Kindergarden…. for Doggies

When I knew about dog kindergardens in Japan, at first I thought it’s silly but then I realized it does make sense.  Nowadays people around the world love having companion animals and treat them like real family.  Just like leaving your loving baby in kindergarden, you leave your loving pets in this school in the morning and pick them up after work.

The kindergarden is from the morning, starting with brushing and weighing the doggies.  There are play time, learning time, and nap time through a day, and they go home after the relaxing time with aroma therapy. The schedule varies depending on the kindergarden, but usually the facility is very good and there are plenty of rooms for dogs to run around.  Some places teach owners how to train their dogs too 🙂

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Chikyu-Bin

“Chikyu-Bin” (YTV, Japanese TV station) broadcast heartwarming stories of the relationship between Japanese people who live in other countries and their families in Japan.  The main thing of this program is; bringing something from parents (Japan) to their daughter/son who lives out of Japan to strengthen family bonds.

Guess what!  My friend in America is going to be on this show this Sunday, August 7.  (in Western Japan “Yomiuri TV)  😀

As being its 160th story, the tv program shows my friend, Sae, who works as a service dog trainer in Santa Rosa, CA.

She and I are both from Shiga prefecture in Japan, and went to the same college in Osaka to study about animals.  Our dream was to go overseas to study about animals – she had the particular interest in service dog training and did some volunteer work in guide dog institution while studying at the college.  After graduation, I came to Perth Australia and she went to California.  She studied at Bergin Universtiy of Canine Studies for 2 years, and since then has been working as a service dog trainer and an instructor.

She accomplished her dream!!  And, I really love her personality….  She is always smiling, with “happy, happier, happiest everyday” attitude 😀  She just love what she is doing in her life.  And, she is still studying but the school fee is free because she works as an instructor at the school, and her accommodation at shared-house is free because she offered to do all the houseworks!  I just admire her…

If you happen to be in Kansai area, watch her happy smile and everyday-life on August 7, Sunday.  (Yomiuri TV, 10:25am ~ 10:55am)

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Kawaii…

Then

Now

(http://www.reddit.com/)

(http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/funnyphotos)

(http://memebon.jp/)

http://www.necoya.net/

Life with Pets

People who had/have pets may understand this, but they are not just animals who stay in your house.  They become part of your family!

I used to have two Shiba (♀:sisters) in Japan, and we were always together as if we’re sisters.  Unfortunately one of them was killed by a car accident when I was 10, but the another one lived for 18 years in my house.  These two dogs looked so alike (as they share the same mother Shiba) and my parents tried to remember which one is which by the different colored collars.  But, I could totally tell which is Mimi and which is Lulu by their faces.  🙂  They had different personalities too.

After I left Japan I couldn’t be with Mimi much, but my family took care of her well.  She was so old, but loved going for a walk (like other normal dogs) until the day she died.  It was really hard news for me to bear, and I felt so sorry that I couldn’t be there with her.  But I believe she enjoyed her long life.

I love animals, but I’m not sure if I’m going to have a pet in Perth.  As Mimi was in my life since I was 6 years old, we had such strong bond and I still think she is the best.  It’s really fun to have a pet, but very hard at the same time when they die.  

Oh, but it’s really a good thing to know that there are few things I could do to be with animals without owning them.  Belmont Pet store, for example, is looking for Puppy Minders who can look after puppies from Saturday afternoon and take them back to the shop on Monday morning. They give you a carry cage, food, etc and you just need to be available to answer your phone on the Saturday to confirm.  😀

By the way I love this shop “Three Dog Cafe”.  It started from America as the world’s original bakery for dogs, and now there are many shops across America, Hong Kong and Japan.  Although their products are all for dogs, they look so cute and yummy!

They even sell bagels!  Oh my gosh..

Have you watched the movie “Hachi”??  This film is based on the true story of an Akita dog in Tokyo, Japan.  I don’t know how many times I cried after watching this…  You can find the statue of “Hachi” (called “hachi-koh”) in Shibuya, Tokyo.  The statue has been the symbol of Shibuya train station for a long time.

