Happy Ending for Belle

Belle on the train from Niigata to Narita airport.

I’m back in Japan again, but this time for a happy reason. I’ll be transporting Belle, a 4- to 5-year-old dachshund who was abandoned after her family fled the country because of radiation concerns, to a new life in Canada.

Belle was abandoned at Animal Friends Niigata. She is one of lucky ones. Countless other animals died when they were left to fend for themselves as people evacuated or when their human guardians were unable to get back to their houses to feed them. Animal Friends Niigata and several other Japanese groups have been working tirelessly since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami to take animals out of the hardest hit areas and provide supplies to others staying in evacuation centers.

Thank you to those of you who have already donated to PETA U.S.’ Animal Emergency Fund. Your donations have helped make a new life a reality for one special dog. And please, if you haven’t already done so, make plans now in case disaster strikes. Do it for Belle—and all the other animals who weren’t as lucky.

Wish Belle and me a safe flight and check back tomorrow for photos from our trip!

Posted by Ashley Fruno