Temaki is a 5-year-old that can only be described as a precious gem — a 20-kg gem of a dog who has been living amid the rabble and raucous in the cold of the shelter, confined to a pen despite having committed no crime, no felony, no misdemeanor.

Her owner moved and the new place ruled, "No pets!" And that was it. Temaki, who had done everything right, and who is healthy, incredibly friendly, loves people and is neither aggressive nor bossy, was shipped off. And since then she has waited and waited for someone to bring her back home, but all have passed her by. Shorter than a Labrador but stockier, with a face that may not launch ships but a bark deep and mellow like a fog horn, Temaki has waited three years for someone to see through her somewhat tough-gal look to her heart of gold and take her home.

But the competition is stiff and no one bothers to look into her eyes to see her soul of innocence. Judged and condemned on mere technicalities, Temaki's days are spent with little hope and without the loving support and friendship she yearns for. Please come to her defense. Please set Temaki free.

If you are interested in adopting Temaki, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 Monday to Saturday (bilingual). Tokyo ARK is an NPO founded by Elizabeth Oliver dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are requested to undergo a screening process.