Shibalog - Visit http://shibainus.ca for the new TMS Blog

Shibalog MOVED

2009-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Yep, I loves me some Wordpress. This blog won't be updated any more. Head on over to

http://shibainus.ca

for more Shiba goodness!

TMS

2008-12-10T00:21:00.000-08:00

Well, shibainus.ca is back up and running and so is the blog. I'm not sure what I'm doing with this blog; might keep it for a while and just post to both or eventually switch to the Wordpress one. I'm tired.

TMS will be DOWN over the weekend

2008-12-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Misanthropic Shiba will be up and down over the weekend as I transfer it to a new server and start playing with Wordpress. We will be back up and running on Monday!

Water, water everywhere...

2008-12-03T12:34:00.001-08:00

Tierce: Out?

Me: Mmmf.

Tierce: I wanna go out.

Me: MMrrrf.

Tierce: OWWWWUUUTTT?

Me: NNNGH.

Tierce: AAAAAOOOOOOWWWWWWOOOOOUUUUTTTT?

Me: MRRNNNGGHstupidfuckingdog,hateyou,stupid,owmytoe,yesi'mtakingyou

Tierce: OOWWWAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOOUUUUUUTTTT?

Me: Shut UP! I'm taking you out!

Tierce: *leap*

Door: *BANG!*

Me: SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP! I'M COMING DOWN IN A SECOND.

Tierce: Ooowwwuuut. *thump, thump, thumpthumpthump* Hi!

Me: Go away; I'm just finding my boots.

Tierce: Yay! Thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthud

Door: *BANG!*

Mischa: Gnnnrrrrrnnnngh.

Me: Yeah, yeah yeah.

Tierce: Are you coming down so we can go awwaaahhoooooouuuuttttt?

Me: Ew, it's raining outside. And cold.

Tierce: It's OUTSIDE!

Me: Come here so I can put the leash on.

Tierce: Aww.

Me: Tierce...

Tierce: Okay, okay, okay.

Me: Okay, let's go. Ugh, it's pouring!

Tierce: Hey, I haven't sniffed that bush in, like, forever!

Me: This Flexi only goes out to 20 fee-

Tierce: Grrk!

Me: Control yourself.

Tierce: Whatever *pee*

Me: Okay, let's trudge to the park.

Tierce: Yay! Oh, that poodle from down the street was here earlier! And those little mop dogs from across the way! *pee*

Me: Yeah, yeah. Hurry up. I want you to do all your business so that we don't have to go out again for a long, long, LONG time.

Tierce: Ooo! Someone left a pizza crust in the storm drain!

Me: It probably came in with the flood that is now threatening to overflow my boots. Leave it alone.

Tierce: But, it has cheese-

Me: Leave. It. Alone.

Tierce: All you give me is that crappy allergy food. *pee*

Me: You like that crappy allergy food.

Tierce: Yeah and you eat the same thing for every meal. Oh, wait, no. *pee*

Me: Your life is a tale of woe. Now go take a crap.

Tierce: ...I don't want to go here.

Me: Find a place. How about here? You like unmowed grass.

Tierce: It's not the right place.

Me: Well, here's a nice place.

Tierce: It's too wet.

Me: Here?

Tierce: It's too familiar.

Me: You like open grass, don't you?

Tierce: No, but there's something yummy smelling around here...

Me: FORGET it! Attend to your BUSINESS. And by business, I mean TAKE A SHIT. NOW!

Tierce: I don't feel like it.

Me: You little-

Tierce: Hey, the more you stress me out, the less likely it is that I'll perform.

Me: -sweet, wonderful dog who I am going to strangle if you'll only come over here, my love.

Tierce: Hey, I want to go over here!

Me: Sure, do you think you're going to go?

Tierce: I think so, I think I feel something-

Me: Well?

Tierce: Nothing. It wasn't the right time.

Me: Would a massage help? I've got a couple of boots on that I'll gladly plant in that region should you need help moving things along.

Tierce: That won't be necessary. Let's try over here.

Me: We've been out here for the last twenty minutes. My jacket is almost soaked through and you're looking like the little rat that you are. What the hell are you trying to accomplish?

Tierce: Hey, you're the one dragging me hither and yon. If you let me off, I could be done this in thirty seconds. I just have to find the right spot.

Me: You can find the right spot with the leash on.

Tierce: Your call. Hey, lookitthatbirdoooiwannachasethatbirdoit'sflyingaway...

Me: No! Let's go over here.

Tierce: Meh. That spot has been so *done*.

Me: *Please* take a goddamned crap, Tierce, so I can go back inside and go back to bed. Please. I'm begging you.

Tierce: There is a time for all things under Heaven...

Me: I hate you. I'm wet and I'm cold and I'm standing here in a perfectly good vacant lot because you won't take a crap and I hate you.

Tierce: It sucks, doesn't it. My life has so few pleasures and this is one I'm loathe to part with.

Me: I'm going to have you neutered.

Tierce: So what? You were going to have it done anyway.

Me: Just GO.

Tierce: Yeah, at some point. I'm still finding out who was here last Saturday afternoon.

Me: FINE. I have HAD it. We're going home! Let's GO.

Tierce: Wait! I haven't figured out if this dog lives around here or no-

Me: LET'S GO.

Tierce: Well, fine. You don't have to be so BRUTAL about it.

Me: Cry me a fucking river of diarrhea.

Tierce: Speaking of that...

Me: What?

Tierce: Hold on a minute.

Me: We're halfway home! I'm not stoppin- oh.

Tierce: Well, that was a relief.

Me: You couldn't have done this back at the lot? Where there was a garbage can right there?

Tierce: I always wondered why you want to bag and save that stuff, considering the fuss you made when I pooped in the house that one time.

Me: I don't want to save it, I want to throw it away! Which is why I like to have a garbage can close at hand!

Tierce: You humans are weird. You go off your rocker if I pee in the house, but you collect feces in bins instead of leaving them out to announce our territory and just disintegrate in the rain. On that note, you hate the rain and don't like getting up early in the morning, but you would rather drag me around for half an hour than let me run around free outside to do my business. You're nuts.

Me: What makes me nuts is my deliberate acquisition of YOU. You're living proof that there's a God and there's some sins I haven't atoned for yet.

Call for Help from the Shibasphere

2008-12-01T19:13:00.001-08:00

I got this email a few days ago and, while you'll see my deathless wisdom *pause for laughter* below, I'm thinking that the people who read this blog might have some good advice to offer Jessica:

I hope you don't mind if I ask your advice/opinion on my Shiba....

I adopted him from a dog rescue in June. The vet estimates that he is around 5 years old. Some problems have surfaced since he came to live with us. First, he is the only dog I have ever met that has absolutely no problem sleeping in a pool of his own piss in his crate. He doesn't mind going in at all. I shut the door. He looks up at me with an expressionless face, squats, and pees the most ridiculous river of urine imaginable, not once breaking eye contact with me. At first I thought "Hmn, maybe he's doing this because he knows I am going to let him out so i can clean it up" and that this was just a plea for attention.... But lo and behold, whether I clean it or let him stew in it, he never fails to leave a pee puddle in his kennel. His crate is the perfect size for him- just enough room to lay, turn, stand, etc. I've tried plastic crates and I've tried wire crates... I've tried lots of bedding and no bedding at all. He goes outside before and after crating (where he finds a spot to lay down like a goat and stare at me blankly). So he gets ample opportunity to pee outside.... He's been crated in my bedroom where he can see me, and he's been crated in the dog room, where the other dogs are crated. Location seems to make no difference. In fact, NOTHING seems to make a difference. I really feel like he holds it all day long, just waiting to piss in the crate.

So aside from the peeing, he constantly C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T-L-Y is pacing. Circles, circles, circles, allllllll day long. Will not sit still. Not even a little bit. My vet seems to think he has an anxiety problem. She's prescribed doggy-prozac for him. I'm still not sure how I feel about this. I thought the peeing and the pacing could maybe be a side effect of some kind of health problem but two vets later and full blood panels, he is in perfect health. There's nothing medically wrong with him that could be causing the urination in the crate.

He seems fearful of the most ridiculous things.... Little noises, movement, someone walking by him.... He's ran headfirst into walls trying to get out of the way of someone walking by him. He scrambles away like his tail is on fire if anything rubs him the wrong way.

And the strangest thing ever? I can take him to dog shows, pet conventions, noisy pet stores, and he LOVES IT. No anxiety. No pacing. Relaxed. Mellow. WTF??! Like a perfect angel. And everyone comments on how well-behaved and precious and stately he looks. And he just sits there with his little Shiba-smirk while they go on and on about how good a dog he is..... And then the minute we get home its RUN FOR YOUR LIFE -- SOMEONE'S GONNA EAT ME!!!!

I love this dog. He's hilarious, sweet, and endearing... But really... I do NOT understand where he comes up with this stuff... I've been a dog lover all my life... I've had jack russels, shih tzus, american bulldogs, springer spaniels, and I breed Miniature Pinschers (which up until now I thought were the most hard-to-decode dogs there were). This Shiba is the most quirky creature I've ever encountered. How much of this is normal?? Its really the peeing in the crate thing that baffles me more than anything.

So.. I hope you don't mind... But.... help?

And here's my reply:

"Wow... that's so unusual - normally a Shiba is fanatically clean! I've heard that some pet store pups have a similar problem, being literally forced to live in their waste. Puppymill dogs are also notoriously inbred/insane and you might be dealing with one. Your next step might best be to contact an animal behaviourist.

Do you mind if I post this on my Shibalog? Maybe some of the people who read it will have more insight into this."

Jessica's response was, obviously, yes, so here we are. Any thoughts?

We now have a jacket!

2008-11-28T05:44:00.001-08:00

Shiba Jacket by Mountain Hardware

Lots o' Video

2008-11-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Take a look at N2Paws, featuring Tellington Touch, or TTouch, AND our favourite breed of dog!

And, of course, everyone's favourite puppies: the webcam Shiba sextet.

I've got to give their owners kudos for not trying to capitalize on the fame of their pups and for promoting responsible breeders and ownership. If you go to the webcam page, you can see their disclaimer:

For more information on the Shiba Inu go here - http://www.shibas.org/docs/Shiba_Brochure_color2.pdf

Please do NOT purchase pet store (puppy mill) puppies!
Do your research to locate reputable breeders in your area.

Likewise, do NOT buy puppies over the internet! No legitimate breeder will ever advertise puppies for sale on the internet. Don't be fooled by the misleading ads!

Another option would be to consider adopting a rescue Shiba
http://national.shibarescue.org/

After watching the horror story on CBC about puppy mills in Quebec, it's nice to know that there are people out there who are using cute puppies to promote a message of responsible dog ownership.

Just Look At My Dog!

2008-11-15T00:15:00.001-08:00

This has been circulating the Internet for a while now (I have no clue who made it):

And here's one I made for Tierce:

Article about the Great Obama Dog Debate

2008-11-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

The Internet Goes To The Dogs

Great quotes:

Still, you don’t need to have squandered two work weeks glued to the puppy cam — that insanely popular streaming Internet video that’s been focused on nothing more than a crate full of adorable Shiba Inu pups since this month began — to know that was some calculated speechifyin’ on the president-elect’s part.

...

It’s this allergy business that’s causing the — um — less professional of Internet animal advocates to fear the Obama family’s final choice. Sure the president-elect talks rescue, but then he uses his daughters as a caveat.

What if these allergy constraints of his daughter might cause him to waver — resulting in a canine flip-flop of national proportions? Because, let’s face it: crazy cat people get a bad rap, but crazy dog people are so much worse. Crazy dog people will cut you.

I know. I am one. And I have a knife. Generally, it’s used to chop fresh organic ingredients for meals served twice daily to my herd of rescue pugs, but I’m not above turning it on a backyard breeder … or animal-as-accessory maven Paris Hilton. Whatever.

I've just decided that Helen A.S. Popkin, the author of this piece, is teh awesumz.

Webcam Shibas taking online world by storm

2008-11-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

For when you're sick of politics

I've been trying to find out the breeders and kennel name of these pups, but so far have had no luck... does anyone have a link to more information?

Bad owner! No biscuit for you!

2008-11-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

I snapped, I'm sorry. I know that I've had a page all about Shibas and it's helped a lot of people and that some people consider me the living end of Shiba knowledge (I'm not! Try Shiba Inu Canada or the National Shiba Club of America). But I've proven myself to be a bad, evil dog owner and not deserving of the title Queen of Shiba.

I took Tierce to the groomer's to get his nails clipped.

Now I know that I should be stoic in the face of his whining, moaning, bitching and complaining, his earsplitting wails, and his sulky pulling away, but I'm not. I'm terrified of hurting him and he's terrified of me hurting him. It's safe to say that we both hate the procedure.

One day, a few days ago, I looked at his paws and they resembled a bear's, with nails out to ----- here and knew that I was just prolonging the inevitable.

Dog 'N Suds is a grooming/care facility not very far from where I live, so I slouched there to deliver my little brat. Tierce, of course, was extremely excited and interested, even in the trio of Dachshunds threatening to rip out his throat on his way in.

He behaved himself, at least, even when it was his turn. The groomer whipped him under her arm and carried him into the back with the ease of long practice. Two or three minutes later of whining, moaning, bitching and complaining, he was out, congratulating himself on his miraculous escape from death. It was the best 10 bucks I've ever spent.

No, seriously. Best. Ten. Dollars. Ever.

Even if it makes me a bad puppy owner who can't stand to clip my dog's nails, if there are competent people who will do it for a price. If there wasn't anybody, I could steel myself to do nails, but I've tasted the lack of stress and it is sweet! Now I know why Mom pays for Shassi to get groomed - it's just EASIER.

(Best part of all, Tierce is in the nail clipping program and it only costs $5 per visit!)

Vote no!

2008-11-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

First pup choices: will the Goldendoodle win out?