『How Could You?』 by Jim Wills

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh.  You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” – but then you’d relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

私がまだ子犬だった頃、私はあなたが喜ぶような仕草をして、あなたを笑わせました。あなたは私のことを「うちの子」と呼び、私がどんなに靴やクッションを破壊しても、私たちは最良の友となりました。私が悪さをすると、あなたは私を指差し、その指を振りながら、「どうして…?」と問いました。しかしすぐに、あなたは微笑み、私を転がしておなかを撫でてくれました。

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

あなたがとても忙しかったので、私の破壊癖は思ったより長く続きましたが、 それはお互い時間をかけて解決しましたね。 あなたに寄り添い、あなたの信念や、誰にも秘密にしている将来の夢に聞き入った夜のことを 私は今でも覚えています。 あのとき私は、これ以上幸せな人生はないと、固く信じていました。私たちはたくさん散歩をし、公園で走り、ドライブし、途中でソフトクリームを食べました。 （あなたは「アイスクリームは犬の体に悪いから」と言って、私にはコーンしかくれませんでしたがてん） 私はいつも陽だまりでうたた寝をしながら、あなたが一日の仕事を終えて家に帰ってくるのを待ちました。

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

次第に、あなたは仕事や出世のために費やす時間が長くなり、やがて人間のパートナーを探すようになりました。私は辛抱強く待ちました。あなたが傷付いた時や落ち込んだ時にはあなたを慰め、あなたの決断が間違っていても決して非難せず、あなたが家に帰ってくると、おおはしゃぎして喜びました。あなたが恋に落ちたときも、いっしょになって歓喜しました。

She, now your wife, is not a “dog person” – still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of love.”

彼女−今はあなたの奥さんですが−は、「イヌ好き」な人ではありませんでしたが、 それでも私は彼女を受け入れ、愛情を示し、彼女の言うことを聞きました。あなたが幸せだったから、私も幸せだったのです…やがて人間の赤ちゃんが産まれてきて、私も一緒に、その興奮を味わいました。赤ちゃんたちの、そのピンク色の肌に、またその香りに、私は魅了されました。 私も、赤ちゃんたちを可愛がりたかったのです。しかしあなたたちは、私が赤ちゃんを傷つけるのではないかと心配し、私は一日の大半を他の部屋やケージに閉じ込められて過しました。私がどれほど赤ちゃんたちを愛したいと思ったことか。でも私は「愛の囚人」でした。

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch – because your touch was now so infrequent – and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

赤ちゃんたちが成長するにつれて、私は彼らの友達になりました。彼らは私の毛にしがみついて、よちよち足でつかまり立ちをしたり、私の目を指で突付いたり、耳をめくって中を覗いたり、私の鼻にキスをしました。私は彼らの全てを愛し、彼らが私を撫でるたびに喜びました。何故なら、あなたはもう、めったに私を触らなかったから…必要があれば私は命を投げ出しても、子供たちを守ったでしょう。私は彼らのベッドにもぐりこみ、彼らの悩み事や、誰にも秘密にしている将来の夢に聞き入りました。そして一緒に、あなたを乗せて帰ってくる車の音を待ちました。 

以前あなたは、誰かに犬を飼っているかと聞かれると、私の写真を財布から取り出し、私の話を聞かせていたこともありました。ここ数年、あなたは「ええ」とだけ答え、すぐに話題を変えました。私は「あなたの犬」から「ただの犬」になり、私にかかる全ての出費を惜しむようになりました。

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family.  I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her.” They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with “papers.”

You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog!” And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

そして、あなたは別の街で新しい仕事を見つけ、みんなでペット不可のマンションに引越しをすることになりました。あなたは「自分の家族」のために正しい決断をしましたが、かつて、私があなたのたった一人の家族だった時もあったのです。私は久々のドライブで、とても嬉しかった・・・保健所に着くまでは。そこには犬や猫たちの、恐怖と絶望の臭いが漂っていました。あなたは書類に記入を済ませて、係員に「この子によい里親を探してくれ」と言いました。保健所の人は肩をすくめて、眉をひそめました。彼らは知っていたのです、歳を取った成犬たちが−たとえ「血統書」付きでも−直面する現実を…

