Three-year-old Gammo came to ARK in April 2025 with two of his brothers. As the most timid of the pack, he took a long time to get used to his new environment. Having to constantly meet new staff and volunteers made things all the harder.

But Gammo has turned things around in a big way. ¡°He goes absolutely insane with joy when someone that he knows comes along,¡± says one staffer. These days, Gammo likes to make odd sounds that likely are his take on human speech, and?his tail will nearly tip him over sometimes because he¡¯s wagging it so hard.

Even just hanging out in the dog run fills him with glee. He¡¯ll check things out, lope around, sniff the grass and ¡°water¡± the trees. But if Naruto, his best buddy and brother, is out there, watch out ¡ª Gammo becomes a ¡°big, goofy fluffball.¡±

Three years old and weighing 12 kilograms, Gammo is a rambunctious fellow that loves the dog run ¡ª especially when his brother Naruto is around.
Three years old and weighing 12 kilograms, Gammo is a rambunctious fellow that loves the dog run ¡ª especially when his brother Naruto is around. | KANA MATSUTANI

He¡¯ll race around with such exuberance and intent that he looks like he¡¯s rushing to home plate off a grounder to second. He¡¯ll crash into Naruto with a force undoubtedly many times his own 12 kilograms. They¡¯ll roughhouse for a bit, then chill under a tree together.

At the end of the day, Gammo is a wonderful dog. He may love people enough to be fine as the sole pet of a household but would likely make a fantastic friend for another dog. The dream scenario would be to find a home together for him and his brother.

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: