Dog Art Today Turns 4: Please Give to Japan’s Pets

 

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A woman with her pet dog and belongings pauses on the way from her devastated area in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, Monday, March 14, 2011, AP Photo

Usually on this blog's birthday I raffle a gift to a Dog Art Today reader.  This year, I'm proposing we all give a gift in the form of a donation to World Vets.   This 501(c) 3 non-profit is already on the ground in Japan setting up shelters, working with local animal rescues, and coordinating veterinary treatment and shipments of medical supplies.  Any amount, even $1, would help. 

Please know, giving to an animal rescue by no means implies I value animals over people.  But many times pets are not allowed into shelters.  There are rumors that pet owners have tied zip lock bags with money to their dogs' collars, knowing they had to leave them behind, but providing for them with this small gesture.  Giving to World Vets is a way to support experts who can address the needs of these animals and give the other rescue teams, the ones focusing on human survivors, peace of mind.  (Dr. V at Pawcurious writes about "Why Animal Rescues Matter" eloquently here.)

On a personal note, I have been in many smaller earthquakes during my life in Los Angeles.  Every time, as the earth roared and turned to liquid, I clung to my dog and found stability.   I don't know what I would have done if I had to leave him behind.  Thank you in advance for your donations, and thank you for your continued readership of Dog Art Today.  It is my pleasure to share it with you.

This is a coordinated effort of many pet bloggers.  Track the progress of this virtual fundraiser and give what you can via this widget:

 

If you are a blogger and would like to post the widget on your blog, click here.  For updates and rescue stories "like" World Vets on Facebook.

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A family and their pet dog take shelter in an evacuation center for pets and their owners near a devastated area hit by earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north of Japan, March 17, 2011.       Reuters Pictures

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A woman holds her dog as they are scanned for radiation at a temporary scanning center for residents living close to the quake-damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.  AP Photo

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A family along with their pet dog warm themselves around a stove at an evacuation center in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, Thursday, March 17, 2011.  AP Photo

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A man holds his dog as they wait to be scanned for radiation exposure at a temporary scanning center for residents living close to the quake-damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.  AP Photo

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A woman shares her food with her dog at an evacuation center for pets and their owners near an area devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north Japan March 17, 2011. Reuters Pictures

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A woman sleeps with her dog at an evacuation center for pets and their owners near a devastated area hit by an earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north of Japan March 17, 2011. Reuters Pictures

All photos via daylife. See more here.

Thank you.  And please pass it on.

Comments

5 responses to “Dog Art Today Turns 4: Please Give to Japan’s Pets”

  1. Jill Flynn Avatar

    Moira, thank you for the post and widget for World Vets. I also posted the widget on my blog. Peace to you and Darby …

  2. Moira McLaughlin Avatar

    Thank you, Jill. Really great to hear.
    : )
    Moira

  3. cowboy_scinto@yahoo.com Avatar
    cowboy_scinto@yahoo.com

    Hi Moira –
    Thanks so much for posting the widget for World Vets. I made the contribution via that instead of their Web site, as there appeared to be nowhere on the Website to say that the contribution was specifically for Japan.
    We should never feel like we have to justify giving aid to animals, as they obviously cannot help themselves. Of course we feel extreme compassion for the humans as well but their pets will provide them more comfort than any of us know in this difficult time and they shouldn’t have even more trauma cast upon them by being forced to give up their dear friends in their hour of need.
    Best wishes – Lori

  4. Moira McLaughlin Avatar

    Thank you Lori. Youve expressed it beautifully. The widget is that way to go, I understand their site has been crashing because of so many donations from this united effort. Which is nice to hear.
    I really appreciate your donation and your thoughtful note.
    xo, M

  5. steve at gangs of new yorkie Avatar

    Great posting. It is a long road ahead to rebuilt the areas affected by the tsunami and earthquake & the comfort a pet gives is priceless. Will be passing it along 🙂

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