Shinjiinu was born in September 5th, 1997 in a Japanese pedigree puppy mill that was promptly shut down, leaving Shinjiinu stranded in one of Japan’s many animal shelters.

The owner of Shinjiinu, Atsuko Sato, rescued her in 2001, saving her from certain death at the hands of humanity.

Her name was given by a shelter volunteer – Shinjiinu is a type of fruit and said rescue worker mentioned that her face was very round, just like the fruit.