Japan Dog Rescued Found Floating On Roof Three Weeks After Tsunami

A story of survival is lifting spirits in Japan.

A dog found floating on the roof of a house that washed away in Japan's devastating tsunami has been rescued after three weeks at sea.

A small dog was spotted by the Japanese Coast Guard in the Pacific Ocean, about a mile off the coast of Japan.

The dog was spotted on a roof in the middle of a floating island of debris off the coast of Japan  that probably was swept out to sea by the receding tsunami.

The dog was frightened by the helicopter and hid under the roof, forcing rescuers to descend onto the debris pile to try and lure it out. Once on the roof, rescuers had hoped to find more tsunami survivors living inside the house but after tearing the roof open, it was found to be empty apart from the dog.
But the helicopter ran out of fuel before rescuers could reach the frightened animal.

A nearby coast guard boat took over the rescue attempt and eventually saved the dog several hours later.

Despite being out at sea for apparently three weeks, the dog appeared to be in fair condition.

The dog was not wearing a collar. So for now, the dog has a new home aboard the Japanese coast guard ship. Rescuers are hoping the dog will be able to lead them to its owners.

 Photos of dog found stranded on debris: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/slideshowajax/156786/dog-founded-stranded-on-debris-at-sea.slideshow