footstepsfrom#27
06-15-2007, 05:15 AM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070614/od_afp/lifestylejapananimals_070614144845
Japan's latest nursing home goes to the dogs
Thu Jun 14, 12:40 PM ET
TOKYO (AFP) - As Japan grapples with a rapidly ageing population, the country is set to open the first nursing home for another growing group of seniors -- dogs.
The new business opening Friday will offer the same type of nursing services available to humans but also exercise and physical therapy tailored towards canine seniors.
The facility in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo can accept 20 dogs at a time for a monthly cost of about 100,000 yen (820 dollars) each.
"It is extremely cruel to force people who think of pets as their own children to care for animals who are crying all night long," said Takao Kanai of Soladi Co., which runs the joint venture with the Endo Veterinary Clinic.
Many pet owners have full-time jobs, meaning it is hard for them to care for pets with special needs, he said.
"In addition, pet owners who live in condominiums often won't be able to keep their pets because of complaints by their neighbours over the noises that aged dogs make at night," he said.
Soladi Co. seeks to open a total of seven such nursing homes across Japan in the coming three years.
The Japanese are known for their love of dogs, with businesses flourishing in cities that offer everything from massage to spas for canine companions.
Japan's human population is also rapidly ageing due to the country's famous longevity and a dwindling birthrate among young people -- some of whom would rather have dogs than children.
Japan's latest nursing home goes to the dogs
Thu Jun 14, 12:40 PM ET
TOKYO (AFP) - As Japan grapples with a rapidly ageing population, the country is set to open the first nursing home for another growing group of seniors -- dogs.
The new business opening Friday will offer the same type of nursing services available to humans but also exercise and physical therapy tailored towards canine seniors.
The facility in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo can accept 20 dogs at a time for a monthly cost of about 100,000 yen (820 dollars) each.
"It is extremely cruel to force people who think of pets as their own children to care for animals who are crying all night long," said Takao Kanai of Soladi Co., which runs the joint venture with the Endo Veterinary Clinic.
Many pet owners have full-time jobs, meaning it is hard for them to care for pets with special needs, he said.
"In addition, pet owners who live in condominiums often won't be able to keep their pets because of complaints by their neighbours over the noises that aged dogs make at night," he said.
Soladi Co. seeks to open a total of seven such nursing homes across Japan in the coming three years.
The Japanese are known for their love of dogs, with businesses flourishing in cities that offer everything from massage to spas for canine companions.
Japan's human population is also rapidly ageing due to the country's famous longevity and a dwindling birthrate among young people -- some of whom would rather have dogs than children.