​Shortly after we got involved in the Nara large-scale rescue, we received a call from a breeder in Tokushima who had given up his business and wanted to donate his facility to HEART.  He claimed to have only 12 dogs remaining that he would care for himself.  Animal Control had apparently checked his facility in the spring and had given the thumbs up to renew his breeding license.  Although we are skeptical of all breeders, with high hopes we arranged a visit to the location.  What we encountered was soon to distinguish any hopes we held

Filthy cages stacked upon cages.  Emaciated dogs with matted fur forced to live for years in their tiny prisons.  There were actually 18 dogs in all.  Seventeen small breeds: Toy Poodles, Pekinese, Miniature Dachshunds, West highland Terriers, one Chihuahua, one Jack Russell, one pomeranian and one Akita ken. The breeder cared so little for these animals, he didn’t know how many dogs he had.

All 18 dogs were rescued.  Dai, the Akita was transferred to Animal Friends Niigata. He is 8 years old and has advanced stage heartworm. We are very grateful to Isabella and AFN for offering to take him in.

11 of the Tokushima breeder dogs have since found loving homes, 6 are still waiting!  

​If you are interested in adopting one of these lovely animals, please contact us at [email protected].

HEART was contacted in August regarding a case in Nara prefecture that made national headlines.  A breeder had stopped business and relocated from Osaka to her family home in Nara.  Feeling overwhelmed with the almost 70 animals in her care she drove to a nearby mountain and abandoned 32 of the dogs.  A passerby witnessed the event and contacted the police, the dogs were collected and brought to Animal Control where they were kept as evidence to be later handed back to the owner.

We made the four hour drive to Nara to check on the remaining 35 dogs at the family home and to see what we could do to help.  With little space at HEART, it seemed almost impossible to be able to take in any of the dogs but as soon as we arrived, it was decided.  They would have to be rescued. Some of the dogs were in make-shift kennels, others, three to four to a cage.  All were outside in the scorching sun in far less than ideal conditions.  Some with severe eye infections, missing legs, bald patches, etc. etc.

We got to work in Tokushima trying to figure out a way to make space for such a large-scale rescue. One of our supporters offered a small piece of land for us to use and we purchased a prefabricated building on on-line auction.  The impossible was possible and in just a few short days, we were prepared to take in the Nara dogs. 

Over the next 2 weeks, we made three trips out to Nara.  55 dogs came back to Tokushima and 12 dogs were transferred to Wan Life in Wakayama prefecture.  We are very grateful for co-operation from Wan Life and other individuals in the Kansai area, as well as HEART volunteers and supporters for making this large-scale rescue possible. 

34 dogs have since been re-homed,  like Sento, emaciated and weak upon rescue. Now a gorgeous poodle enjoying life with his new family!

​On a sad note, three of the Nara dogs passed away in our care.  Hanabi, Sora and Parsley.

​18 of the Nara dogs are still waiting for their own family.  If you are interested in giving one of these sweeties a home, please see our “dogs for adoption”page and contact us at [email protected].