I generally hesitate on 'designer dogs', because I think that the overwhelming majority of them are not bred for any other purpose than to produce puppies for profit. However, I disagree about the Shiba puppies that Samantha Beerman votes for (yeah, yeah, I know it's tongue-in-cheek).

Free Videos by Ustream.TV

Hey, I like more stuff about our breed as much as the next dog-obsessed fanatic, but the last thing I'd like is a Shiba in the Oval Office. All of a sudden, pet shops and backyard breeders would figure that they could cash in on the sudden popularity and bam! there goes the breed. Of course our dedicated breeders would keep on breeding and educating, but it's just something we so do not need.

One more reason you should make damn sure the fence is secure

2008-11-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Shiba scales vet's fence, gets hit by car

At least the owner is not vilifying the vet to the public. I think, though, that any business's kennels should have overhangs that prevent dogs from getting a purchase on the top.

You want what for that?

2008-10-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

In the post below, Nikko's Momma posted a link to a site she thought I would be interested in. And I was. It's a set of stuffed Shiba toys, made by Piutre, an Italian company that sells in the U.S.

Aren't they cute? Unfortunately, the price is less adorable:

Puppy, Lying Down (16") $145
Standing (22") $598
Lying Down (22") $460
Puppy, Sitting (16") $145

Nnngh?! Five hundred and ninety-eight DOLLARS? For that price you can get a real Shiba! Of course, these ones don't have to be neutered and they don't wriggle past the barrier and through the fence into the neighbours' yard, like a certain Shiba of my acquaintance did this morning.

Toby visits for the weekend

2008-10-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Toby comes to visit

Me: Remember Toby? He's Chris' dog.

Tierce: Hell, yeah. He's the Golden Retriever that I can beat up.

Me: He's 75 pounds. He'll eat you.

Tierce: Yeah. Whatever.

Me: Hey Toby!

Toby: HIHihi!

Tierce: I could totally take you.

Toby: Let's play!

Tierce: GRAAAHRRR!

Toby: GRAAAHRRR!

Tierce & Toby: Growl, growl, growl, bite, bite, bite.

Me: So, how's that bullying going?

Tierce: Mmmf.

Me: Can't hear you.

Tierce: Mmmmf! e'z mffing uh mmm HEAhn!

Me: Speak up.

Toby: I think what he's trying to say is that I'm sitting on his head.

Me: So you are. Look at that little bugger flail.

Tierce: Mmmf! MMMMF! EnnhHHh! -OFF OF ME!

Toby: Oh, there you are.

Tierce: GRAAAAHHHRRRRR!

Toby: You're funny!

Tierce: I'm your ALPHA!

Toby: Let's play!

Tierce: Let's me dominate you!

Toby: Okay. I'm on my back now. Let's play!

Tierce: No! We're supposed to fight for supremacy!

Toby: Okay, I'll get up.

Tierce: mmMMMMFFF!

Toby: Are we fighting for supremacy now?

Tierce: MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMRRRRRRRRRRFFFFFFFFFF!

Me: I think it would facilitate the bloody battle of ascension if you stopped lying on him.

Toby: Oh. Oh, yes. Yes, I suppose it would.

Tierce: MMMmffFFF-KILL YOU!

Toby: Okay, let's fight to the death.

Tierce: YAY! GRAAAAHRRRYAAAAWWWWNN

Toby: Graaaahrrryawn?

Tierce: Never mind. Let's- YAAAAWWWN. I'm tired.

Toby: Yeah, me too. Let's nap and kill each other later.

Tierce: Fine by me. Hey, later I can show you how to jump off the couch and hit somebody in the crotch on your way down.

Toby: Cool! Then I can show you how to stick your head between someone's legs so you trip them while they're carrying food!

Tierce: Yay! Best friends forever!

Me: Now you'll be begging me for sleepovers.

Shiba Room Escape

2008-10-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Dog Room Escape: It's all in Japanese (of course), so I have no idea what I'm doing. However, there is a little dog with a familiar smirk on its face:

And there's what looks like a Shiba in rigor mortis:

Enjoy!

Walkthrough

Update!

2008-10-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Well, Tierce is much better on the Cyclosporine, although I'm not a fan of giving him a pill that requires an anti-nausea pill to keep it in him. Here he is next to one of many jellyfish that washed up on the shore beside Departure Bay Terminal (BC Ferries).

Shassi (forgot to get a picture tonight) is... a 15 year old dog. My aunt took her to one of the best vets in Nanaimo and got a complete blood panel done. Verdict: Shassi is in good shape for a 15 year old dog, but her kidneys are failing. Not entirely an unforeseen thing. Fortunately, my aunt is determined to take care of her and is feeding her the lowest-protein dog food that she can find.

Katana, the subject of my last post is, according to Petfinder, still looking for a home.

Bella, the Shiba missing since this April, is still at large.

Wow, lots of good news, huh? Well, I'm just glad that Tierce isn't scratching as much and he can stop wearing the cone most of the time!

Katana needs a home!

2008-10-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Photo from PAWS

From Phyllyist:

Katana has one of those stories that breaks our hearts. She's a loving 10-year-old Shiba Inu whose owner surrendered her because he "didn't have enough time for her anymore."

I love how people abandon their pets, then wring their hands and say how sad that they are that they didn't have enough time/couldn't find a place/couldn't train it. Yes, I know that there are always exceptions where the dog and owner just aren't working out, but I also think that in the majority of cases, the owner doesn't want to work things out. Basically, they get a dog and then tire of it.

Excerpt from the Petfinder entry for Katana:

This poor girl is so terrified at the shelter that she will not look at anyone. She stares at the back of her cage all day and all night long. If you can help out a senior that spent her entire life in a home environment and is now in a very scary place, please come meet her.

(who wants to find this guy and kick him several times in the gonads? The line starts here!)

Meanwhile, the dog knows no other life, has no inkling of other possibilities and, as in Katana's case, is too old for most people to consider bringing her home. If Katana was in Nanaimo, I would probably be bailing her out on Saturday.

Katana (via Petfinder) gets along with most other dogs, but really is not interested in them too much and she doesn't seem to know what cats are (she could probably learn to live with them). She is an older girl and has a pretty low energy level. She is independent and it takes her some time to warm up to new people.

Typical Shiba... she would probably make a great companion for someone who wants to go for sedate walks and just wants some company in the evenings.

I would like to point out that Shassi is 15 and still in decent shape (for a 15 year old dog!) 5 years is a long time - a lot of people don't keep their cars or houses that long! So, if you're in the Philly area and looking for a Shiba, but aren't sure that you can handle having a young one, why not consider Katana? What's a short time for you is going to be a lifetime for her. You could make it a happy one.

Adoption info:

If you'd like to save Katana, e-mail natalie@phillypaws.org. The adoption fee for a PAWS dog is $40, plus an $8 city license fee if you live in Philadelphia. The fee includes spaying/neutering, which will be performed before your new companion comes home with you, and microchipping. Also, make note of Katana's ID number above, and bring it with you when you go to the PAWS shelter, which is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave (map).

More pics! at the Petfinder Profile for Katana

Allergy central

2008-09-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Tierce went back to the vet's today to get his stitches out. His skin biopsies showed no sign of any disease or other problem and the "most likely cause of his itching is atopy or food allergies".

