. Sensing our approach, he flew into the filed itself. We often see ducks together, sometimes in pairs sitting in the rice fields. It is a cute sight. This one is just a loner enjoying the sunset...


On Sunday, Ian and I were surprised to see a turtle on the road. I'm not sure where he was headed as it looked like he was leaving the lake and the wet life behind him, but we let him be and dragged Elbi away.

This morning, out with Susie, there were the remains of a crab, yes, crab. I didn't even double take, I stopped, looked down and stared hard. All that remained was a pincer, just the one and a small part of the body shell. The lake was about a two minute human walk away, so a fair feat for the sideways-walking creature, only to be had for a late supper by a devilishly hungry crow no doubt.

Seeing so much nature around you is great. You really do stop to appreciate it. It's like being on holiday, although today isn't anymore. They typhoon/tropical storm/ heavy winds and rain have set in for the night. It doesn't sound pleasant at all outside. It does make me wonder what will wash up in the storm tomorrow....







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Location:Kasukabe,Japan

JEARS WISH LIST

JEARS WISH LIST ON AMAZON

JEARS now has a wish list, for those who want to donate, but don't know what to choose, how to send it, etc etc.

Amazon can do it all for you!!

All cards should work, so please click away!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Animal lovers? It's just a different mentality.

I feel like I can't say to much right now, but yet, there is a rant and a half brewing.

The good thing is that I write from almost-the-flip-side.

Setbacks, knockdowns,we all have them and the reason we have them is to see how we all bounce back from them.

Right now, I am perched down as I type, sat outside a kennel, where little Susie is sleeping/eating her new bone/ looking lovingly into my eyes.

She is just a lovely dog, and we have had a great few days with her.

Unfortunately, there have been other factors that have ruined our relaxed vibe here and also put her permanently outside in the kennel.

Animals are 'cared' for ever so differently here in Japan.

Even our neighbour is a prime example. They have a beautiful chocolate brown labrador, and as much as they might love her, she lives chained up, outside in a kennel. She might go inside when the father of the house comes home, until then, she barks at anything that moves, but more out of frustration, I think than anything else.

She is lovely, but, when I go to the side of the house for the recycling, I can see her big poo, piled just at the end of the area where the chain reaches.
The pet culture here is harsh and for some reason, I am only just waking up to it.

I have seen marmosets in the pet store before. And while this shocked me beyond sickness, I did my research and sadly found out that this was not illegal. And the day before yesterday, we saw some marmosets in cages here in Kasukabe. I am not sure what kind of shop it was but I would suspect that they are 'on display'. Sick.

A few weeks ago, we saw a man with a monkey on his shoulder just a-walkin' along. I did a few double takes, tempted to run over there and question the dude, but, the monkey seemed happy enough.

The idea of having a pet is to make the animal happy, and they, in turn, make you happy or am i missing something?

In Japan, animals are sold in small boxes from a far-too-early age. Some kittens and puppies can barely open their eyes, yet they are being sold for 100 000 plus (more often double) yen.

When they get to a certain age, where they aren't seen to be cute any more, (tender age of 3 months sometimes...) they aren't in the shops any more.

Speculation says that they are sent to hokenjos to be gassed.

Unwanted animals are gassed in Japan. Something like 500 000 animals are killed there each year. They don't all come from pet stores, they can simply be abandoned and, as you can imagine at this time, from the earthquake and tsunami.

And then, there are the cases of those not euthanised properly, not giving treatment when sick, so they just get sicker....

Right now, I feel disheartened. So many people are working towards doing the right thing for animals, yet others lack the heart even with their own animals.

It doesn't even take that much effort from the start. If only we can think first.

Maybe then a dog won't be abandoned in a ditch and left starving and shellshocked, but not from the earthquake and tsunami. How could you do that to your pet? Why have the pet in the first place? Let's just hope that the owner and animal actually aren't reunited...!





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Pictures..The JEARS flyer

OK, so, yesterday I had my first success (apart from my work, who who probably drawn by some sort of obligation).

Here is the flyer at the local supermarket....I had the chance to check it today and unlike the pet store, they have actually put it up!!

And as for my day?

Well, Susie arrived! Our little survivor friend from the north!!

By now, she has travelled around more of Japan than most of us! Remember, I had met her in Niigata? Well, she had come from Tohoku before moving there. And then, she was taken to HEART, Tokushima. now, finally she has been delivered to us! Bless her!

Here is her meeting Elbi. We are sure they will get along.

There may be a small adjustment period, but she loves love, just as much as Elbi, so we will be sure to give it and share it!

It is great to be able to be part of the continuing JEARS story.

If you are reading this and know someone able to foster or adopt, please contact someone at jears - foster@jears.org

The JEARS flyer

They accepted my flyer (you know the one to collect donations), at the local supermarket!!!!!

And it only took two members of staff and a phone call to a third!!!

I was so taken aback when the lady came and said it was OK that i was all about ready to take the laminated flyer back from her and out it in my bag!

This is such a good thing for us. Remember I have said earlier that the flyer was nowhere to be seen at the let store where I they accepted it. And remember there have been a couple of pointless rejections. This could be a turning point!

Now, if word can spread...

Also in the good news stakes today, we got a phone call about Susie! They will try to bring her tomorrow from Heart. (Tsunami survivor! I met her at the end of March on my first trip with JEARS, she was in Niigata at the time.)

Things are very exciting indeed!

And this weekend, we will have our food drive for the animals,so let's see how much we can collect!!

Rest assured there will be plenty of pics! Here is another one is Susie in the meantime.





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Location:Kasukabe,Japan

People, Priorities

Everyone has their own agenda. It doesn't mean that people are selfish per se, but it does make many more inward-looking than others.

We all have our own little bubble to live in, whether it is one with the family, young and old, or one alone, independently surviving the world we live in.

Whatever the situation, it takes a lot for someone to step out of this bubble.

When it comes to helping others, we need to be in a position to actually offer the help, as well as actually care to give it.

A wake up call to assistance, might be direct involvement in a tragedy, experience of being a victim, or quite simply, watching a news item.

Whatever it may be, it takes heart, soul and determination to want to help and support a cause.

In the past, I have been in grandiose performances at various theatres in London where it was all about the glitz and glamour of the event rather than the charity the event was supporting. However, these bashes, do make so much money for needy causes, even if they do display the latest trends and fashions in the process.

One particular performance we did was attended by Princess Ann for Children in Need. I still remember her words ''One doesn't have to like children to work with them.''

What a kick in the face. So many groups of children from stage schools and dance schools had been belting out songs all day long at the huge Royal Albert Hall, not to mention the children we were singing for!

I am not sure why she would have even said that in the first place.

You do need to care, or else how can you support the cause properly?

Everyone has their own agenda.

For me, it's animals. It haas always been animals, since I was young ( I didn't have the choice when I was at dance school). Whether it is gibbons in the rainforest or cats on the street, I feel for them.

Put those animals in the country I adore so much after a dreadful tragedy and I feel I must help.

What I can do is small, but so many small things together make for a big dose of love.

I am so grateful to so many people helping me personally and also helping the causes I support.

Check out these groups on facebook. If you are in Japan and want to help, get in touch!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DIRECT-HELP-for-victims-and-animals-REJECTED-from-shelters-in-JAPAN/185436641502603

((http://www.silvervine.net/volunteer.html))

https://www.facebook.com/AnimalRescueJapan

((www.jears.org))

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-HEAL-Japan/163723737018466
((http://www.teamheal.jp/))

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Caroline Pover of 'Being-a-Broad', has been doing so much to help Japan. And in this blog, she mentions the Sendai house!!

Awesome, http://www.carolinepover.info/2011/05/part-2/


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Pulling teeth

So, we went to the pet store yesterday and there is no sign of my donations notice anywhere.

It is so tiring. There is either red tape preventing me from getting the message across or there is the general notion that I am a foreigner with a flyer and that is all.

The post office near our house told me to come back another day when a more senior member could authorise me putting up the notice. It is just frustrating, there is space on the board and it is causing no harm.

