The above Japanese translates to "Paws for Japan Day," which is what the online animal community has chosen to honor today as.Every day the situation in Japan grows a bit more perilious. Our hearts go out to everyone there, of both the two and four-legged variety.
Often times in situations like these, the animal welfare is overlooked at the beginning of the crisis in favor of trying to find and aid human survivors. I have first-hand experience with this; when the earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 I tried to send a box of toys for the rescued street dogs to play with. My thinking was that cuddling a plushie might make them less scared, and also I figured they certainly deserved a bit of fun. I got the same response, over and over again: we're focused on the humans at this time. [Someone eventually took the toys, and were very thankful for them.]
World Vets is an United States based organization that provides "veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad." They have already mobilized, gathered supplies, and have a team on the ground in Japan [you can read their updates here] and are working with local rescues there. They are organized, hard-working, and 100% legitimate. They also need funds, as this work is not cheap.
I read that many animals were found with plastic bags containing money tied to their collars - people knew they might get seperated from their pets and did the best they could to ensure future care. These animals were someone's pets; I know if I were in their shoes I would want someone to take care of my beloved Teeny and Tootsie. So that's why I am asking you to join me in supporting World Vets. You can donate here. If you aren't able to donate, help spread the world. Write a blog post and join the blog hop [links below]. Post a "chip-in" on your site. Every little bit helps, and the animals are worth it.
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