The vet advised a "hydrolyzed protein" diet. From what she told me, "hydrolyzed protein" means the protein breaks down into components too small for the body to form an allergic reaction to. This is the only thing Tierce can have. No treats, even his toys have to be put away. He can, however, have sticks to play with.

She wants me to keep Tierce on this diet for two months to rule out food allergies and I agreed, because nothing is working so far. However, I can't wait for two months to be over. The food looks like CORN POPS, for Dog's sake.

And just wait until you read what's in this stuff:

Starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, coconut oil, calcium phosphate, canola oil preserved with TBHQ, powdered cellulose, corn oil, potassium chloride, vegetable gums (gum arabic, guar gum), choline chloride, DL-methionine, salt, magnesium oxide, lecithin, taurine, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, manganese sulfate, niacin, calcium carbonate, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, garlic oil, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.

Starch??! Yeah, that seems like a REALLY healthy main ingredient... oh, but look! Canola oil preserved with TBHQ! Charming. I know that some dogs do really well on this kind of food, but the ingredients make me throw up a little in my mouth. Typically - it's full of crap (I know, I know, sometimes this kind of thing is the only food a dog can handle) - and he LOVES it. He hated the pinto-bean-and-sweet-potato test food we had him on and lost half a pound.

1 bag and that's it. We're going back to RDD Herring once it's proven that it's not a food allergy. He loves that, too.

I'm pretty convinced that it's the vaccine that has caused this, but I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that's what it is. Problem is, we don't know if the vaccine triggered another allergy. So we might as well put him on this diet and see if he does any better.

He also has a new and exciting pill to take: Cyclosporine. The vet said it was better than Prednisone, especially since he is so young. After a look at the side effects of Prednisone, I'm inclined to agree.

So that's where we are with Tierce: pills and Corn Pops. Hope it helps.

It's about damn time

2008-09-22T20:42:00.001-07:00

Pit-bull owner charged with felony

It's a pity the dog was euthanized and not the owner is all I have to say about this. Bella is still at large but we're all hoping that she makes it back home.

Wordle!

2008-09-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Something cool you can do with your blog: Wordle

Why didn't I pick a stupid dog?

2008-09-21T14:21:00.001-07:00

Me: Okay, go run around in the yard.

Tierce: Yay! What are you doing?

Me: Sitting with my laptop on the couch outside to make sure you don't try to get through the gate again.

Tierce: Spoilsport.

Me: Yup, just here to ruin your day.

Tierce: Fine. Think you could take off this cone and this stupid dog T-shirt?

Me: No, because then you'll lick and scratch yourself to death.

Tierce: But I'm ITCHY.

Me: I'd rather see you suffer than get a massive infection. The last vet bill was 183.46.

Tierce: Fine, be an autocratic dictator. I'm going to see how many things I can pee on before I run out of urine.

Me: That's what you're here for.

Tierce: Do-dee-doo-dee-do.

Me: Tierce... what are you doing?

Tierce: Sniffing around the back fence.

Me: Oh. Okay.

Tierce: *push*

Loose Fence Board: *creak*

Tierce: Wow, there's a whole other yard back there!

Me: Tierce! What are you up to?

Tierce: Sniffing around the fence!

Me: Okay, that's fine.

Tierce: *push*

Loose Fence Board: *CREAK*

Tierce: COOL!

Me: Tierce?

Tierce: WOW! There are other dogs that come in this yard!

Me: Where are you?

Other dogs (in the house): WHATTHEFUCKAREYOUDOINGINOURYARD

Tierce: Hey! I'm out here and you're in there! Sucks to be you, doesn't it?!

Other dogs: DEATHDEATHDEATHDEATHDEATHDEATH!

Me: How did you get in there?

Tierce: So... many... new... smells...

Me: TIERCE! FRONT!

Tierce: Can't front... sniffing!

Me: GETYOURASSOVERHEREKILLKILLKILL!

Tierce: Did you know these dogs had leftover steak last night? Why don't I get leftover steak?

Neighbor: Here puppy!

Tierce: Why do your dogs get steak and I don't?

Me: Thanks, can you just pass him through where this loose board is?

Tierce: I'm not done!

Me: Yes you are.

Neighbor: Here you go!

Me: Thanks so much. Sorry about that!

Neighbor: Oh, no problem.

Tierce: I was just exploring your yard and then you grabbed me and sent me back to prison. *I* have a problem!

Me: Oh, you have no idea. You know how to get by the gate and now I can't let you run around the yard because you'll find all the loose boards and get into other people's property!

Tierce: I was just conducting canine urban reconnaissance.

Me: Well, you can conduct another reconnaissance in the tub. You need a bath.

Tierce: *gasp*

Me: You know, this hurts me more than it hurts y- oh who am I kidding. You're going to be miserable and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Tierce: You really are here just to ruin my day!

Me: Now I am. Want a rubber ducky?

OMG EDITOR RETRACTION!!! WTFBBQ!

2008-09-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Correction to the post New Shiba Comic!

The comic Letters from Us is NOT by Jim Freiberger, but by Carole Hogan; Jim was just letting people know about the newest Shiba goodness available on the 'Net.

The F-word

2008-09-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's inevitable. When you walk your Shiba down the street, someone will come up to you, gushing how cute your dog is. And they will invariably say, "It looks like a little fox!"

Does anyone else bite their tongue on: "Well, a Shiba is much more compact than a fox, their tails curl over their backs, whereas a fox's does not, they have a shorter muzzle and a wider head and by the way, you're the 12th person to say those exact words about my dog. Congratulations."

Generally, no... because, really, I'm not that petty.

But I'm petty enough to think it.

You tell me

2008-09-09T22:51:00.001-07:00

New Shiba Comic!

2008-09-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Letters From Us

By Jim Freiberger, featuring his Shiba Inus Riley and Sidney.

And I stumbled upon another blog:
Northeast Shiba Inu Sanctuary

Happy 15th Birthday, Shassi!

2008-08-27T21:02:00.001-07:00

August 27, 1993 a little Shiba came into my life. 15 years later, she's still here and will hopefully be here for a while!

A picture of the invalid

2008-08-20T01:00:00.001-07:00

So, we got into the vet's - one that his breeder and his grand-breeder have used for years. I found her competent and flexible, which is pretty damn valuable in a vet. We think that having that will make driving to Mill Bay worth the time and expense.

1 antibiotic for the hole in his head - he got a shot, so I don't have to give this orally
2 antihistamines to help deal with his reaction: 1 once a day and 1, 2 pills 3x/day
1 bottle of ointment administered to a furiously wriggling dog: 2x/day
a hypoallergenic diet - pinto beans/sweet potato/peanut butter for taste, potato chips for snacks and/or Red Dog Deli's Herring/Veggie.

I still think it's the shot. He just wasn't tearing himself apart before this. The bad thing is, from what I've read, this could take months or years to resolve - or might not resolve itself at all. One thing is certain - Tierce is not going to get any more vaccinations. I'd rather do titers than put him through this again.

