This sunny young fellow is Naruto, just a kid at only 2-and-a-half years of age. There are no dark days in his past, no trauma, pain or suffering. For purely logistical reasons, Naruto¡¯s former caretaker handed the reins over to ARK when he was 1 year old.

Worried that things were going to change for the worse, Naruto started his life at the shelter trembling and hiding from people. A smart young boy, he takes time to suss out new people and new situations. But once they win his stamp of approval, he¡¯s OK. Or rather, much more than OK ¡ª his heart overflows with joy.

Naruto weighs 15 kilograms and gets along well with both dogs and humans.
Naruto weighs 15 kilograms and gets along well with both dogs and humans. | KANA MATSUTANI

Naruto weighs 15 kilograms, which is a good size for either the countryside or city life. He likes other dogs, has no aggression in him and makes great eye contact. He¡¯s a little shy at first, but that shyness is just waiting to blossom into loyalty.

He likes to sit on your foot and lean against you. One ARK worker said he reminded her of Robert Redford. The likeness is there: fluffy blond hair, a huge smile, a contagious joie de vivre and a winning personality. Naruto may not be Redford ¡ª but he¡¯s definitely a star!

If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web: