If the pope were to visit Yokohama, he would have to consider Kiyoto Kitaura for sainthood, for the modern-day St. Francis is nothing short of a godsend to animals in need.
Watching Kitaura in action -- the sense of purpose, the unflinching courage in the face of horrid abuse and gruesome injuries -- can raise goosebumps. To see him move in for the rescue is nothing short of inspiring.
Eight years ago, after becoming disillusioned with large, bureaucratic animal welfare groups, Kitaura started Yokohama Dog Rescue, an action group to aid dogs in distress -- lost dogs, injured dogs, abused, neglected and feral dogs. Today, some 2,000 dogs later, his group fields 3,000 distress calls and brings in more than 100 dogs every year through his "3R program"-- rescue, rehabilitation and "rehoming."