Now, I'm not totally against shots in general. However, I am seriously rethinking my attitude towards boosters after the initial puppy shots are given.

Update

2008-08-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Just an update so all of you people know that we've not disappeared. Tierce is definitely worse; he has a huge bare spot on his head now. We've been in contact with both Shassi's breeder and Tierce's for advice. His breeder is going to call her vet (we've been going through a very interesting time with vets of late) for an appointment; we are probably looking at Demodectic Mange as a result of the rabies vaccination on July 7th. However, again due to the aforemention interesting experience at the vet's, we have had no confirmation of that.

Okay, well... here goes. I was discussing the possibility with my mother and aunt of them taking Tierce into the vet's about 10 days ago. I work all week, and it's really hard to get any kind of vet on the weekends - they're so booked up. My aunt asked me if I would like her to make a call. I said yes.

She called me several hours later to let me know that she had up and taken Tierce to the vet. This was the same vet who gave him the 3 year, sub-dermal shot on July 7th. I was not happy. Not only did she not bother to ask me if there was any information I could give her (such as I wanted a mite scrape done and that Tierce had stepped on some glass and torn a toe pad right off - yes, it's been a wonderful last two weeks).

I was so not pleased. For those of you who are parents, imagine someone just randomly deciding to take your child to a walk-in clinic for a rash without bothering to check with you first - y'know, to see if the kid is allergic to something or just got the rash by something you already knew about.

The vet also had no idea why Tierce was limping and suggested that if it didn't fix itself, that they bring him back for x-rays.

So, $85 later, I was given all the information that Shassi's breeder had already given me and was no closer to an idea of why Tierce is trying to scratch his skin off. I also apparently have a vet who either can't see an obvious wound or can't be bothered to find it. Guess which way I'm voting. Not heading back to her again. The other vets who work there are competent, but are against feeding raw, etc. I don't want to spend my time arguing with them.

To my aunt's credit, she apologized. But we're still trying to fix my poor little puppy and I can't wait for an appointment at his breeder's vet.

Point 'N Click Shiba!

2008-08-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of point n' click games - mostly they are "escape the room" style games where you click on objects and areas to find items that can help you get out of a room. They have expanded to where you are on a big adventure quest, etc. Anyway, I was checking out Jay is Games, when I came across a post about Escape Day. The description went, "You star as some kind of... cat/fox/puppy guy who has, as the game's intro nicely explains, been lured into, then trapped inside, a kitchen!"

Hmmm... I wonder what kind of dog looks like a cat/fox/puppy... any guesses?

The whole game is in Japanese, so it is going to be difficult for the non-Japanese speaker (I'm totally lost and following the walkthrough!). Fortunately Jay is Games has a walkthrough/Q&A area that can help.

I wants me some kitchen Shiba!

A simple game of Fetch

2008-08-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Me: Here, Tierce! Get the ball!

Tierce: YAYYY! Throw it! Throwitthrowitthrowit!

Me: (toss)

Tierce: YAYYY! Bounce! Bounce! Bounce!

Me: Okay, get it!

Tierce: Bounce! Bounce! Pounce!

Me: Good boy! Now bring it back here!

Tierce: ...

Me: C'mon, bring it back here!

Tierce: but it's mine.

Me: Yes, bring it back so I can throw it again!

Tierce: Mmmm... no.

Me: Come on, give it here.

Tierce: Ooo, chase me!

Me: Give it!

Tierce: You caaaan't haaaave iiiiit...

Me: Drop it!

Tierce: Nyah! Nyah! Na Naaaaannnnnyyyyaaaahhhh!

Me: NO!

Tierce: Look, it's chewy!

Me: No, don't chew that; it's not meant for chewing!

Tierce: I've goooooottttt iiiiitt and yoooooooooouuuu caaaaaan't haaaaaavvvvveeee iiiiiiitttt.

Me: Okay, that's it! You drop that right now!

Tierce: Fine, geez.

Me: (picks ball up)

Tierce: You could throw that for me.

Me: No, you don't bring stuff back.

Tierce: Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssse?

Me: Forget it!

Tierce: But you have it and I want it! Pleeeeeaaaassse!

Me: Okay, fine, but you'll have to bring it back.

Tierce: Okay, fine sure... throwitthrowitthrowit!

Me: (toss)

Ball: Glunk

Me: Oh, shit.

Tierce: Yeah, that's what the ball landed in. And I'm going to GET it!

Me: No! Stay away from that! You lick me with that tongue!

Tierce: Don't worry, I eat poop all the time and you've never had a problem with it before.

Me: I'm going to forget that and therefore will refrain from sending you to the big Shiba playground in the sky.

Tierce: Yay, ball!

Me: No! Don't touch it!

Tierce: I've goooottt iiiiit and yoooooouuuu caaaaan't haaaaave iiiiiit!

Me: No!

Tierce: Catch me!

Me: NO!

Tierce: I've gggggooooooottttt iiiiii-

Me: I've got the hose.

Tierce: aaaaaaaannnnnnnddd yoooooooo-

Me: On POWERWASH

Tierce: caaaaaaaaannnnn'ttttt haaaaaaa-

Hose: ROAR

Tierce: Aaaaaaah!

Me: Good puppy!

Tierce: EWWWWW!

Me: Hah!

Tierce: (glare)

Me: There you go, a clean ball!

Tierce: I don't want to play now.

Me: Iiiii'vvvee goooooot iiiiiit and yoooooou caaaan't haaaaaave iiiiit

Tierce: (sulk)

Me: Fine. You're only spiting yourself.

Tierce: I'm going to play with this stick. Chew it, too.

Me: I don't care! It's a stick, not a $10 ball.

Tierce: Well, that's no fun. Give me that ball.

Me: No.

Tierce: Gimme the ball!

Me: No!

Tierce: Pleeeeeeaaaaassse!

Me: Well... (toss)

Tierce: YAYYYY!

Real Sonofanitch

2008-07-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tierce continues to be plagued with itchiness and an uncontrollable urge to claw himself to pieces. We've combatted this as best we can while we try some different remedies.

Tierce's fashionable anti-scratch-until-you-hit-an-artery wear:

The T-shirt he's wearing is there because he's scratched his chest raw:

The first sign of problems - see the bare spots around the eyes and the goop in the right eye?

Then I noticed that the hair on his left ear was thinning...

The problem is that I don't know what's causing this. My aunt up and took him to the vet (I was not pleased, because she took him there without telling me and getting some VERY necessary information. However, she apologized, so I'm gonna let it go.) The vet found that he had a yeast infection, but that doesn't tell us anything because anything from allergies to mites could cause it... in fact, she basically gave us the same advice as Tierce's "grand-breeder" did - Nizoral anti-dandruff treatment (off-the-shelf, for-humans, anti-dandruff, anti-fungal shampoo). So, $85 later, we're still no closer to a cure.

I am still strongly leaning towards Tierce's 3 year rabies shot as a cause. He was scratching before, but it was only after the shot that he really started tearing at himself. Part of me hopes that it is and that we can cure it, because it still means that his immune system is genetically sound. If it turns out that he has allergies, he probably shouldn't be bred, as allergies are a symptom of a fucked-up immune system. However, if his immune system is merely stressed, he could still be a candidate as a sire.

