The adorable Pomelo, a Shiba featured here in late 2024, has found a new home with Yoneko and Teruo Yoshida, a couple from Kobe. ¡°I¡¯ve always liked animals and looked after squirrels and birds,¡± says Yoneko. ¡°When I heard about rescue dogs, I really wanted to be a part of it.¡±

And Yoneko made it happen. ¡°We wanted to provide a happy home for a dog that may not have all that much time, so we looked at dogs up for adoption that were over 10 years of age.¡± Proving themselves to be dyed-in-the-wool animal lovers, the Yoshidas began adopting dogs in 2007, with Pomelo as the latest addition to their household. Yoneko says the animals have ¡°made our family truly happy¡± over the years.

Even though Pomelo seemed small in comparison to the Yoshidas¡¯ previous dogs, she has proven herself to be outspoken and full of energy.
Even though Pomelo seemed small in comparison to the Yoshidas¡¯ previous dogs, she has proven herself to be outspoken and full of energy. | MASAKO YOSHIDA

When Pomelo first arrived, she seemed so small compared to their previous canines that the Yoshidas were worried about stepping on her. But what she lacks in size, she makes up for in vigor. ¡°When we have guests, she barks,¡± says Yoneko. ¡°She also barks at other dogs when out on walks. It¡¯s quite hard to stop her. She is an excellent alarm system, though.¡±

Besides barking, Pomelo enjoys sleeping with Teruo and makes a point of finishing her food, even when it¡¯s playtime. Though the Yoshidas¡¯ grandchildren are a bit spooked by the barking, Yoneko remains upbeat. ¡°We¡¯re working on that,¡± she says.

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: