A man known as "Toco" spent a whopping $15,000 transforming himself into a Border Collie, only to be met with apparent disapproval by actual dogs.
Toco's odd but captivating journey has led him to online fame, with a follower count soaring to 56,000, making his tale a hot topic across internet forums and news platforms.
The dog enthusiast from Tokyo, Japan, drew widespread attention by posting a video of himself sauntering the streets in his dog costume, as he endeavored to fulfill his lifelong dream of experiencing life as an animal.
Despite his investment in the realistic attire, Toco found interacting with real dogs a challenging feat, sharing with The Sun, "They seemed a little surprised and unfortunately, they did not treat me as an equal."
However, Toco remains hopeful, continually exploring connections with other therians (individuals who identify as a non-human species) though admitting his progress in making such unique friendships has been stagnant.
His journey to canine transformation became a viral sensation, as he unveiled his custom-made collie outfit, developed by a specialist movie and TV costume maker. Toco began documenting his transformation journey on YouTube, charming dog lovers globally.
The choice of a collie was inspired by his fondness for the breed and its long hair, which seamlessly conceals his "human form," allowing him to emulate canines realistically.
While Toco joyously declared, "my dream of becoming an animal has come true," not all responses were supportive, with several commenters deeming his venture a monetary waste and labeling Toco as "weird."
However, Toco is undeterred by the criticism, acknowledging the inevitability of negative comments in such unconventional pursuits.
Toco's canine escapades were a well-guarded secret, even from his close friends, until recently. Their reactions to Toco’s revelations were surprisingly accepting. He hopes to experience more of the "puppy life", but clarified, "I won't stay a dog forever - I only become a dog a few times a month."
Toco's dedication is evident in his updates and his investment in a full-sized dog cage, allowing his followers to join him in his canine milestones. His videos, including his struggles with the cage and interactions with park-goers, have garnered millions of views, illustrating the public’s fascination with his unorthodox lifestyle.
His commitment to authenticity is unparalleled, ensuring minimal movement to maintain a realistic dog appearance and sharing, "Rather than being tough or physically uncomfortable, the feelings of excitement and fun I receive from this experience are stronger.”
Interestingly, Toco isn't alone in his eccentric fascination. The "furry" phenomenon has captivated over a quarter of a million people in the US, where individuals will dress themselves up in cartoonish animal costumes.
Author and enthusiast Joe Strike, provides a deep dive into this hobby in his book, Furry Nation, exploring the intricate world of "furries."
Toco's journey, blending his love for dogs with unorthodox self-expression, serves as a vivid exploration of human fascination with the animal kingdom, allowing people to delve into the nuanced experiences and challenges of life as man's best friend.
