OUR STORY

A Little Tale

Apologies for the personal nature of this tale, but I’d like to take a bit of time to explain the inspiration of how Horgihugh with Friends came to be. The name “Hugh” is derived a beloved pet owned by Sasaki, one of our members, named Hyuga (no longer with us as of 2019).

Horgi refers to a mix between a Husky and Corgi, and so the title “Horgihugh” was created.

2011 Tohoku Earthquake

In its own ironic way, the fated meeting with Hyuga would not have been made possible were it not for the disaster in 2011. In addition to the lives lost from the tsunami itself, there was another problem that remained—the nuclear power plant failure.

Born in Aomori Prefecture, Hyuga was raised in Iitate in Fukushima. Unfortunately, due to the evacuation orders that came along with the nuclear power plant’s dangers, many people were forced to abandon their homes, and so many pets found themselves without a home.

Hyuga was one of these pets, transferred over to a shelter in Sendai.

In the many years to follow, the shelter was graced with many kind hearted souls in the form of volunteers. My wife was one such individual, and during her time there we had the privilege of having Hyuga come into our home, if only temporarily.

Hyuga

Hyuga and Figaro

Hugh and Hyuga

Hyuga left us in 2019.

It happened in the middle of plans to move Hyuga back with his original family.

Hyuga was one of these pets, transferred over to a shelter in Sendai.

It seems he was suffering from some impeded cognitive function and difficulties moving, but even so, lived his life to the fullest without giving up right until the end.

Always looking forward, carefree and calm, while naturally bringing luck to his side.

Everything that defined Hyuga, we have tried to convey and reflect that in the main character of this work. On top of that, we’ve included his partner Figaro, a brave cat who never shrunk away even next to a much larger Hyuga standing next to him.

While the “and friends” part of the title may have been just a happy coincidence, we believe this fits Hyuga’s wonderful life.

On the same day he left us, the family made their way over to pick Hyuga up and he was able to return home. He rests with his family today.

On Shelter Animals

These shelters have no particular affiliation and no political ties. They exist only through the kindness of people.

The disaster may not have been the direct reason, but these animals nonetheless were forced to be left behind in Iitate. There are plenty of volunteers attempting to rescue and protect them, but it seems that there are still quite a few left behind even today.

This problem isn’t limited to just Iitate. It extends to all those who lived or still live with these animals, and the love and respect that they deserve. We would be elated if this work conveys this happiness, as well as makes them aware of these rescue animals.

Hyuga with his Dad (in Fukushima)