More annoyingly so, this is a gesture so small that is helping the country in something so big.

The notice basically explains about JEARS and says that if you want to donate, here is the Sendai address or, if you want to give locally in Saitama, just call me, Lee.

It is not a rude, demanding nor forceful notice at all. I just cannot comprehend why no one will accept it.

One supermarket said a flat 'no'.

I need to adjust the techniques. One friend has suggested approaching vets at their clinics with a phot album and asking for a donation box to be put in their clinic. Sound good, right?

But, I know of just one clinic in this area....

Still, there are some more shops and people I can approach.

Next week is our food drive, where friends will come and visit us and bring something to contribute for the animals.

I even had the mother of two kids, (not even my students, such is the generosity) offer me big bag of food and snacks at school.

I now need to transport the +6kg bag home!

Basically, I want to return to Tohoku in a few weeks. I want to see Namiko San and her dog too and I want to be able to actually contribute more to the endless need for food and supplies.

Right now, I have to mail a girl about cat supplies!

Let the collection begin!!


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Location:Kasukabe,Japan

Help from afar...

An English vet came to join JEARS in its rescue mission!!

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/9009045.Vet_returns_from_earthquake_pet_rescue_mission_in_Japan/



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home normal

Just for passers-by...

www.homenormal.com

which just happens to be my husband's shop, is donating all the profits for the music sold to the charities we are helping with directly. That means no faffing, no waiting, just donating!!!

Enjoy the music xxx

Slightly worrying...

Not being alarmist, but, this just caught my eye. The spread of radiation is evident.

I had heard that there could be another extension of the zone. This is by no means confirmed, but looking at this makes me slightly worried.

Even more so, is the random patch of radiation in Chiba (not too far from where we live at all....).

The levels are still low and we must put into perspective everything we have learnt about sieverts so far.

http://static.ow.ly/photos/original/aAT2.png

(photo taken from https://www.facebook.com/Tokyo.Radiation.Levels - a very useful page indeed, putting many people's mind at rest. Thank you.)






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Location:Kasukabe,Japan

Typhoon

Kasukabe has so many frogs that it is something rather special taking Elbi for his evening walk. You literally have to side step them all as they hop from lake to rice field.

It has been a soggy, damp week. It hasn't helped the mood. It is important to recover and re-align from all the activities of late, but not easy when the weather also knocks it out of you.

Last Sunday, there was a rally for the animals in Fukushima, to make the government aware of what they had (not) done. Over 600 people attended in full force. One JEARS member, Katrina, was interviewed there -

And, it appears, some of the petitions worked and this week, some residents were allowed into their homes. But, a quick hour was all they had to collect as many possession they would need for a length of time they would not know.

Here is a story I found. It was a very real explanation of what it was like and it makes it all too real how horrible life still is, 2 months on, for so many people.

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105110150.html

So, while some residents are cramming possessions, urgent medication and clothes into their small plastic bags, I heard that there is a possibility of the zone being extended. Apparently, there is more leakage of radioactive waste into the water and there was mention of a potential meltdown of number 1 reactor if they try and flood it.

The news is so exhausting each day. I am assured by the fact that there are so many amazing people out there doing their bit to help and make things better. They give me the strength I need too.

I am making more plans to return to the north, but this takes time and money. I will probably go in a few weeks time. In the meantime, there is still plenty to be done from my little white desk. I am also trying to get the local stores to put up a little flyer saying that people can send donations directly to Sendai or, they can call me and I will collect from them locally.

Can you believe one store actually refused me? They are a supermarket in a shopping centre, so they said I should speak with the centre's security first. What I didn't get was that they had a notice board right there. all I needed was a pin!

So much for me thinking that the mentality for volunteering and helping had changed. Well, it was just one lady, and she shall not deter me in my efforts.

On a similar note. I had a meeting this week (tired Monday after work and in Tokyo - Ugh) for Kalaweit (Gibbon rescue, Indonesia). I was trying to petition for Kalaweit, the Japan branch as it were, (https://www.facebook.com/KalaweitInJapan) to get a stall at this year's Fuji Rock festival. Basically, they have an NPO village and having a stand there would be perfect for promotion for Kalaweit in this country. Again, I wanted to share with people about the rainforests of Indonesia and the possibility of volunteering in Borneo.

