Meeting the three brothers

A single message connects a small life

This story was also posted on Instagram on October 1, 2025.

I hope you will take the time to read that as well!

This time I'd like to dig a little deeper.

A certain day in June 2020

It all started with a single LINE message one day on a holiday.

When I saw the photo from a distance, I thought it was a stuffed animal rolling around.

But it was a small life.

(The photo below is the one that was sent to me afterwards.)

It was my first time seeing a kitten so small it couldn't even open its eyes.

And the reality that such a small life is left behind on the rice paddy path

I still vividly remember the shock I felt.

Was it abandoned by its mother or by humans?

We don't know the truth.

Even though I thought I had made up my mind and acted, I was greatly helped by the people around me.

That's for sure.

If it was just me, how far could I have gotten?

These three brothers were given temporary names: Toto (male), Lili (female), and Rio (female).

From that day on, I started keeping a daily record using an app called "Pet Note."

[Three brothers = Trio. It's a very simple name.]

Now I don't use the app at all

I can't erase the records and memories of that time, and I still look back on them from time to time.

---

I don't just face them with feelings of love or pity.

I once again felt strongly that this was not correct.

There is a limit to what I can do

With the help of others, you can accomplish even more

Where do you draw the line, and what is the limit of what you can do?

It may sometimes be necessary to make brutal decisions.

Still, there's always something you can do

---

Cat protection activities in Japan are facing many challenges, including the worsening rate of euthanasia and legal restrictions.

In recent years, TNR (trap, neuter, and release) and adoption events have become more active.

And through cooperation with local governments, the situation is showing signs of improvement.

These efforts are undoubtedly largely due to the efforts of volunteers.

While citizen-level initiatives are active on a global scale,

The reality is that Japan is still far behind other advanced countries in terms of animal protection.

That's why I want you to stop being irresponsible and keeping pets.

Raising awareness of animal welfare in Japan

I want you to reconsider what you can do now and what your resolve and limitations are in the name of responsibility.

This is an eternal challenge for me, and something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.

---

Now, let's take a look at Toto's story as he becomes part of our family!

[Nickname: Totchin/Tochiki/Tocchon]

((I think it's common for cats to change the way they're called.))

Check out the funny and cute expressions and body shapes from 2020 to 2025!

Please tell us about any stories you have about meeting cats.

Because everyone has different capabilities, it is important to share and spread experiences.

That's what I can do now through this blog.

lastly

This is not limited to cats, but for people who like them, dislike them, or are not interested in them.

I don't reject any of them, and I don't want to force them.

Someone sacrifices their life, and someone saves it.

Yet there are still many lives that cannot be saved

I just want people to know that this is a reality.

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