Rescued Japan Tsunami Dog Has Joyful Reuninion With Owner

The dog, Ban, with a Japan Coast Guard rescuer before she was reunited with her joyful owner (Photo: AFP/Getty)

This is the very happy ending we were all hoping for after yesterday’s story of the dog who floated at sea in a sinking house for three weeks after Japan’s twin disasters. Her owner saw a report about the dog on TV and immediately knew it was her 2-year-old dog, Ban. She went to the animal care center Monday to claim her for a joyful reunion.

“I am happy that she seems healthy. I want to cherish her when I take her back,” she said as a wagging Ban licked her masked face.

Check it out below. (You’ll also see some pretty cool footage of the dog’s rescue by the Japan Coast Guard.)

Editor’s Note: Whoops, the wrong video was showing up here a little while ago. The right one should be up now!

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How animal lovers can help quake, tsunami victims

March 11, 2011

How can animal lovers help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan today, and any other areas impacted by the tsunami?

Friends, I’m in New York City today taping two segments for “The Dr. Oz Show” and have limited access to a computer, but I needed to stop by and answer that question, which I was hearing from so many of my readers and viewers.

In addition to the Red Cross, which has a dedicated tsunami donation page here, please consider making a donation to World Vets, an international veterinary aid organization that provides free veterinary aid, resources and support during times of disaster all over the world. They are currently coordinating with one of my Japanese veterinary colleagues to begin their relief efforts there.

Another great animal-related cause is the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, a FEMA-certified agency. Searching for survivors in wreckage is what they do, and they have teams standing by. [Update: teams have deployed!]

I have spoken to veterinarians in Japan many times, and have lots of friends there. They are strongly in my thoughts and prayers today.

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