Five-year-old Gran is a standard poodle, but only in terms of his breed. His personality and temperament are definitely high-end. He is big, though — weighs about 30 kg — and can put his paws on your shoulders if you stand face to face.

Though well-behaved and quiet, Gran has the most endearing way of showing he's happy: He'll jump in the air, lifting all four legs off the ground in what is described as a hilarious "crazy break-dance move," and then run in tiny circles.

Gran certainly is feeling happy these days: He and his buddy Bryce were tied up outside for two years and were never walked, but they were rescued after neighbors went to the police. Initially at the Osaka shelter, Gran is now in Yokohama with a foster family.

He apparently harbors no ill feelings whatsoever to people, but seems to want to express his gratitude for, at long last, being treated like the intelligent, loving animal he is. "Gran will hug you. He likes to sit on your foot and lean up against you. He is so affectionate," explains one ARK worker. "He's spectacular."

If you are interested in adopting Gran, please email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Briton Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. All prospective new owners are requested to undergo a screening process.