あなたは、「パパやめて、ボクの犬を連れて行かせないで！」と叫ぶ息子の指を 一本一本、私の首輪から引き離さなければなりませんでした。私はあなたの子供のことを心配しました。何故なら、あなたはたった今、このことを通して 友情、誠実さ、愛、責任、そしてすべての生命への尊重の意味を、彼に教えたのです。あなたは私の頭を軽くたたき「さよなら」と言いました。あなたは私から目をそらし、首輪とリードを持ち帰ることさえ、丁重に断りました。あなたにとって守るべき期日があったように、今度は私にも期日がやってきました。

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?”  They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you – that you had changed your mind – that this was all a bad dream…or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

あなたが去った後、やさしい女性係員が二人やってきて言いました。「何ヶ月も前からこの引越しのことを知っていたはずなのに、里親を探す努力もしなかったのね・・・」と。彼女たちは首を振りながらつぶやきました。「どうして・・・？」保健所の人たちは、忙しさの合間に、とても親切にしてくれました。もちろんゴハンはくれました。でも、私の食欲はもう何日も前からなくなっていました。最初は誰かが私のケージの前を通るたびに、走り寄りました。 あなたが考えを変えて私を迎えに来てくれたのだと願いました。今回のことが全部、悪夢であってほしいと願いました。 そうでなければ、せめて私を気に留め、ここから助け出してくれる誰かが来てくれればと…。しかし、幼い子犬たちの愛情を求める可愛らしい仕草には敵わないと悟った年老いた私は、子犬たちの明るい運命を脇目に、ケージの隅に引っ込み、ひたすら待ちました。

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?”

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself – a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

ある日の夜、係員の女性の足音が近づいてきました。私は彼女の後に続いて通路をとぼとぼ歩き、別の部屋に行きました。しんと静まり返った部屋でした。彼女は私を台の上に乗せ、私の耳を撫で、心配しないで、と言いました。私の心臓が、今まさに起きようとしている事実を予期し、ドキドキと鼓動しました。しかし同時に、安心感のようなものも感じました。かつての愛の囚人には、もう時は残されていませんでした。生まれついての性格からか、私は自分のことより、係員の彼女のことを心配しました。彼女が今果たそうとしている責務が、彼女に耐え難い重荷となってのしかかっていることを、 私は知っていたからです・・・かつて私があなたの気持ちをすべて感じ取ったように−。

彼女は頬に涙を流しながら、私の前肢に止血帯を巻きました。私は、何年も前に私があなたを慰めたときと同じように、彼女の手を舐めました。彼女は私の静脈に注射の針を挿入しました。私は針の傷みと、体に流れ入る冷たい液体を感じ、横たわりました。私は眠気に襲われながら彼女の目を見つめ、「どうして…?」と呟きました。

おそらく彼女は私の犬の言葉が分かったのでしょう、「本当にごめんなさい…」と言いました。彼女は私を腕に抱きました。そして、「あなたはもっと良い場所へ行くのよ。」「ないがしろにされたり、虐待されたり、捨てられたり、自力で生きていかなけらばならないようなところではなく、愛と光に満ちた、この世界とは全く違う場所に、あなたが行くのを見届けるのが私の仕事なの…」と、急ぐように説明しました。私は最後の力を振り絞り、尻尾を一振りすることで、彼女に伝えようとしました。さっきの「どうして…?」は彼女に対する言葉ではなく、あなた、私の最愛なる主人である、あなたへの言葉だったのだと…。私はいつもあなたのことを想っていました。これからもあなたのことを想うでしょう…そして私は永遠に、あなたを待ち続けます。

THE END 

Camels vs Monkeys

Well this may be an old news, but 6,000 wild camels have invaded a small Australian town in search for water last month.  This town of Docker River, population 350, is in a drought area, which encouraged thirty camels to come into the town searching for water. (from thestar.com)  Australian authorities planed to kill those camels by gun for trampling fences, smashing tanks and contaminating supplies… I can’t agree with their decision, but I guess they had to.  In Japan sometimes wild boar attacks a small town and people have to kill it.

It seems that this news is broadcasted outside of Australia too.  My mum emailed me saying “hey are you ok?  Are camels around you?” That’s actually how I knew about this news :p

To tell the truth, I have a similar experience…  not camels, but monkeys!  It was a long time ago, when I was an elementary school student.  My school was surrounded by mountains and rice fields ( writing this makes Shiga sound like a really country side :p ) , and one day lots of monkeys started to gather up around the school!  