After much faffing about and last minute requests for translations that they could have asked for months ago when I applied, I managed to complete every single thing they asked for, despite their demands. but, did we get through? NO!

I was told it was because there were too many applicants.Mmm. It is a shame though, because the people at the festival would be the type to want to go learn about the rainforests and the gibbons....

On the same note, it makes me want to return to see the animals of the forest. It is a life I love! We watched 'Gorillas in the mist' today, and as sad as it is at the end, there is nothing that quite beats the magic of these awesome creatures, all of them.

In the meantime, I am still updating my Indo blog from my last visit... http://leonoraonthemove.blogspot.com/

There has been quite a bit of soul deflating news this week and general depressing media stories, especially in Europe. Tonight, I just read about a poor woman getting beheaded in a supermarket in Tenerife?!?!?! What kind of world do we live in???

So, when things get you down, you have to remember that there is so much good still in the world.

Here is a story of yet another rescue from Fukushima. God bless these little creatures and all the people working to save them.

Pets in Fukushima

This is a harsh reminder of the reality residents of Fukushima face.
This video is in Japanese with English subtitles.
Yoshida San, speaks very candidly about her situation. She is right, Japan should be a respectful country, however, these incidents prove it is not so.
Owners will be allowed to go get their pets now, but not until Mid-May.
The government has left these creatures to STARVE. There is a rally today in Tokyo for animals lost and animals still suffering. If you can show your support, please do

Details are here - http://animaldemo.blog.fc2.com/

And, as Yoshida San requests, please continue to support the animal welfare organisations in Japan, JEARS is one of them! Thank you! (https://www.facebook.com/AnimalRescueJapan // www.jears.org))

So, I was late to work this morning because...

1. There was a frog in my recycling...

2. I had to talk with the neighbours

3. I had to sort out some starving dogs......

Last night, after going to bed and closing the eyes, the iPad beeped, and these days, it is not something I can ignore.

I got a tweet forwarded to me from one of the JEARS team in America! Two dogs, one starving, found outside an apartment in Sendai, not far from the JEARS apartment, in fact!

Here is the picture...http://p.twipple.jp/yRgRG

In fact, it was a forwarded forward of a tweet, such is the love and care of some people.

Anyway, into the night, fighting off the sleep, I had to pass on messages to people nearby. Who could go? What was the situation? And, most importantly, how can I sleep until this is resolved?

When I showed the picture to Ian, I think he was shocked too. They were outside an apartment. Had someone just run off and left them there??

I think I went to sleep at 1am. We (JEARS peeps ) were up messaging each other for ages, and tweeting here and there to get a precise location from the actual tweeter...

Up for (Ian's) work at 5am and back online.

Kinship could go perhaps a little later in the day. It took a good few messages to get this information, not to mention the facebook updates...

Then Lexi managed to phone me (I couldn't call her american mobile phone for some reason). She hadn't realised the tweet picture she had seen last night from another volunteer's mail in the apartment ( I had sent to Kate) was the same report as the messages I was sending her.

'We will go right away' She stated. Thank god!

This is a fine example of team work, people rallying round to support one another, wherever they may be!

The dogs are now fine and have seen the vet (Sasaki Sensei from the other day).

One is dehydrated beyond belief and not eating so much and the other is eating fine and actually seems fine.

Their story? They are, along with owner (at least there is one?) evacuees from Minami Soma, but , as you can imagine, relocation after earthquakes, a tsunami and radiation , is a lot to handle. The owner was sad to realise she had been doing a bad job at keeping her dogs healthy.

One thing I shall ask here is that we refrain from judgement. We can all so easily say 'Oh, but I would have one this' etc, but I must reiterate the circumstances and the sheer pressure on people, not to mention the false advice given from the government. At least this owner is with her dogs, and we now have many friends of mine, of JEARS, who will look in on her to make sure they are ALL ok!

