Social media campaign to help save pets in Japan

The recent earthquake in Japan left people and pets-just like your veterinary patients-in need of help. The devastation and destruction inspired employees of Spectrum Labs to get involved and now you can, too. During May and June, Spectrum will raise money for Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support (JEARS), a collaboration of three Japan-based no-kill animal rescue organizations that are helping Japanese animals in crisis. But you have to log on-Spectrum Labs will donate $1 for each new follower on its Twitter page (@vetallergy), for each new "like" on its Facebook page (vetallergy), and for each new veterinary clinic that chooses to receive its newsletter electronically instead of on paper.

Here's one of the pet stories that inspired Spectrum Labs to take action: Atsuko Oikawa, a resident of Ofunato, was helping her mother-in-law into their car when the earthquake hit. Their two beloved miniature dachshunds ran off toward the port-and the killer wave.

Oikawa found one of her dachshunds, Carlos, but the other one, Ghosn-the two are named after Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn-couldn't be found despite her frantic search efforts. As the wave of the tsunami approached, she evacuated with her husband, but there was a hole in their hearts over the missing dog.

One week later-in what they consider a near-miracle-the Oikawas received word from the police that Ghosn had not only survived but that he was in good shape. He had been found inland near a beach sign, and the Oikawas speculate that he rode in on the wave. "We're so incredibly happy to get him back," Yuki, Oikawa's husband, says.

Click here

for more information on JEARS.