Part of me really hopes so, as he has an outstanding temperament, his hips and eyes should clear with no problems and his knees are stable, so far. If he passes his tests, he would be a dog that could add a lot to the Shiba breed IMO (although he's only 16 months old, so too young to seriously think of that, yet). However, I would rather that he have a manageable allergy and not be bred than watch him go through this. I won't have any part of breeding a dog that could continue a problem that Shibas are notorious for.

My trainer advised me to take Tierce off his kibble, even though we switched to GO! Natural Grain Free, and this is what I think I'm going to try. I've been having uncomfortable thoughts about feeding Tierce what basically consists of protein/meal replacement bars all his life, even if they claim to give him all his daily needs' worth of nutrition. So, I'm going to try feeding him 'real food' and see where that takes us. I'm going to be doing a lot of research into the proper nutrition of real food, so I'll probably be posting regular updates on that stuff here.

Kibble is a fairly recent invention and dogs have survived for thousands of years on non-manufactured food. However, I'm not a fan of just feeding Tierce whatever we're eating and expecting him to do well on this. I think that this is a lot like veganism - wonderfully healthy when the right foods/supplements are eaten, but horribly unhealthy when approached carelessly. So we'll see.

WTF is in the dog food?

2008-07-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER Shiba attacked by loose, uncontrolled dogs

I would be taking these people to court, if only to emphasize their responsibility for their animals. It's time dog owners took a stand and refused to allow people to threaten others with their animals, whether intentionally or through carelessness.

Itchery, part II

2008-07-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tierce has been to the vet, who took samples diagnosed him with a mild yeast infection on his chest. Her advice was to shampoo him with Nizoral (anti-dandruff, anti-fungal shampoo) every other day. That, coupled with changing his food to Go! Natural Grain Free, might do the trick. In a few weeks.

Oh, yeah... while we were down at the beach the day before yesterday, Tierce stepped on a piece of glass and sliced a chunk off one of his toe pads. Now he's hopping around like Pogo-dog (his hurt foot doesn't stop him from running around) and still trying to scratch his eyes.

This has just been the best week ever.

Does not hump on a desktop computer

2008-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Humping Shiba USB Toy

Sonofanitch

2008-07-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

Tierce has been scratching... Scratching... SCRATCHING! It started when the serious heat of summer began, so we were thinking that this has something to do with the heat.

We took him to the vet for his annual checkup and he got his rabies shots. The vet said that the scratching was probably an allergy or the heat and to add some fish oil and coat boosters to his food.

However, Tierce has started to scratch at his eyes! Some of the hair has been worn away... I'm hoping that this is a food allergy and a switch to GO! Grain Free will accomplish some improvement. I'm hoping that it's not demodectic mange or some other real big nasty. However, only a trip back to the vet will tell for sure.

My trainer and Shassi's breeder say it could be a reaction to the 3 yr rabies shot and to just wait for his immune system to get back up and running. I'm still worried about him. We're going to try to get him in on Saturday, but it depends on whether I can get an appointment. Otherwise, I'll probably have to take some time off of work to haul his furry ass into the office.

Wish us luck... :(

Getting there

2008-07-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Me: Tierce!

Tierce: What?

Me: We're going for a RIDE!

Tierce: Is that my harness?

Me: Um, no...

Tierce: Liar!

Me: Tierce!

Tierce: I hate the harness.

Me: Don't run away from me!

Tierce: I'm not coming near you, crazy woman. You want to trap me inside those straps!

Me: Come here! You need the harness to keep you safely in the trailer!

Tierce: No.

Me: COME HERE.

Tierce: NO.

Me: Okay, fine. I don't have the harness.

Tierce: Okaaay... so, what do you wan-

Me: HA!

Tierce: Cheater!

Me: There you go. Oh, don't look so tragic.

Tierce: Hate the harness. Hate you. Hate everything.

Me: Okay, we have to get moving... your appointment is in half an hour.

Tierce: Gonna go outside. Eat worms. Die.

Me: Okay, into the trailer!

Tierce: Hate the trailer.

Me: Okay, you're snapped in... ready to go?

Tierce: Hate, hate, hate.

Me: Hmmm... where have I seen that before?

Tierce: Don't care.

Me: Okay, here we go!

Tierce: mmm... Wind in my face!

Me: *pant* Are you sure you haven't gained any weight in the last few months?

Tierce: With that crap you feed me? No, I haven't.

Me: *gasp* That 'crap' is premium dog food. You should be grateful. Puppies are starving in Japan.

Tierce: You get pizza.

Me: That's because I WORK for pizza. Like I'm working now!

Tierce: Sulk, sulk, sulk.

Me: Well, here we are!

Tierce: Don't care. Harness evil. Will to live draining.

Me: You know what? I remember the good old days when dogs used to pull people.

Tierce: How barbaric!

Me: I actually quite like the idea. Ready to see the nice vet?

Tierce: No. Hate the vet. Hate you.

Me: Okay, there you go. No more harness.

Tierce: YAY! Oh frabjous day! The sweetness of life doth verily sing in mine veins!

Me: Calm down.

Tierce: Not calming down. Not listening. For now is the time for JOY!

Me: I brought some hamburger. And cheese...

Tierce: Cheese?

Tierce the Shiba ambassador to veterinary clinics everywhere

2008-07-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Vet and staff: Oh, no, another Shiba!

Tierce: Doo-de-doody-doo... hey, cheese!

Me: Yeah, the vet's office is a WONDERFUL place, isn't it?

Staff: He's friendly?!

Vet: I don't have to muzzle him?!

Tierce: I get to eat hamburger!

Me: What kind of Shibas have come in here before?

Vet and Staff: Neurotic fear-biters.

Me: Oookaaay.....

Vet: Okay, now I'm going to check him out.

Tierce: What are you doing?

Vet: Listening to your heart.

Tierce: Oh. Mmm... this is the expensive stuff from the top fridge shelf, isn't it?

Me: Yes. Don't tell Mischa; he'd flip.

Tierce: Don't worry, I won't. Yum.

Vet: Aaaaand... check your temperature...

Tierce: Hey! That's a private area!

Me: Cheese!

Tierce: Yay!

Vet: Okay, can we check your teeth?

Me: Okay, Tierce, we're going to check your teeth!

Tierce: Do I get cheese?

Me: Absolutely; just show the nice doctor your pearly whites.

Vet: Looks really good, except for the hamburger stuck between them.

Tierce: I'm working on it, okay?

Vet: Time for a shot... can you hold him?

Tierce: What's she doin-

Me: Cheese!

Tierce: Yay!

Vet: Just a little pinch...

Tierce: What's that?

Me: Cheese!

Tierce: Yay!

Vet: Okay, he's good to go. This really is the friendliest, best behaved Shiba I've ever seen.

Me: Me too. It's the magic of animal food products.