As for the frog, well, that is just part of the countryside life! All the rice fields are full of water, welcoming endless beauties, along with their heavy 'song'.

Rescue Animals

Back at the apartment on Monday night, we were to have some new arrivals.

Rescued from the City hall in Ofunato, Iwate, there were two Dachshunds, Romeo & Juliet, who pretty much did everything together.

There were lots of cats,

One pregnant mummy with a pregnant daughter!

And another mummy with two very small kittens!!

And then there was the Shiba, who was the most handsome thing I have ever seen. He has no one. The others have family, but they cannot be taken care of by them at this time. This Shiba needs love and a family.

I almost took him with me!!!

Had Elbi not been a male, and well, Elbi...That dog would be coming here in a car on Saturday!!!

Let's find him a home!!! SOON!!!

I'm a volunteer...article

I have put this article online.

While it is great people are helping, there are still places lacking the love, help and respect they need in the north of Japan.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8971590-im-a-volunteer

- So, what did you do this Golden Week?

- Oh, I. Went to Tohoku to volunteer....and insert here the story of a beach clean up, cooking meals at evacuation centres, collecting rubble etc.

Volunteering is the new 'boom' it seems in Japan. And this is great, not just because the north needs all of our help right now, but because it will hopefully teach us all so much more about charities, donations, and the real meaning of helping a needy cause.

Having lived in Japan for five years and having worked with various organisations both here and abroad, (mostly helping animals in need), I noticed how different things were here in Japan.

While people here are very helpful and generous overall, it is slightly different when it comes to the bigger picture.

Of course there exists the big organisations like the Japanese Red Cross Society and even international NPOs, like World Hunger Relief, but only these big ones seem to get noticed.

Various countries have fun runs, mini marathons, all sorts of sponsored events, all to raise money for causes. Sadly, none of that really happens here.

I did a sponsored bike ride around the Yamanote line a couple of years ago in order to raise money for an organisation I support in Indonesia. This was shortly after the big earthquakes they had in Sumatra and the organisation had an office damaged and a boat missing too.

When I explained to people what it was I was doing and why, they were happy to help, but for many, it was the first time they had heard of something like this. You give money to someone you may not even know so well so they can send it to who? Crazy stuff.

But, this is what I know. Fundraising events are great for promoting awareness and getting people involved. Since the awful tragedies of March 11, people the world over have rallied around with all sorts of ways to raise money, send donations etc, including within Japan.

It has hit home hard how much some people need that bit of extra help and love that comes from an outside source. What does it matter if you don't know the person to whom you are sending new shoes to? What does it matter that you don't know who will enjoy the food you are sending up? The important factor here is that you are doing it and sending it with love, which is perfect for our friends in the north.

Being able to travel to the north to lend a hand is another grand gesture. So what if Golden Week is short, what is a day or two here or there? So many people are giving up their time and money to help.

This is amazing. The giving spirit that Japan is already well know for is now being shared to the wider community. People aren't so withdrawn anymore, we are all open to giving and receiving much more freely than before.

I don't doubt that this will continue. The want to share, to help, to give is boundless. We just need to be aware that all the people affected by March 11 are being helped.

The big organisations are sending all the volunteers to the areas you may hear about in the news, but Tohoku is big. So big in fact, that not everyone is getting the help they need.

Apparently, there were 300 000 volunteers in Tohoku this Golden Week, yet I was in Shichigahama and we were five. This was an area overlooked by the Government. house are just about intact, but damp. Access to shops is limited as is the water, the gas and provisions are scarce.

So, while it will always be a great thing to help and lend a hand, why not try to look for the small groups in need of assistance. Then your volunteering love will go to people not really sharing this current 'boom'.

Gambarre Tohoku. Let's keep the fighting spirit strong.

Bumps

By the light of day during my journey home (from the bus as I write), I can see the freshly painted parts of the expressway, along with the cracks and small rubble at the side of the road, memories of March 11.

I'm getting used to these rocky road trips now. The bus just hit a huge bump just now, the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the bump feels, I guess.

The Tohoku Expressway is one of the nicer routes to take. You can actually see the countryside and towns nearby and appreciate the beauty around.

