 |
 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Joyce's International Work "I believe all animals were provided by God to help keep man alive."-Iwao Fujita, scientist The year 2004 offered Joyce the opportunity of a lifetime. She was contracted to travel to Tokyo, Japan and appear on a weekly, prime time television program about animals. Genius, Mr. Shimura’s Animal Land is produced by Japan’s major network, Nippon TV. Her appearances boosted the networks ratings to the television show’s highest ratings ever; a 16% share of the viewer market. "Now this was no easy, 'Okay, you're hired,' type of job. After extensive testing over three days, the Tokyo-based producers were convinced that I could do the work they wanted. It was after those tests and many interviews that I found myself in the land of the rising sun, Japan. Thrill is an understatement. It was an honor," notes Joyce. She worked for Nippon the next two years, in the studio and on location; meeting movie stars, famous singers and everyday people as she helped them with their concerns about their animals' issues and problems: dogs, cats, horses, ferrets and an extraordinary elephant. From that experience, she was contracted to serve as the headliner for the Tokyo Pet Show, and was able to meet the fan base acquired while doing the TV show. “It was an extraordinary occasion to walk through the crowd of 40,000 plus attendees, see their smiling faces, pat their dogs and cats and speak to them personally,” says Joyce. “These are real people with real love and devotion for their pets and they wanted to meet the lady who had been speaking to them via the television show. Since then, I have made many friends and have established a community of animal lovers in Japan.” Joyce’s work is received across Europe, Peru, Africa, The Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, South Korea and China. 
Stories In Japan, the "correctness" of touching one's pet is not always taken for granted. Two stories recounted by Joyce illustrate the point: One lady had questions about her dog's bathroom behaviors, or lack thereof. As she asked her question, I noticed that the little dog kept jumping up on her knees and looking up at her. The lady kept talking to me and ignored her little dog. I was so taken by this little dog's determination to "get his message across to his person" that I stopped her and asked if she ever pets her dog. She looked perplexed and finally explained that she thought she wasn't supposed to touch her pet. Once I said it was allowed and she did touch him, he melted and relaxed on the spot. She was amazed at his instant reaction. (from the Tokyo Pet Show) After my presentation at the Tokyo Pet Show, I met with a select few guests and their pets to answer questions. They referred to this session as "counseling." The couple that came with their little dog was the most impressive to me. While we were speaking on stage, their little dog attempted many times to get their attention by jumping as high as his little legs could reach, to the lady's knees. He stretched and reached several times, all the while we were conversing. I couldn't help but notice this exercise in obvious futility and had to stop the conversation and say to the couple, "Do you notice how your dog is trying to get your attention?" I thought surely they had and were just trying to be polite and not interrupt our conversation flow. But to my surprise, they said they did not. And, oh, by the way, were they allowed to touch him? Once I told them it was natural and important, they started petting him. Instantly, the little panting and tiring dog sighed in relief and became docile and calm. The couple, shocked at the change, realized that they were distancing themselves from the one they wanted to be closest to. |
| Home | About Joyce | Animal University | International Work | Joye's Library | Media | Shop AniMall | Contact Us |