A Japanese man was recently in the news for spending around $14,000 (Rs 11.67 lakh) on a realistic collie costume to fulfill his dream to ‘become a dog.’ He did this because he loves animals. While the man refused to share his real name, he is recognised as Toco. Now, the man has again captured the attention of the internet after taking on a Crufts-style agility course. Toco has his own YouTube channel by the name, I Want To Be An Animal where he regularly posts clips that show him going for dog walks, eating dog food and learning new tricks. Toco’s latest adventure involves the canine enthusiast trying to leap over a set of hurdles in a garden.
In the series of pictures shared on Instagram, Toco shared pictures of him in the collie costume and miserably failing the test dropping on the ground along with a pole and bumping on the hurdle pole. He wrote in the caption of the post, “When you become a dog, you want to try agility, don’t you?”
The photo and video-sharing app users have reacted to the post. One of the users said, “I think he might be a Therian-a strange one, but a Therian none the less.” Another person said, “Therians need to step their game up; he’s committed to that identity.” Notably, Therian in the Urban Dictionary defines as “someone who identifies as a non-human earthen animal either spiritually or psychologically.”
Another Instagram user commented, “He tried his best, that’s what matters.” One more user quipped, “Wow you are brave! That must have been so difficult! Honestly, your little crash land photos are so adorable!”
The costume worn by Toco has been designed and made by a company named Zeppet, popular for making costumes for television shows and commercials. As per the creator of the custom-made collie suit, it took around 40 days for the dream to be made into a reality.
