Adopter Name

William Mathis

Rescue Dog’s Name

Tomodachi

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

Tomo was rescued from a neglectful and abusive situation by Kentucky Animal Control and given to SAAP when he was 3 years old. He was fostered for over a year, waiting for the right person to adopt him.

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

A co-worker knew about SAAP and went one Saturday tpo get a dog for her mother-in-law. She came to work on Monday and mentioned that not only had she found a dog for her mother-in-law, but that they also had an Akita. I had known about Akitas for some time, so the next Saturday I went to the pet store where SAAP was displaying animals for adoption. ”I understand you have an Akita” Yes, over there. All of the dogs were barking, but Tomo (he was called Tonka then), was lying in his crate quietly. I got him out and walked around the store. He’s been with me since. That’s 5 years ago now.

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

I renamed him Tomodachi, which means friend in Japanese. And he is called Tomo, but he thinks that ”good boy” is his name. He is gentle and affectionate, strong and intelligent, but somewhat aloof and stubborn. He never meets a stranger, and particularly likes women and children. Tomo is my buddy and is always with me – I own my own business, so he goes to work with me each day. We walk almost every day, and he is an attention getter because of his size and his handsome appearance. In many ways I feel I was given the opportunity to provide a home for this wonderful animal, and I am grateful that he is part of my life.