ARK Tails

Buruta Buruta Buruta...

As many of you may be aware, this lovable pooch with his infamous underbite, arrived to Tokyo ARK
roughly a year ago.



Within such a short time, he gained fame for not only his unique appearance but his shy, yet affectionate
disposition. ARK staff, volunteers, supporters and his own foster family worked their hardest to socialize
this timid pooch and help bring him out of his shell.


When he was in the shelter…

We must admit, the adoption fairs were a bit of a struggle with Buruta, as he simply did not want to be
seen! He was thaaaaat shy.


歯は出せても身体は出せません…


"oops, you found my hiding spot...."

As you can see, poor Buruta was not a fan of people he didn't really know at first (although he did have a
little peek here and there...)

What was going on?! According to Buruta's foster family in Tokyo, he was a COMPLETELY different dog
when he was at home and surrounded by his foster family. Just take a look at the evidence below.


with one of the foster family's dogs!

It became clear, he was just incredibly shy. He needed time to become familiar with his surroundings, he
craved a lot of gentle encouragement, patience and most importantly love.

During the past year we held onto the hope that someone would see Buruta and fall in love with him. We
knew he had the potential to be a wonderful member of the family, but he just needed some time to come
round. However, days soon became weeks....weeks became months....a year passed and then suddenly....

"Buruta! You're going to your new home buddy!"

"wait, what did you just say home?"

Yes, Buruta! You've been adopted!!!

A volunteer who actually came to help out at one of our adoption fairs spotted Buruta and knew there was something special about him. Over time and several visits to see Buruta, the volunteer mentioned her
parents would be interested in adopting him! Her parents actually had two rescue dogs already, which was great news for Buruta. It would do him a lot of good to have a friend around and someone to keep him
company. They also have a nice garden for the dogs to run around in and burn some energy! Dogs are
generally happier with other pack members around after all!

However, sad news was delivered that one of the rescue dogs passed away after suffering from health
problems. After grieving and coming to terms with their loss, the parents then knew it was indeed fate that brought Buruta into their lives. Thus, it was made official Buruta was to be adopted by this lovely family!

However, the story doesn't quite end here....

"When do you think Buruta will be going to his new home?" We ask the volunteer.

"Well, the packing is going pretty well, so shouldn't be too long now."

Packing??!!

That's right. As you read this, Buruta is currently packing his bags, getting his passport ready....oh, and
applying some sun-screen because he is moving to CALIFORNIA!

Who would have thought?? My goodness Buruta, all your hard work has most certainly paid off and we
could not be happier for you!

Thank you to Buruta's foster family, friends, volunteers and all the supporters out there who helped dear
Buruta all these months. Your kindness and encouragement has given Buruta all the courage he needed.


picture with figurine which his new family made for him! Be proud and show of those pearly whites!

What exactly is a mutt? Well, that’s a question that often gets asked at ARK. Let’s get the negative
connotation out of the way first. Unfortunately, in the past, people used to associate the word mutt as
something negative. After all, the original meaning of the word ‘mutt’ meant an inferior dog.

Fortunately in this day and age, the term “mutt” can correctly be described as a dog that is mixed with
various recognized dog breeds- so much so, that it’s hard to even know what kind of mix the dog is! People are now starting to see the beauty and intelligence in Mutts (or Zasshu as they are known in Japanese).
What does this mean? This means that a mutt has all the wonderful physical, mental, habitual
characteristics of various breeds...all rolled into one adorable pup!


Zasshu like me are one of a kind!

Yes, as pet owners, we cannot help but be curious about the genetic backgrounds of our dogs. We often
find ourselves asking questions such as “My dog loves the water...could he be part Spaniel?” or “My little
dog enjoys digging so much so, I wonder if she has terrier blood in her?” Perhaps it is more physical. Does your dog has a curved tail like a pug? Or pointy ears like a Shepard? Maybe it has a black tongue like a
Chow! We can’t help but wonder.

This is where DNA testing can come in handy!

Already in many animal shelters throughout the west, DNA tests are often used to determine a dog’s breed history. By shedding light to their background and history, potential adopters can learn in more detail about these shelter dogs and thus boost adoption rates. Shelters overseas have noticed an influx of adoptions
thanks to the use of these tests, after all DNA tests can explain the dog’s:

- Unique physical features (such as how big they will become when fully grown)
- Behavior patterns (Are they the herding type and perhaps need more exercise? Or the type that can benefit from more mental stimulation?)
- Illnesses they may be prone to (such as a tendency to hip dysplasia in larger dogs, breathing difficulties in flat-nosed dogs).
- Wellness and Training Needs. Are they a match for you and your family? (Are they the athletic type? Will
they do well in an apartment, are they independent, good with kids, so on). Of course, each dog is different, however knowing the background of a dog can determine what type of lifestyle will suit that dog.


Learning about the genetic makeup of Man's best friend has many benefits

Recently, a kind individual in the UK generously donated some Wisdom Panel 2.0 DNA kits to us at ARK to
try to learn a bit more about our temporary residents. We got straight to work! The Wisdom Panel Swab
Tests are harmless to the dogs. A simple mouth swab is all that is required. The best part? It’s EASY! All you must do is, take two mouth swabs and mail them to the lab for testing, and in just two or three weeks, the
results are emailed to you. These kits can detect a total of 185 plus recognized breeds and what is great is a family tree is also included. How amazing is that?

First up we have the lovely Thumbelina！

Thumbelina is ready for action!

DRUMROLL….
It appears Thumbelina is a mix of Chinese Shar-Pei, Shiba Inu, Akita, and American Eskimo Dog!


Please click the photo!


Well, it does explain her love of ice!

The results of DNA tests may startle you. For instance, a dog may clearly NOT show any resemblance to a
Yorkshire Terrier, yet the results show it is a Yorkie. What does this mean? It could be that the genetic
markings of the dog are so like that of a Yorkie, that the closest breed that the DNA test picks up is in fact a Yorkie. In Thumbelina’s case, she clearly has similar features to that of a Shiba, but where are those
famous Shar Pei wrinkles? It could be that Thumbelina carries a Shar Pei personality trait instead.

Overall, our experience with DNA testing has been a very positive, interesting, and enlightening experience. As much as we know and care for our temporary residents, we now feel we know them just that little bit
better and can tailor a wellness plan to meet their various needs.

At the end of the day, we believe each and every dog is special, regardless of breed or genetics. Their
character, their quirks, their eagerness to please, their loyalty and their devotion, is what makes a dog a
man’s best friend.



Please have a look at the following DNA results for
Wenceslas
Valerie
Carole


Are you ready to find out your roots, Wen…?

Parinko is very proud of his blue eyes and fluffy fur.
He joined ARK on a very cold day of February last year.
Originally living in a new apartment building that did not accept pets, he was sent out by his previous owner and had to endure the cold outside for about three months.

He was rescued by a neighbor, and because of his background he was back to being a stray cat by the time he arrived.
Trying to get near with your bare hands was too dangerous, he was hissing, biting and clawing everything that touched him, even toys from a distance. He was a very savage beast.


Even after 2 months, his face still looked like this.

As he had difficulties getting used to living in a wide room, we had to move him to a smaller one.
After that, it was only a matter of time until he understood what people were doing, and it slowly became possible to play and stroke him.


“Who are you talking about?”

Now he turned to be a very sweet boy who loved to be cuddled.
He starts purring as soon as people step in, and rubs his body against your legs.
He got used to his environment so well so that not only does he do that to our staff, but also to any volunteers and will gladly cuddle with them.


We are talking about you! “Hmm? Me?”