Lost Shiba post

2008-07-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Bella is still at large: here's her new website

A lost Shiba named "Mochi" is the cause of a furor over 'Lost Dog' signs. A Pittsburgh Shiba owner was threatened with thousands of dollars in fines by an unnamed Pittsburgh Department of Public Works employee. She had put up approximately 1000 fliers in the Pittsburgh area and said that the search for Mochi was hindered by the amount of time she and friends took to take them down.

We here at TMS appreciate the efforts of people who take down fliers if a lost dog is found or a search is called off, but to force an owner to take down the only link she may have to hundreds to thousands of people who might have seen her dog is moronic.

OMG!WTF!BBQ!

2008-07-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Tierce SWAM all by himself today! He voluntarily let the water cover his back! Look at the evidence:

He defeated the giant stick:

AND... I found a pair of Shiba socks!

Oh, frabjous day...!

It's muggy in Nanaimo

2008-06-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tierce: It's hot.

Me: Well we're at the lake. Go swimming.

Tierce: No.

Me: Why? You like splashing around in it.

Tierce: If it touches my back, it will swallow me up.

Me: It will not. See? I'm swimming.

Tierce: You're crazy. There's MONSTERS in there.

Me: Oh, don't be silly. Come on.

Tierce: No.

Me: Too bad; you're going to learn that water won't hurt you.

Tierce: NO.

Me: Okay, don't worry. I've got you.

Tierce: This is bad! Let me go!

Me: Ouch! Stop it!

Tierce: I'm just trying to get back to shore before the water gets me.

Me: It's not going to get you. Now isn't that nice and cool?

Tierce: I hate you.

Me: How's the water.

Tierce: Cool and refreshing and I still hate you.

Me: Okay, good boy! Now swim to shore!

Tierce: Hate, hate, hate.

Me: There, now aren't you cooler?

Tierce: Much, owing to your cold, cold heart.

Helena dogs

2008-06-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a blog focussing on the fight to recapture and rehome the Helena dogs, dumped by Mayor Valley of Helena:

NAFA News

In more Helena news, Mayor Valley 'apologized' for the release of the dogs - by claiming that the incident was a "distraction" from the good being done in the Helena area, blaming "a renegade humane society from the southeastern portion of [Arkansas]", and stating that he had broken no law and that the dogs "set free" by his order were not a danger to anyone.

Apparently Valley failed to note the laws pertaining to cruelty to animals, not to mention a rather obvious fact that domestic animals left to turn feral, become a danger to people via disease and predatory/territorial behaviour.

Sprout Widget

2008-06-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sprout offers an easy widget maker, so I've made one that is going on all my pages:

If there's anyone who wants to advertise a rescue Shiba on TMS, you can send me a picture with the following information:

Name
Sex
Age (Puppy, Young Adult, Adult, Senior)
Other Pets?
Kids?
Any other info that you want to give; I'll try to get it on there!

I can make a button that points to a particular page featuring your rescue dog, as well as one that points to your site. If you would rather just feature your rescue, I'll be happy to do that as well.

Contact me at redshasta@gmail.com for more info.

:)

Squidoo!

2008-06-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

I created a couple of pages:

Shiba inus

Canadian Shiba inus

I'm going to add more stuff to them; just playing around with what Squidoo can do!

TMS

2008-06-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Once again, I've updated the entire site at shibainus.ca I like this better! I'll be adding more ads to the ad side of the pages, but I like the layout better now.

According to my tests, this layout will show the following:

640x480: menu, main article

800x600: menu, main article, link buttons to store, blog, and about us page

1024x768 and above: menu, main article, link buttons to store, blog, and about us page, and ads - wonderful ads that pay for this website! (ouch, did that hint pinch?)

I want to add:

thumbnails of the graphics that are offered in the store

a complete sitemap that includes subpages

a page for letters and responses

some kind of widget that rotates pictures and info of rescue shibas needing homes

also a widget that shows an auto alert for missing shibas

Lots to do... :)

In other news, Bella is still at large. She was spotted last Sunday, so for all of you dog lovers in the San Jose area, keep your eyes open!

Wherein self-interest meets self-pity to the great satisfaction of all concerned

2008-06-18T20:50:00.001-07:00

Tierce: Ooo, let's go out for a walk!

Me: I don't want to.

Tierce: But it's sunny outside and there's things to smell!

Me: Leave me alone.

Tierce: ...

Tierce: I bet you want to. Look how bright it is out! And I want to see if the Labrador from down the street stopped by. Did you know that I can smell one part of urine in a million parts of-

Me: LEAVE ME ALONE! I HATE YOU! I HATE LIFE! EVERYTHING FUCKING SUCKS, SO LEAVE ME ALONE!

Tierce: ...

Tierce: [poke]

Me: I hate myself. I hate my life.

Tierce: I bet if you walk me, you'll feel better. Well, I'll feel better, but isn't that the same thing?

Me: I'm a loser.

Tierce: LOOK! There he goes! Let's go out so I can smell what he's been up to!

Me: *sniff*

Me: I hate you.

Tierce: But you love walks, right?

Me: I hate walking you. I hate everything about it.

Tierce: But I'm really cute, right?

Tierce: [unbelievably cute look with the flattened ears and the wagging tail and the big eyes]

Me: Awww- WAIT, I FEEL MISERABLE! GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY LIFE!

Tierce: I'm soooo cuuuutttteeee... and I wannagoforawalk. Walk me!

Me: I'm ugly and fat.

Tierce: Walk me and get thinner!

Me: I'm depressed.

Tierce: A brisk walk will make you happier!

Me: *sob*

Tierce: [poke]

Me: ...go awayyy...

Tierce: I will when you walk me.

Me: FINE.

Tierce: Yay!

Me: Shut up!

***

Tierce: And here's where that Labrador from down the street peed a half-hour ago. Whew; I don't think they're feeding her very well. That Lhasa apso mix next door, though, he got steak today. Why don't I get steak? And there's some mixed breed that came by. Doesn't smell like someone local, but-

Me: You know, it's nice and sunny out. I feel better.

Tierce: -better not come around my yard; I'll make him regret it. Ooooh, that unspayed cocker spaniel was here... she's something, for sure-

Me: I should have come out and gone for a walk earlier; maybe I would feel better if I got more sunlight.

Tierce: -oooh, a hamburger wrapper! There's not much on it, though, more's the pity. I think I smell that Springer from across the way, but she hasn't been here recently-

Me: You know, I'm really glad to have you, Tierce. You made me get out and enjoy the day.

Tierce: -that Golden Retriever two houses up. Smells like she doesn't have much time left. She must be, what. Fifteen? Sixteen? Oooh! A bug!

Me: Tierce?

Tierce: -got to get it, aaah, aaah, GOT YOU! Mmm... crunchy- ew, sour. Pah! Bleh!-

Me: TIERCE!

Tierce: What?

Me: I'm really glad to have you in my life.

Tierce: Of course you are.