Because it was close to 4pm and students were about to go home, teachers told all students to remain inside of the building.  I remember seeing many monkeys in the athletic ground of the school from class room.  I didn’t feel scared at all, I rather felt excited :p  I like animals… well, of course I will be screaming if some wild monkeys come close to me though.

All students had to wait until all monkeys were gone.  I don’t remember what teachers did, but I think they called police or something.

Oh, and I also remember one day we had a dog strolled into our school.  The dog was huge (I think it was a German shepherd) and running around the school hallway vigorously.  It was scary! 

<Photos ref: Camel, monkey)

Spotlight on Black Animals

It’s been a while since vampire themed stories hit the market.  Now everywhere you turn there are vampire movies, television shows, and books.  I believe Twilight movie started this vampire boom, and it seems that many people (especially girls) are in love with this series.  Thanks to this (?), these is a merit on a cute yet poor little creature – black cats.  

At animal shelters, black cats were less likely to be chosen than their multi-coloured mates, vanishing into the shadows to become invisible to potential adopters. And sadly, during kitten season, when shelters are full, black cats are often the first to be euthanased.  

But with the release of the new Twilight movie “New Moon”, black cats started to gather up an attention of people who wants to bring a little bit of the dark into their life. Black cats, with their radiant eyes and shiny black coats not only help you get in touch with your mysterious side, but pack a punch in the perfect pet stakes, making great pets for apartment dwellers or people looking for a loving, no fuss companion.

No matter the reason, I think it’s good that this poor animal is getting an attention.  However, I strongly wish that people take care of animals very good until they leave this world.  No matter the fur color is white or black, they are still living creature and all same animals.

Who have you adopted?

Here are the stories from PetRescue about unwanted pets finding new home…

<Buzz’s Story>

Buzz was always smiling. That’s why he stood out to Pam who had a big empty space in her family and was looking for a new friend for her Golden Retriever, Tyson.

Although Buzz was once unwanted, after having his profile on PetRescue everyone wanted to take him home! And when Tyson met Pam he knew he’d found his perfect person…

<Cherub’s Story>

<Matisse’s Story>

Matisse and her siblings came to stay with their foster carer Rebecca until they were big and strong enough to find new homes.

“I’m what you call a ‘failed foster carer!” says Rebecca. 

“Matisse captured my heart and we bonded instantly. She has the most amazing, easy going nature.”

What a clever puss to find the perfect forever home without even leaving her rescuer!

<Bindi’s Story>

Bindi and her brothers and sisters were found dumped in bushland and caring rescuers saved their lives and nursed them back to health.

When it came time to find the perfect forever families for them, PetRescue was the place! Within a few days all of the litter had fantastic new homes and Bindi was matched with the Cloustons who gave her a great new name after their hero, Steve Irwin. Bindi has proven to be a real ‘Aussie dog’ with a big heart. She is now looking forward to a happy future with her people.

If you are thinking to have a pet, why don’t you go to animal shelters.  Those animals are once unwanted, but looking for loving new owners and warm home.

Caversham Wildlife Park

This Anzac day I spend whole day at Caversham Wildlife Park in Whiteman.  It was little cloudy, but luckily not raining.  It’s been cold weather since couple of weeks ago.  Change of season 🙂

At Whiteman Park, there are wide picnic spaces and some parks where kids can play around.  It’s free to enter this area, but you have to pay $22.00 per adult to enter wildlife park.

There are kangaroos, Koalas, lots of wild birds, llama, piggy, donkey, wallabies, goats, sheep, camel, wombat, Tasmanian devils, etc etc…

You can feed kangaroos, llama, and ride on camel.  You also can take photos with wombat at wombat shows which runs daily at 11am, 2pm and 3:45pm.