He has no problem living with his previous room-mate Karinto, but when we tried to put him with other cats, some fights were started. It might be a better idea for owners to have no other pets in the house.
He is not good with changes of environment, so it might take some time until he gets used to his new home. Once he got used to it though, he will be a very sweet and very understanding companion.
Usually cats who grew up in a house get used to a new house much faster that they would in a shelter.


You’re a sweet boy. “I know”

Living in one of the far rooms of ARK, it can be difficult to find him, and having the chance to watch him move can be rare. Please take a look at this video!


http://youtu.be/0Tp-TxihFlg

He can be so sweet and loving that the staff gets embarrassed.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want a cat who is both handsome and sweet!
Parinko’s profile page: http://arkbark.net/?q=ja/node/5876




If you have more time, here is one more.

http://youtu.be/SI2vLoWCYaE



There are many other animals waiting for a new home!
http://www.arkbark.net/?q=en/node/80

For people who might be interested in adopting some of our boys and girls:
http://www.arkbark.net/?q=ja/node/143

This week, our Sunday was all about rain.
Still, many potential adopters came to visit us from early in the morning.
Among the people who came, some of them had come to our adoption event “Full of Cats”. Thank you to everyone for spreading the word!

Today, we had 6 new ARK graduates!

Very cute, but also very reserved, Pluie never managed to get a lot of attention and grew up with us.
However, this time he got adopted by the same family who took Princess Amidala last month!
Pluie gets along really well with other cats, he should have no problem being a nice little brother♪

I haven’t bad breakfast yet...


Another family adopted Fujimaru, as well as Hachi with whom they fell in love during last week’s event.

“Oh, nice to meet you, I’m Hachi.” “I’m Fujimaru, how are you doing?”


At last week’s event, Kunak and Lina stuck together the entire day and tried hard to show how much they liked each other.
Today too, they were next to each other, sleeping in their cat house. While looking at them, we tried to find them a new family where they would be able to live together, and even though adopting two cats at once can be a tough decision, our dream came true♥
Kunak, Lina, that is some very good news for you two!



To continue, Cappe also left us for his new home, after being chosen during last week’s event.
From now on, every day will have some time spent on someone’s lap!



The family who had chosen to adopt Inaho last week decided to adopt one of our shier cats instead. Please, if somebody else is interested in living with Inaho, don’t hesitate to contact us♪

Luck is something you wait for while sleeping!


Finally, Java who took part in our event last week also found a new home on this Sunday♪

What? For real??


It has been a very busy Sunday, and for two weeks in a row, but this is the kind of happy-busy day I wish would happen every week!！
Our boys and girls are waiting for you at ARK, next week too, in two weeks as well, every week♪


There are many other animals waiting for a new home!
http://www.arkbark.net/?q=en/node/80

For people who might be interested in adopting some of our boys and girls:
http://www.arkbark.net/?q=ja/node/143

Comet joined ARK last year in September.
She was found in a shack down a hiking trail, extremely thin and taking care of five pups.
Even though it had been impossible to catch her without using traps, she turned out to be a very peaceful and friendly girl once with us.


Comet raising her pups, and always tired.

Her kids are also growing very healthily, neutering and spaying went very smoothly, and next on the schedule is the spaying of the mother. Being such a nice family we thought they would find new parents pretty easily, but for whatever reason they never get chosen even though we have introduced them again and again.
They are clean, the don’t pull on their leach during walks, they never bark, they are probably among the easiest dogs to have... but unfortunately, everyone seems to get the impressions that they have no spirit.


Even though her pups have grown, she still has those tired eyes.

Well for sure, their mother is always like that, very soft.

http://youtu.be/_joZos8jtP8

But when she gets to it, she can also turn into this!

http://youtu.be/CkgUkY3ppN8


She would be the perfect match for someone who wants to enjoy a drink in the sun! Dogs like her are very rare... Hopefully spring will bring her luck!


There are many other animals waiting for a new home!
http://www.arkbark.net/?q=en/node/80

For people who might be interested in adopting some of our boys and girls:
http://www.arkbark.net/?q=ja/node/143