Meet Nelson, Francis, Walter, Jemima, Jane and Jessica!! Six very happy and lucky ducks rescued from Itoi in Iidate Village – an area in the Evacuation Zone. When their owner was forced to leave his home he searched desparately for someobody to look after his ducks. Fortunately Jears coalition shelter AFN were able to take them in. Now they can spend each day in safety away from predators. Every morning before they head out for their daily bath they hang around their door in anticpation of the day ahead, talking excitedly like shoppers waiting outside Macy’s on the first day of the holiday clearance sale. And when they go to bed at night the conversation continues as if they are comparing notes on the days event’s. Who ever knew ducks had so much personality?? These lovely feathered characters certainly do!!

A few laps round the pool before some sunbathing.

Without fear of predators there is all the time in the world to do what ducks like to do - which isn't a whole heck of a lot!!

Flip flap flip flap - off to the pool for a morning swim and a day of relaxation.

Strolling around the edge of the pool looking for the best spot to dive in.

The tree in the background came down during the recent storm and narrowly missed the chicken, duck and rabbit house.

Today, we would like to say thank you to Global Animal (www.globalanimal.org) and their readers who have generously supported JEARS multiple times. Last month, on the one year anniversary of the Tohoku disaster, Tazi Phillips of Global Animal published another story featuring JEARS (http://bit.ly/Global-Animal_one-year-later). But Global Animal does not only report about animals, they also help! Once more, JEARS received a much needed donation from this daily animal news magazine.

Milo, HEART’s heartbreaker cat, told us that they were not able to convince Susan Mercer to use the money for animal treats. When we contacted Nutmeg at our other coalition shelter, AFN, we were meowed a similar story: humans simply do not understand that animal treats are not really treats but much needed nourishment. Indeed, Nutmeg informed us that their resident dog treat expert let multiple scientific studies, proving once and for all: treats must not be limited but should be the main food source. Oh boy!