A man in Japan spent a staggering $15,000 to transform into a dog—and now, he’s on the hunt for love. Toco, as he’s known when dressed in his hyper-realistic collie costume, says he dreams of meeting a “girl dog” to share his unique life with.
Living out his childhood dream of becoming a dog, Toco shot to viral fame after videos of him donning his uncanny costume made waves online. From taking his first “walk” on a leash to playing fetch, he’s shared every milestone with his growing number of fans. But while Toco is living his best doggie life, one thing is missing—a canine companion to call his own.
Speaking to the New York Post, Toco revealed he’s hoping to meet a woman who shares his passion for living as a dog. “I think it would be great if something like this existed,” he shared. “I would like to meet them.”
For those unfamiliar with the subculture, Toco identifies as a “therian”—someone who feels a deep connection to a non-human species. Unlike “furries,” whose costumes are often tied to a specific subculture, Toco’s transformation is purely about fulfilling his dream of embodying a dog.
So, why a collie? Toco explained, “I like raising collies, and their large size makes the costume look more proportional.” Let’s face it—a Chihuahua costume just wouldn’t have the same impact.
When Toco ventures outside in his lifelike suit, he inevitably draws stares. Passersby often stop to marvel or even interact with the “human dog.” Despite this attention, Toco keeps his secret from most friends and colleagues, worried they might find his lifestyle “weird.” Luckily, his family supports him.
His journey to becoming Toco began over two years ago. After reaching out to multiple companies, it took six months to create the realistic costume he now wears. For the first year, Toco enjoyed his new identity in private. But last spring, he decided to share his transformation with the world on YouTube.
Since then, his videos have captured moments like playing fetch, going for walks, and even pretending to eat dog food—delighting his fans worldwide. However, living as a dog isn’t all tail wags and belly rubs. Spending hours on all fours takes a toll. “Rather than being physically tough, the excitement and fun I feel outweigh the discomfort,” he said.
As he continues to chase his dreams, Toco has his sights set on a movie career, hoping to star in films as a dog. But for now, his biggest wish is finding a lady pup to share his life with.
Here’s hoping Toco finds his perfect “paw-tnership” soon! Would you ever live as your favorite animal, or is Toco’s story just too far out? Share your thoughts—and maybe this article—with your friends!