Gambarre Tohoku.

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Location:Tohoku Expressway

Today isn't a public holiday

So, I had a plan for the morning and I had help from Susan M's husband ( Heart, Tokushima) who was calling up the Aigo centre on my behalf. They were ready for my visit. It was not officially a public holiday today, so it was a good day for action

Apparently, we had already visited this centre, but it doesn't hurt to go and explain and to give more leaflets etc. With the new base in Sendai, it was important for these people to know that there was more help nearby. Face to face makes such a difference and now that we have a base just down the road, it is important that they know that, any animals in need can come to us.

The centre was nice, there were dogs outside, almost 40 we were told. They also have ponies and a goat as is is used as an educational trip for school kids. I do think goats are the best and cannot wait to have a farm with a few!

The dogs there had mostly come from Ishinomaki, and apparently had owners. We sat with the man in charge (Takamura San?) and talked a lot about rescue operations in general and what would happen to these animals. The aigo centre is a no kill centre, but the animals are often handed to the Hokenjos and this is where the animals are given one week to live and gassed if noone comes to collect them.

It is very important we establish good ties to all these places so that they know we are there. It has to be said, though, that intervention is hard. People follow the rules so closely that it makes our work even more difficult.

So, after a long chat and even some green tea, Fumiko and I headed off. I was lucky to have her offer to drive me for without a car in Sendai, it is not easy to get around, especially at this time.

When Fumiko heard that I needed to be in Shichigahama next, she offered, once again to take me there, one way only this time because she had to work. Work was apparently 'on the way' although, I realised that it wasn't and I also made her late. But, such was her generosity, it was 'daijyobu' (alright).

We drove for a while and even got lost towards Tagajo town. As per usual on these road trips, the destruction we witnessed was insane. Left and right, houses were left bare, trucks crumpled and belongings scattered everywhere.

We eventually found the right coastal area, I recognised the gas station from the day before. As we drove up a little in the direction of Fumiko San's house, I noticed a dog chained up to a really badly damaged house.

He looked very hungry indeed, and the house was not habitable at all. There was the 'unsafe' sign too.

I got some snacks for the hungry dog who had no water in his bowl either an then, just to the side of the house, I saw a lady doing her laundry, I think.

I was amazed that someone would be here.

She explained to us that she took care of the dog and she eventually told us that this was her house.

Now, to give you some idea, the downstairs had been torn through by the tsunami, the windows were smashed, the walls cracked, yet she happily stated that they were living and sleeping upstairs.

To paint the picture further, In front of her house remains the space for the three houses that stood between hers and the coastline. Needless to say, they are there no more.

I persisted with questions, 'what can I do to help you now?' ' can I clean?' 'can I give more dog food?', All my questions had good intentions but felt so weak. She laughed them all off insisting that she was ZEN ZEN DAIJYOBU!, FINE!!!! She made ME to appear the one in need!

She was a lovely lady. I had a big bag of dog food to share with this neighbourhood, so I was very happy to offer her some. She was clutching to the bag tight in this picture.

Namiko San, the lovely obachan, hopped in the car to guide us up to Fumiko's house. My directions were shot and she was of way better strength, I was still holding back tears, while she wore a great big smile!

Yumi came to collect us, we dropped the lovely Namiko San off and went back to Yougai.

The team were cleaning out the hut and the warehouse today. I joined in for a while. The pomeranian would be coming to Fumiko's house at 3pm, and then we would all head to the vet together. I have been put in touch with Sasaki Sensei. He has been helping out a lot with animals all over the affected areas. We would meet him later.

The hut that you can see in the top right corner had been completely displaced by the water and everything inside the hut and the outhouse had been soaked and ruined. We were helping to remove item, dry and dispose of if needed.

At around 3pm, we headed back up to Fumiko's house.

There to meet us along with Fumiko was the dog and the family, mum and two daughters. We discussed the situation wit the dog in more details. I had been emailing and talking with Sasaki Sensei and he had given me some particular questions to ask. The Dog, Marron chan, was barely eating and since the quake had been sick a lot. We had to take him to see Sasaki Sensei, all the way in South Sendai.

