I rode out from ARK in the back of the jeep...it poured rain when we first arrived in Sasayama to help set everything up

   
  
 
Luckily the rain slowed a little while after everyone started to set things up...
 
     
   
 We helped prepare food for the barbecue...

   
 
The staff helped to prepare some really good salads, as side dishes, and put out chips for dipping...lots of cold drinks...
 
    
 
Everything started coming together and people started to arrive...
 
     
 
Adopters brought their dogs back for a reunion...the dogs loved running around the fenced in dog area...
 
   
 
Even the little dogs had a nice time...still rained a little on and off at the beginning...Miharu arrives
 
   
 
Picture time...
 
   
 
More pictures, playtime and tours of the new land...
 
   
 
Cutting the meat and sitting down to eat...nice chance to catch up...
 
   
 
Elizabeth made some excellent hummus and baba ganoush for those of us non meat-eaters...yaki soba prep...party is over but the last table hangs on... 

    
Awalk around the property before leaving...tents come down...
  
    


ARK in summer bloom...the newly built cathouse, tucked away in the trees...inside the new cathouse

    

  
The cats have a ladder and a loft, with a leafy green view...
  

  
The windows open, creating an airy space above, but can also close, keeping the warmth in for a cozy winter space below
    

  
I climed up the ladder to say hello, and the cats looked very happy...stopped by to see some other kitties in one of the enclosures and they were facinated by my bag.