ARK has been humbled by the generosity of so many people in supporting our earthquake relief efforts after tragedy struck the Noto Peninsula earlier this year. We received numerous donations – both monetary and of much needed items – to support us as we took in displaced animals either temporarily or permanently, depending on the owners’ wishes. We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who contributed.

On August 1, one dog came to ARK from the disaster area. His family successfully found a pet-friendly home to move to, but the dog was unable to adapt to his new, less spacious environment. His family was forced to concede that the stress was more harmful to him than living apart. Sadly, this has been a situation common to all natural disasters. We believe that there must be a better solution for displaced families to be with their beloved pets.

On the same day, three cats came to ARK. Their family was suffering health issues after the disaster and made the heartbreak- ing decision to surrender their cats. While large scale reparation continues, the damage to the area surrounding their home by the quake was startlingly obvious. Liquefied road surfaces were particularly striking, with sea water pouring over road surfaces which had sunk 50 centimetres. Seven months after the disaster, the area was by no means a safe and secure place for families to live with their pets.

We will start looking for forever homes for these animals once they have settled in.

Some of the animals ARK took in have already been reunited with their families. There are others waiting to return to their homes. We will continue to help those in need and ask your ongoing support.

The following is a report on donations and expenditure to date.