Hi there, I’m Totoro – and yes, I’m as charming as my name suggests (even if I didn’t exactly start out that way).

I came to Animatch from another rescue that was bursting at the seams. Truth is, I’d been abandoned and, well, let’s just say I wasn’t exactly looking my best. Picture this: no fur on my chest, crusty patches here and there, and an overall vibe of “has seen better days.” Spoiler alert – I have seen better days, and they started the moment I arrived at Animatch.

The amazing Vet Team gave me the full spa treatment – okay, maybe not quite a spa, but close! Turns out, I have allergies that were completely ignored, plus conjunctivitis, a nasty ear infection, and just for fun, I tested positive for Ehrlichiosis (a tick-borne disease). But hey, let’s look on the bright side – my teeth are great!

Thanks to medication, a series of soothing baths (which I’m now quite fond of), and lots of TLC, my skin, eyes, and ears are healing up beautifully. As for the Ehrlichiosis, I’ll be on meds for a month and then re-tested. No need to worry – lots of dogs test positive and go on to live totally normal lives. I plan to be one of them.

Now for the fun stuff! I love my walks – especially when I can sniff every tree, rock, and blade of grass. I get along well with my playgroup pals, and my absolute favorite thing is being held by a Volunteer who tells me the best is yet to come. I believe them. I have to – because life has already changed so much for the better.

One quick note: I do like to bark when something catches my attention (I take my “neighborhood watch” duties seriously), so apartment or condo living probably isn’t ideal.

After all I’ve been through, I’m still hopeful – hopeful that somewhere out there, a kind, patient human (or family) will see me for who I really am: a good girl who’s ready for a second chance.

If you think you could be my “happily ever after,” fill out that application. Again, the name’s Totoro – and I’m finally ready to be somebody’s dog.