This would have been an easy trip had it not been for the traffic and the mistake in the address!!

I slipped up a digit and got us lost just around the corner from where we needed to be. We were almost running to another vet, such was the need to see one, but that would have been bad.

I backtracked and found on my phone a mobile number. we were in!

He was a great vet, saw to Marron chan and gave him some meds and snacks, and spoke with us for a while about his work. He has a folder in his clinic with all the media related articles that exist re. his work in the earthquake relief. Amongst them are some letters of thanks too from international vet organisations. We were very honoured to be working with him. He accepted our JEARS leaflets and added them to the collection.

So, today was all about establishing contacts and joining forces. People helping each other, whether direct or indirect. Without each other's support, things are more complicated. Let's keep helping each other.

Location:Sendai & Shichigahama, Miyagi

May Day

When the door opened to the JEARS apartment, I was greeted by so many faces, it was hard to keep track! There must have been about 9 people there at that time, plus Omori San, who lives upstairs.

It was a crazy encounter; I dumped my bags, got some donations from Yumi, and quickly got changed into some trousers. I packed my rain boots, my waterproofs and was good to go.

Today, I was going with Yumi's gang. I wanted to help them a little, like they helped me and also, Shichigahama is an area I am fond of as we used to go there often for so many beach BBQs.

Shichigahama still doesn't have water, local shops have limited supplies and you cannot even pee in a local convenience store, now that is saying something as usually, a convenience store sorts you out for everything.

So, why are we here? The whole of Tohoku has suffered from the events of March 11th, and so many people have suffered in so many ways. We see on the news endless tales of destruction and loss and it is to these areas only where the majority of money, food and volunteers go.

Shichigahama is a set of bays and the shape of these bays meant that some of the destruction was lessened. Small islands out to sea or inlets held of the tsunami just a little and this meant that the damage was not as severe as in some other coastal towns.

So, in Shichigahama, there are still many houses missing, flattened or ruined by the wave, but there are still many standing. And, it is for this reason the people are put aside by the Japanese Government. I suppose the logic is that they have a house, so they are OK.

This is far from true. Water is still limited if any at all, food supplies are lacking as shops cannot get deliveries still. Those with cars can access shops further away, but they must still be careful, as gas is limited too.

Yumi had heard the story of people in Shichigahama and knew she had to do something to help.

First stop was Fumiko's house.

Fumiko used to live down below by the water a long time ago. She sold her house and moved uphill. Of her former house, all that remains is the second floor. The house itself, or what is left, has been thrown over towards other buildings. Fumiko must be feeling glad for her decision to move, but, rather than dwell upon selfish mullings, she, has taken to helping all her local neighbours. She is a very jovial lady, full of energy, spirit and a lot of laughter!

We started to set down the donations (yumi had to takkyubin some of the boxes of clothes up as there simply was not enough room in the van!).

Meanwhile, Fumiko San was the first ( of many! ) to get her hair cut.

The donations were sorted out both inside and outside the house. The van was also reloaded for a wee journey down below. Some neighbours came and collected some goodies.

We drove down to the coast and saw Fumiko's old house, along with more destruction.

The harbour had bad damage and one area

was being used as a central

dumping ground for garbage. Amongst the wood and the dirt, there was a small children's toy, a stark reminder of who may be among the victims.

Along the coast, some houses were fine, some houses missing, and some marked with signs that read, 'limited entry' or 'unsafe'.

You would not expect people to be living in such buildings, but they were, somehow, and getting on with it as best they could.

Donations were accepted graciously although in a fiercely proud nation, it can be hard to offer things, even at times like this.

We even delivered to a small gas station that was open, but surrounded by destruction.

Impressive, but sad, but life goes on and the clean up must continue.

Back at the house, we sorted through more donations and reloaded the van.

Haircuts were still going on in full swing, mostly obachans, older ladies whose mobility is limited. Everyone was grateful for the support and had a little chat with us. We even got an invite for coffee at a neighbour's house, but we had to keep going.

Next stop was Yougai, down by another bay. The fishing bay had a couple of boats overturned and on top of each other.

