Fukushima Animal Shelter

More than two and a half years have passed since a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. The natural disaster damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant and in essence created another Chernobyl. Japan is left with a no man's land containment zone, or exclusion zone as it's also called due to the high levels of radiation.

Everyone goes on to talk about the toll of human suffering. People had to leave their homes without much time to grab their belongings and can't go back due to the radiation. One big thing that was left behind was their pets.

A farmer by the name of Keigo Sakamoto has defied the order to leave. Keigo was formerly a caregiver for the mentally disabled. He has made animals his mission.

After the disaster, Keigo went into empty towns and villages and collected abandoned animals - dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and even marmots. He has more than 500 animals at his mountain ranch.

He is very determined not to leave and manages the animals even if they've gone wild from the time spent alone. Out of the 21 dogs he takes care of only two are friendly to man. As he was being interviewed one dog bit Keigo as he walked by. There are no neighbors and Keigo insists that he's going nowhere.

I have to admit that I think Keigo is a little crazy for staying there with the radiation; it's probably going to kill him down the road. At the same time I admire his courage and heart for caring for all the abandoned animals, especially being alone.