Calabash came to ARK after a run-in with the police! No crimes were committed though. He was simply found roaming around, so the police picked him up and he was lucky to find his way to the shelter.
He is such nice dog, which means he must have had a good home at some point. Calabash is part Kishu, a native Japanese breed, and he is typical of many Japanese breeds in that he seems to have a guard dog instinct. He doesn’t immediately warm to people he doesn’t know but he’s also not difficult to get to know, especially if you come bearing treats.
Once Calabash gets to know you, he’ll be your best friend. He’ll walk right into a room and ask for some affection. He’s about 7 years old and not into intense exercise, but he loves to walk and doesn’t tug. He’s smart and knows some tricks, like “paw.” He has a problem in one eye but is still healthy, and he eats and plays like a much younger dog. Calabash is a real find and a definite a keeper.
If you are interested in Calabash or any of the other pets in this post, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web: www.arkbark.net.
The first words a member of staff at ARK has to describe Pineapple? “A pretty awesome cat.”
The situation that this pure white 3-year-old came from, however, was decidedly less awesome: A hoarder’s den in Gunma Prefecture that was packed with 170 cats. I'd describe that as pretty horrible.
When rescuers showed up, Pineapple knew his chance to escape the insanity had arrived. He was the first cat to come out, “tell his story,” and immediately climb into a carry bag as if to say, “Get me out of here, now!”
Currently in foster care in Tokyo, Pineapple’s right eye was a bit inflamed when this photo was taken, but it’s healing just fine. “Curious and unflappable,” Pineapple looks and is normally calm and collected. But, when the toys come out, so does his crazy side. This fellow knows how to play! Pineapple, who weighs in at 4 kilograms, is also completely fine with other cats, so if there’s someone out there looking to add a second or third cat to the family, this blue-eyed baby would most likely make the perfect pal.
Maple is a fluffy Shiba mix, who has been described as “a very active, cheeky” fellow — in the best possible way.
This wasn’t always the case. Now 5 years old, Maple came to ARK last June. He had been living in a hoarder situation and as a result was very timid. He’d never been on a walk and would bark at anyone who came near him. He wasn’t at all aggressive though, so Maple got a harness and started being taken for walks.
At first he was extremely nervous on his walks. In time, he learned to enjoy them and, perhaps more importantly, he came to be able to trust people. Now, shelter staff members can stroke his fur and even pick him up. Even volunteers who are new to Maple are able to take him on walks.
He still has trouble communicating to people just how much he wants their attention, something that is quite charming to those in the know. He may need a bit of time to warm completely to new faces, which is most likely an indication of his high intelligence. A tad wary or not, Maple is definitely a find. Please don’t miss out.
Martini is relatively new to ARK. She arrived here last fall with three other cats.
Her early days were spent in hiding, but that was until she was moved to a different area. Something in the change, whether it was less threatening or simply more comfortable, caused her to venture out and show herself to the world much more often.
Martini, just over 10, is a very pretty lady, a “nice, mature cat,” who knows what she likes and what she doesn’t. At times, she likes affection and attention. At others, she wants none of it and would prefer to be left alone. One thing's for sure, though, Martini is a huge fan of sunny spots.
Though clear about her likes, Martini is actually not so reluctant to change. She’s also a peacemaker: Conflict is simply not tolerated. When her buddies get into a spat, Martini will step in and her mere presence — or perhaps it’s a silent scolding — has them calming down very quickly.
Martini would make a wonderful addition to any household. We’re hoping to be able to lift our glasses to a kind soul who will take her home, perhaps even with one of her buddies. Yes, a very heady thought, but we can always dream.
Hickory is one of the dozens dogs that came from a horrific hoarder situation in Shimane Prefecture, where 164 dogs were found starving, many barely alive. It has been two years since then and, given the original state of the emaciated and frightened animals, time has done wonders in healing them.
Though he's still a little shy, Hickory is a sweet boy. Once too afraid to even go for a walk, he now loves playing at the dog run, especially with his best friend, Aspen. Normally a calm dog, when Hickory gets to playing, he turns into a puppy and plays like there’s no tomorrow. He’s a hit at dog fairs, where people make a fuss over him, but he sadly has yet to find that someone special who will take him home.
At 10, there are surely many more love-filled years left in Hickory's life. Still, it's always more difficult for the older animals to find forever homes, which might explain why he has been passed over so many times. Aside from his poor eyesight, he’s lively and lovable. His needs are simple: a home and some love. Please help if you can.
Spring is in the air and blossoms are on their way. And young Komeko is ready to bloom into a mature beauty, upon which one can gaze day and night all year round.
Not yet 2 years old, Komeko was brought to ARK in the fall of 2021 as a kitten born to a stray. She was just old enough to have learned to be wary of people. She did not want to be touched. She hid in a box and threw punches out at unsuspecting visitors. It wasn’t the most endearing presentation for prospective adopters and Komeko missed the best window for adoption, kittenhood.