We went right to the end of the bay to a house at the end. From the drive, you can see the beginning of Matsushima Bay,

a bay famed for it's beautiful islands and ranked one of the top three sits in Japan. Apparently, the islands broke the tsunami wave a little and were not destroyed at all. Yokatta!

I could see the tourist boats going to and from the islands, business as usual, it seems. it is Golden Week after all.

We delivered more food donations and divided them up so each neighbour could receive a bag. I walked with Rena to one house nearby. She was an old lady, very cute. Her house was not in good shape and had the 'limited entry' sticker on it. She showed us a massive crack in the driveway as she laid down her bags by her kotatsu.

I suddenly felt very empty inside. How could this lady be alone? And living in a house that was not safe? She smiled and invited us for coffee, but we had to get back to help at the main house.

We loaded the van with garbage to take to the tip. The tip was a big open space with a massive collection of frisbee, televisions, computers, not to mention rubble, all collected since March 11. There was a bad smell too.

Over by the fridges, there was a collection of toys with the Japanese flag blowing in the wind next to them. Yet another horrid reminder of the young and helpless victims.

We made a couple of trips here, offloading many things that had been damaged in the outhouse, television, shelving unit, many toys, electrical goods etc.

The hut itself had been thrown to another area of the garden completely. It was now back where it belonged but it was still wet inside. Tomorrow's was to clean and dry out everything in the outhouse and the shed.

At the end of the day, we were welcomed into Fumiko's house for snacks and juice. We all chatted and shared stories. One lady had family in Ishinomaki and her father was living in a shelter there. He wants to kill himself because life is so slow to progress. He has nothing and just lives day by day in the centre with nothing to do. She, is plagued with worry, especially as he won't leave the area as it is hometown.

Yumi gave out some remedies for the ladies of the neighbourhood (she is a herbalist by trade) and hopefully, they will feel less stress very soon.

I was also introduced to a lady whose dog had been very sick since the earthquake. She has a pomeranian and he is hardly eating and also vomiting. All the vets in the area that she knows have had their clinics destroyed or lost in the tsunami. I had to act now to help her.I promised I could return either the next day or the one after with a solution, a vet or some meds, something, anything to help.

A few calls later and I knew who to contact. I would mail the vet later, a Sasaki Sensei who has been helping immensely since the disasters. We would get this dog better quickly!

We quickly popped into the neighbour for coffee, where her hospitality was just wonderful. One coffee and two green teas later (it would have been rude to refuse) along with a chocolate bar ( the generosity is astounding - remember, we are there to give them food!), my gamman and stretch was slowly fading. I would need the toilet very soon! We were all the same.

It had been almost eight hours of running around and work and not going to the loo. We had a portable toilet, kind or and if we really wanted to we could have used this...!!!

We drove off, leaving Maria still cutting hair, ( I think she helped almost thirty people by the end of the day!!). I had to get back to my base to see what was happening.

We eventually found a conbeeny with a toilet (!)

and treated ourselves to a post-pee coffee!

Much needed and well deserved!!

Back at the JEARS house, the teams were still out. One was in Iwate collecting cats and dogs at the city hall.

The others were in Fukushima.

I was alone for a while, so Fumiko (it's her mother's apartment we renting) popped over. Omori San upstairs had made curry for the volunteers, but they hadn't returned, so I could get double helpings!

I sent mails to the vet and spoke with Fumiko about an Aigo centre nearby. Usually an Aigo centre is a friendly place for the animals. It is the hokenjos where the animals have one week to live if no one collects them, sometimes these animals come form the aigo centre, so we though we would make a plan to go there's tomorrow morning. I also wanted to sort out the sick dog, so I had a plan, i just didn't have transport.

Thank goodness for friends and good people! Fumiko was coming to get me at 9am, from there, the rest would fall into place, I was sure of it.

Yumi has a page on facebook - Follow her and her team's work here -

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DIRECT-HELP-for-victims-and-animals-REJECTED-from-shelters-in-JAPAN/185436641502603

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Location:Shichigahama & Sendai, Miyagi