This video of a frightened, shivering dog guarding her fallen friend in the wreckage that was once her home is utterly heartwrenching. She clearly wants the comfort of human camera team, but is more intent on staying with her badly injured canine companion. The video (below) is short and simple, but it gets you to feel the heart of the devastation almost instantly. (An English translation follows at the end of the post, if you’re interested.)

The good news is that these two dogs have been rescued, according to a report on Yahoo News They’re both “receiving veterinary care; the more seriously wounded dog is at a clinic in the city of Mito, while the protective spaniel-type dog is receiving care at a shelter in the same town,” the report says. It would sure be great if they could be reunited as soon as possible.

Meanwhile there must be thousands of other dogs and other pets who are frightened and homeless and injured in this part of Japan. Rescue efforts are underway, and you can help from the safety of your own home. This excellent Global Animal page lists and describes vetted organizations that are going to the aid of these poor pets. They are going to need a great deal of aid in the coming months. Please consider helping them save dogs like the ones in this video.

Here is an English translation of the voiceover exchange between the two reporters in the clip (translation courtesy of Toshiyuki Kitamura, via Yahoo News):

We are in Arahama area. Looks like there is a dog. There is a dog. He looks tired and dirty. He must have been caught in the tsunami. He looks very dirty.

He has a collar. He must be someone’s pet. He has a silver collar. He is shaking. He seems very afraid.

Oh, there is another dog. I wonder if he is dead.

Where?

Right there. There is another dog right next to the one sitting down. He is not moving. I wonder. I wonder if he is alright.

The dog is protecting him.

Yes. He is protecting the dog. That is why he did not want us to approach them. He was trying to keep us at bay.

I can’t watch this. This is a very difficult to watch.

Oh. Look. He is moving. He is alive. I am so happy to see that he is alive.

Yes! Yes! He is alive.

He looks to be weakened. We need to them to be rescued soon. We really want them rescued soon.

Oh good. He’s getting up.

It is amazing how they survived the tremendous earthquake and tsunami. It’s just amazing that they survived through this all.