See more photos here 

On the way back home we stopped at Strawberry Farm which is located on the corner of Wilson Rd and Toodyay Rd (few hundreds meters after Roe Hwy from city)  This farm sells very sweet strawberries at very cheap price, but it’s now Autumn and not strawberry season, so we couldn’t get any strawberries.  Instead, I bought one small watermelon.  (cheap)  I should come back here in Spring for one huge tray of strawberries. 🙂

RSPCA イベント -South Perth-

Million Paws Walk 2009というRSPCAの基金支援の為のイベントが、来たる5月17日(日)にSouth Perthで行われます！

これはオーストラリア全ての州（ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA) にて同日に一斉に行われます。WA州では去年は13, 000人もの人がこのイベントに参加してくれました。RSPCAは今年は15,000人の協力を目指しています。

このイベントの主な内容は、その名前の通り”歩く”事。ペットを飼われている方はもちろん、そうでない方でもたくさんのワンちゃん達に囲まれて楽しい１日を過ごして下さい。

イベント当日は、ライブエンターテインメント、アニマル達による芸などのデモンストレーション、色んな食べ物の屋台やセレブのゲスト達をはじめとし、ワンちゃんを洗ったりするアクティビティ等も行われます。

また、このイベントに事前に登録しておくと、新車Hyundai i30 SXが当たる可能性もアリです☆

日時：2009年5月17日(日)

場所：Sir James Mitchell Park – South Perth 

イベントに関する詳細はコチラからどうぞ！

＊ボランティアも募集しています！興味ある方はご連絡下さい☆

Swan Animal Fete!

Are you free this Sunday 5th April 2009??  If you live around Perth and would like to help cute doggies, why not attend this annual garage sale at Swan Animal Haven?

This dog home is located at 21 Kalamunda Road, South Guildford in Western Australia.  Donations of cakes, jams, plants and bric-a-brac would be much appreciated.

For more info, visit their website. 🙂

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South GuildfordにあるSwan Animal Havenというアニマル施設で、今週の日曜日4月5日にガレッジセールが行われます。

売上げ金や寄付等は全てこの施設運営費へとあてられます。おうちの無いワンちゃん達の力になってあげませんか？？

ワンちゃんの里親やボランティアも随時募集中。詳しくはコチラをどうぞ。

Cat Power! -Pet Rescue-

It’s a “dog’s life” in Australia, with many people considering themselves ‘dog people’ and events and outings everywhere for dog lovers. Each day in the media happy dog stories take pride of place – we simply love our canine pals.

But I think 2009 should be the year of the cat.  Cats in Australia get a bum deal; often lumped in with ‘feral pests’ in legislation and maligned by their communities for simply being homeless orphans.  Cats really need an image makeover!  And that begins with thinking about the cats of Australia in the same way we think about dogs – great family pets and worthy of our protection!

Did you know in the UK cats are a favourite companion amongst young singles? That’s because cats thrive in apartments and are a great pet for people who work during the day.

I think many people know these websites below (click the photo) :  they make me realize how cute kittens are!

And cute photos…

Puppy Cam

This live video feed debuted Oct 8 on Ustream tv.

The six Shiba Inu pups, (3 boys and 3 girls) turned 11 weeks old on December 23rd. This is the first litter from their mom, Kika.

Girls:
– Autumn (Purple collar) – Is now with her new loving family.
– Ayumi (Formerly Yellow, now Lavender collar) – 6 lbs 6 oz (as of Dec 12th)
– Amaya (Red collar) – 6 lbs 8.5 oz (as of Dec 12th)

Boys:
– Aki (Green collar) – 8 lbs 0.5 oz (as of Dec 12th)
– Akoni (Black collar) – Is romping around the yard romping around with fallen leaves at his new home.
– Ando (Blue collar) – 7 lbs 3 oz (as of Dec 12th) – Is being a perfect angel at his new home.

Why don’t you get a peek on these cute puppies?? (>v<)

BTW, at night the owners turn off the lights and the camera so the dogs can sleep.

Pet☆Rescue

Every pet deserves a home for xmas, so we’re asking you to help us find

1000 homes for 1000 pets!

More Details

The Dog’s Refuge Home

The Dog’s Refuge Home

住所：30 Lemnos St, Shenton Park, Western Australia

時間：open 6 days per week between the hours of 11am and 4pm.

         Closed Thursdays and Public Holidays

電話番号: 08 9381 8166

website

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Animal Protection Society

Animal Protection Society 

住所：27 Talbot Road, Southern River Western Australia 6110

時間：till 4pm

電話番号：08 9398 6616

Eメール：[email protected] 

website

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