In Ishikawa, shelter for people but not four-legged friends

Minako Nakashima is one of the many people to have been displaced by the earthquake that struck the Sea of Japan coast on New Year’s Day. Thankfully, she’s not alone — her shiba dog is keeping her company.

But the 49-year-old Nanao resident was forced to spend the first night in her lopsided house — which only had one room intact — because her four-legged companion was unwelcome at the several shelters she visited.

Nakashima’s experience highlights the many challenges facing pet owners in times of disaster, and is a recurring issue.