Three months after her arrival, however, she began to change. She stopped hiding and would play with staff a bit. She even began to allow people to stroke her with a branch of pussy willow.
Eventually, she warmed to being touched. She now loves her toys and allows people to brush her. Still timid, Komeko may never be a cuddly cat and she will likely need time to adjust to a new home. But, we’re hoping there’s a true cat lover out there who will understand her.
Gorgeous Zac was first featured here in June of 2021. Sadly and rather tragically, he’s still whiling away his life at the shelter, in need of a home.
It has been nearly seven years since Zac arrived at ARK, after living with an owner suffering from dementia. His previous situation and the drastic changes that followed took their toll on this poor dog, and he was easily upset and very stressed. Thanks to the interaction he has had with staff and volunteers, though, he has blossomed and the only thing likely keeping him locked up is his size.
Zac is a lot of dog, weighing in at 25 kilograms, which means he’s barred from most rentals. Known as the “black jewel” at ARK, he is not just big and good-looking, he’s also smart and affectionate. He still needs a bit of time to show his best, but is fine with new faces, especially if they take him on walks, which he loves. What Zac needs most is a partner or family and a life worthy of this fine fellow.
Laika is new to ARK, having arrived just last month. Though not yet 2 years old, the 35-kilogram golden retriever is more of a puppy than his age would suggest.
He’s full of energy, friendly and absolutely gorgeous, but Laika was a poor fit for his former owners. They were a military family unable to give the dog the attention, care and training stimulation he needed to grow into a well-rounded citizen, one that could hit the streets without making a nuisance of himself.
Laika’s present lack of training results in him bounding around and jumping on things when he gets a little excited. At his size, that can get a bit out of hand for some people. Laika apparently doesn’t realize just how big he is!
We’re hoping he can find a new family that doesn’t have small children and will be eager to spend time and energy playing, building trust, and training this beautiful animal.
This cat is quite the looker in his tux and white socks, but as of late he hasn't had much in the way of an occasion to dress up for.
New to the shelter, Vodka and three of his pals lost their home when their owner had to go into assisted living. At 10 years of age, Vodka is no kid and he initially found the upheaval in his lifestyle overwhelming. He hid in his basket a lot but be assured, though he looks very formal, Vodka isn’t a snob.
Now that he’s regaining his confidence, Vodka is eager to come out and meet new faces. What he does is he waits for people to come into his pen, then goes to welcome them to his abode. He always seems pleased about having visitors and, if you have treats, he’ll be the first to put out his paw for one.
Vodka is an average-sized cat at just over 4.5 kilograms. He isn't especially keen on being picked up, but he does love affection. His other favorite pastimes are sunning himself with his buddies and eating.
This beautiful Siberian husky now goes by the name of Hercules and his journey has indeed been one that has required strength of body and spirit.
He came to ARK with his little buddy, Megara (their current names, not the original), and a background cloaked in mystery. Explanations regarding their state at the time were little more than blatant lies. What was painfully apparent was the horrible condition both dogs were in.
Hercules looked nothing like he does now. He was in a near-starved state, with virtually no muscle, a horribly scruffy coat and dull eyes that reflected no joy. Obviously, there had been nothing but misery in his life for a long time.
His time in a foster home since has resulted in something close to a miracle. A sweet, friendly dog from the start, Hercules has flourished and now looks much younger than his age of 10. Forever craving attention, he is an exuberant fellow, but at just under 20 kilograms, he's light enough to be manageable. Hercules will no doubt calm down when he can find a steady home, where he will be treated not as a castaway but as a beloved member of the family.
Were it not for his rakish ear, Momotaro's coy invitations to play and charmingly demure ways might have you thinking he's a house cat that's used to a fairly pampered life.
However, Momo-chan, as people affectionately call him, has already been through more in his 3 years of life than the average pet cat will ever experience. You see, he was a cat of the great outdoors and that life can be very hard. Thanks to the help of concerned individuals in his community, Momo-chan found a way to survive and lived life as a stray. One day, however, he was found badly injured. He was unable to move and brought to a vet. There, he was able to cozy up with the staff until he was well again.
Momotaro came to ARK a year ago but found the hubbub of the shelter stressful, so he wouldn't let anyone close to him. After being moved to an area with far less noise and space, the cat opened up again with the few people he came in contact with. He now allows them close and will even let loose the occasional purr.
Momo is a big cat at over 6 kilograms. He needs a quiet home and a patient owner to meet his need for calm, an environment where he can overcome his natural wariness. He’s shy but not totally hesitant to open up and trust a special someone.
If you are interested in adopting any of these fine animals, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web: www.arkbark.net
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