I want to clear up any misunderstanding about me: I'm not the administrator or owner of this site, I don't have the power to update, I don't have any more information than what we read here. I'm someone who's been following this story and believes that in the absence of other evidence it makes more sense to believe the story as presented. I believe (but am not speaking for the site owner) that the purpose of the site is to create a place to post information as it becomes available.

I also think perceptions are skewed by personal bias. That makes it crucial to be aware of one's own bias before making choices. It's easy to get caught up in things and begin making assumptions without ever stopping to examine those assumptions -- anouchka's assumption about the pictures is a good example.

I would also assume if the dogs were left to die, their bodies would have been found by SOMEBODY looking for survivors, and that wouldn't have been easily covered up. Or JEARS would have found some sign of them when they went to look for them. I don't know what I believe. I choose to believe that they are OK, but I'm really hoping for pictures sometime soon.

I was surprised to hear that reporters aren't allowed to help without permission. I always wondered why they would film this heartwrenching stuff and not help (did it in New Orleans flood too). I don't think I could do that, I'd end up fired....

Look, the truth is that if this did not happen, Sakurai could have had a very easy way to get out of this. He could have said the white dog died on the way to the vet and the other dog died on the operating table. He still would have looked like a good man to many for working with the bikers to get the dogs out, but his efforts did not lead to a happy ending because the dogs were too far gone. I don't see what he would have to gain by telling us the dogs are recovering-- particularly the white dog that looked like he was on death's doorstep-- and then just ignoring everyone and never providing any follow-up (later, when the dogs, hopefully are adopted). I don't see how a successful business man would think he would get away with that. If he never produces proof, he's gonna look back to a lot of dog lovers who buy his dogfood. That's not to say it is impossible that he is a fraud. You never know. But I don't think we should jump to conclusions. More time is warranted, IMO.

Things must be horrible over in Japan. These people are being put through the ringer. Sakurai included. Let's give this man some more time before we label him a fraud.If in a few more weeks we don't get any solid evidence, then I will jump on board the negativity train.

@Janne Potter,
if "all endless questions and discusiions"of obsessed foreigners are not important, then why do we have this site? It promised follow-up but does not provide any. 5 days ago you promised Drew to release new pictures... I have to agree with Curious Onlooker that unfortunately none of described things might have happened.

@Any Further Follow up?, IMO CNN did a very poor job in their initial report. No followup, no real details, just whipped up a heart-wrenching story for the evening news. The melodramatic nature of their story got this whole thing started. I'd be very surprised to see any of the news agencies get involved at this point -- it's a can of worms, and it's not attention-grabbing any more. As I said, getting "the rest of the story" in this case is only a high priority to a few people.

My view: the FujiTV reporters could not have known their little story would explode this way. Neither could the rescuers. I believe it happened the way it's described on this site; I also have the feeling that the local people involved, seeing the hysteria and viciousness of much of the public response, have pulled back from participating any further. And let's be realistic: the people on the ground are very much engaged in surviving, rescuing, solving problems, trying to rebuild their lives and their country. Satisfying the incessant questions of obsessed foreigners (not meaning you, just the general tone of the response to this story) is probably a very low priority for them. @anouchka,I have a feeling the tempest is only in certain people's teapots -- the "endless questions and discussions" aren't really very important, are they? :)

@Any further info?, I'm like you -- I believe he's telling the truth as he knows it, there's no reason for him not to. I'm sending out good thoughts for those dogs, and all the animals in the area who are fighting to stay alive, and the people who are helping them. I pray these two made it.

This has got me very upset. I don't know who to believe. I for one don't see why Mr. Sakurai would make this up. It seems like if he lied, he could potentially lose everything as hi reputation would be ruined. Why risk such a thing. I've got to believe he's telling the truth but am anxiously awaiting more information and am praying these two dogs are okay.

We're so used to getting information instantaneously that it's easy to forget what a disaster like this really means. At the moment the animals were being rescued it's doubtful the rescuers imagined they would be accosted for photographic proof by a bunch of over-emotional Americans; they may not even have had cameras. Later, when the questions started coming they had already given their word to the vet and shelter people that they wouldn't publicize the dogs' locations. I also think it's the height of arrogance to assume that if you don't believe something then it didn't happen. This is all very real to the people involved, I assure you.

@Drew, don't want to be argumentative but your statement is rather silly ... there are no pictures of Columbus landing in the Americas ... are you going to tell me that he didn't do so? are we to believe then that it was someone else? Mr Sakurai has been called worse things so "looking like a fraud" (which he isn't, believe me!), "acting like he's been caught with hand in cookie jar" (which he hasn't - he's returned all the cash so now there are no funds to help grass-roots organisations to help their fellow Japanese), is fairly mild invective! ... Japanese vets have better things to do than run around with cameras or cellphones just to satisfy certain arrogant American demands ... you, of course, have a right to be sceptical all you please ... Shalom!

Jannelle; The author did not express an opinion on the shelters or on any other matter. He/she was only stating the bare facts. The entire article serves to tell how bad the situation is for both the people and the animals. (The environment too, considering the radiation.) If there are others in the world who are demonizing the shelters then I'm sorry, but try to remember that not everybody thinks that way. :)

Janelle, I don't think they expressed any opinion about the policy regarding animals in shelters; just that most shelters and evacuation centers are not allowing people to bring their pets in. It's a very difficult situation for all concerned. I read this report more as a way of reminding us of the plight of the animal rescue/shelter locations; they are also overflowing and trying to help with small resources. If anything, this story makes me want to donate to the rescue groups again. :)

Janelle, I don't think they expressed any opinion about the policy regarding animals in shelters; just that most shelters and evacuation centers are not allowing people to bring their pets in. It's a very difficult situation for all concerned. I read this report more as a way of reminding us of the plight of the animal rescue/shelter locations; they are also overflowing and trying to help with small resources. If anything, this story makes me want to donate to the rescue groups again. :)

Can you PLEASE stop posting news updates that make the shelters/evacuation centers out to be some kind of evil establishment for not allowing people to bring their pets in? Do you have any idea what the conditions are like for the humans in there? THOUSANDS literally lying side by side on thin cotton mattresses for some three weeks now..filled with babies, the elderly - many of whom have become very sick (some with pneunomia - sorry for bad spelling) in the conditions, many people with animal allergies, not to mention the physical pain and mental anguish they endure. Aside from there simply being no space, no-one would welcome the yapping of a dog all night, because lets face it, those centers would be extremely stressful for the animals too. Organisations like JEARS are working hard at collecting people's beloved pets and fining them a foster home where they will be kept warm, safe and well fed until the owners are ready to move into temporary accommodation. Would I want to be in this kind of position for my pets? Absolutely not, but the peop,e running the shelters are working heroically in extreme conditions in order to take care of tens of thousands as best they can.
The idea of a "tent city" for these pets is a great idea, but they may have trouble finding land to put it on. In many areas they are having trouble finding enough suitable land just to build the temporary housing structures needed. I am very sorry for sounding so critical of your news update, but I just with that everyone on the outside would try and look at things with a bit of empathy (not sympathy, empathy - just to distinguish my meaning). Just as I believe that Sakurai san's efforts are done with a good heart to try and help others, so are the efforts of the local-level officials.

I'm so sorry to hear that our brothers, sisters and animal friends in Japan are going through such a heartbreaking ordeal as a result of the earthquake and tsunami. Being so far away, all I can do is donate what money I can and pray that things will improve for them. Many thanks to wonderful people like Kenn and his friends who are doing so much to help those who are in need.