Fallout continues over dogs

2008-06-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Fallout continues over dogs

Helena-West Helena Mayor James Valley is facing possible criminal charges after the Humane Society of Southeastern Arkansas filed charges with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department Monday after Valley directed city sanitation workers to free 10 dogs at the St. Francis National Forest last Wednesday. Ruby Burton, director of the Humane Society of Southeast Arkansas, swore out an affidavit for arrest against Valley, citing state animal cruelty laws dealing with abandonment, mistreatment and neglect, all Class A misdemeanors. At press time, no information on whether a warrant was issued for his arrest had been received.

Not about Shibas, but of interest to any dog lover

2008-06-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Arkansas city releases shelter dogs into national forest

I wish to Dog this was an Onion news article, but it's not.

"They are better off free," Mayor James Valley said Thursday. "Pardon the pun, but it was just something that was dogging us. So it would be easier for us until we get a facility and have a plan that we just not be in the animal shelter business."

Here is a blog entry with a letter from the mayor concerning the incident.

...we are or have released all but a few our those animals heretofore housed at the sanitation shop. We fed and watered them and took them to the St. Francis National Forest and released them to freedom.

Isn't it ironic that St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals? Unfortunately the St. Francis National Forest is not the patron park of domestic dogs. Bear, coyote, and alligators are all residents of the park, as well as bats, raccoons and foxes which can carry rabies. Valley has just released ten potential vectors of rabies, not to mention species-specific diseases. Not to mention the fact that Valley states that "[o]ne of our animal control officers has been to the hospital three times in as many months. Twice for bites and once for a severely sprained ankle growing out of incidents with these animals". What happens when these hungry dogs come across people? Kids coming home from school? Pet animals? Livestock?

Do not just point fingers at the mayor! Gloria Higginbotham, director of the Humane Society of the Delta stated that "the animals were “better off” fending for themselves."

Well, looky here: Mayor Valley's Journal where he tells us that he can be reached at City Hall, 98 Plaza Street, (72390); (870)572-3421 Telephone (870)572-5034 Facsimile (870)817-4035 Cellular Phone. His mailing address is P O Box 248, Helena-West Helena, AR (72342).

This looks like his website, but note it has a different mailing address.

Humane Society of the Delta website; phone: (870) 589-3396. The contact page on the website gives some different numbers: (870) 816-5979 and (870) 572-2902

I wonder how long these people would survive if dumped out in buttfuck nowhere with no food, no shelter, no tools, and no knowledge of how to survive.

Dogs, Showing, and Testicles

2008-06-10T00:16:00.000-07:00

Me: I need your help to practice showing with Tierce.

Tierce: Ew.

Boyfriend: What am I doing?

Me: You're going to be the judge.

Boyfriend: Okay, what do I have to do?

Tierce: Let me go!

Me: You come up to Tierce and check his teeth.

Boyfriend: [Checks Tierce's teeth]

Tierce: I hate you now. You remember all the times we lay together on the couch, watching TV? That's all dead to me.

Me: Okay, now just run your hand down his back and stretch out his tail down his back legs. Good boy, Tierce! Gooood puppy!

Boyfriend: Okay, now what.

Tierce: Giving me more treats would be good.

Me: Now, just check his testicles.

Boyfriend: What?

Tierce: What?

Me: His testicles. Touch them to make sure he has both. That's what the judges do to make sure the dog has both of them.

Boyfriend: I'm not touching the dog's balls!

Tierce: Yeah! I mean, no! He's not touching my balls.

Me: Oh don't be so silly. All you have to do is-

Tierce: Hey, hands off my personal property!

Me: Good boy! -see?

Boyfriend: No.

Me: It doesn't mean anything. It's something that the judges do.

Tierce: I have just decided not to like the judges.

Boyfriend: Well, the judges can do it, then. I'm not touching the dog's balls.

Me: [angrily] Well then, forget it! It's not like I'm asking much!

Tierce: Well, if you ask me...

Boyfriend: I just don't want to do it!

Me: So sorry for casting aspersions on your sexual orientation. I was unaware that training a dog for show involved your man-pride!

Tierce: Yay, she let me go!

Boyfriend: [stony silence]

Me: [stony silence]

Tierce: I'm free! Who wants to play with this Kong? Or these rings? Or this ball?

Boyfriend: ...

Me: ...

Tierce: Well, um, sorry I asked. Can I go outside?

Me: *sigh* Sure.

Tierce: Yay!

Surprise Shiba toy

2008-06-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

I was in search of new and exciting point-n-click games when I noticed a picture of what looked like a stuffed Shiba.

What do you know? It was. Now, to figure out what they're saying and whether I can actually order one.

Shiba mothers kittens

2008-06-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Pooch of a wet nurse: A family dog finds her maternal instincts with a batch of kittens

Snowie the dog was a "certified cat-hater," says her Ewa Beach owner, Frank Schultz.

But that was before the family found four kittens abandoned in their garden shed.

Now Snowie has become their adopted mom, nursing them four to six times a day even though she has never been pregnant.

"I think it's a miracle," said Megumi Schultz, a sixth-grader.

But experts say interspecies nurturing is not uncommon.

"There's tigers that will suckle pigs," said Honolulu Zoo Director Ken Redman. "Somewhere along the line, maternal instinct kicks in."

Ewa Beach sixth-grader Megumi Schultz was astounded when her cat-hating dog started breast-feeding feral kittens they found in her garden shed.

"I was quite shocked when she started nursing them," she recalled as she related how her dog morphed into a tender, doting mother.

Megumi was walking Snowie, her 3-year-old white Shiba-Inu, one morning when they heard meowing coming from the garden shed.

Snowie sniffed under the shed door and was scratched, apparently by a feral cat. When the girl returned with her father, Frank Schultz, they opened the shed to find a litter of four kittens. The feral mother cat darted away and hasn't returned.

"Snowie normally hates cats," said Frank Schultz. "She goes nuts. When we go for a walk, she'll chase 'em down the road. One time she chased one four blocks up into a tree and then tried to climb the tree. If she's not on the leash, she'll attack them."

The Schultz family took the kittens home and began feeding them with kitten formula via eyedroppers.

Then, "kidding around," Schultz's wife, Miyuki, placed one of the kittens on Snowie's teat.

"She looked shocked," said Schultz. "She was looking at us as to say, 'Huh?'"

Then the other kittens started suckling her.

"Snowie just laid there and let them nurse," said Megumi. Now she is producing milk and feeding the kittens four to six times a day. She has never been pregnant or nursed before, but it is possible for females to lactate from nipple stimulation alone.

"I think it's a miracle because you don't normally see dogs nursing cats," said Megumi.

A Google search revealed similar cases elsewhere.

"It's not terribly unheard of ... there's tigers that will suckle pigs," said Ken Redman, director of the Honolulu Zoo. "So somewhere along the line maternal instinct kicks in."

Kawehi Yim of the Hawaiian Humane Society said there also have been cases of cats adopting puppies.

Dr. Eric Ako of the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said such cases are "not infrequent," adding, "There's even wider species variations that have been documented ... a monkey has adopted a puppy."

Megumi, who has named the kittens Tabby, Ginger, Momo and Casey, said the accidental mom seems content with her brood.

"She always licks them and follows them everywhere. She protects them. She's really happy, I think, because she doesn't have any companion. I think the kittens will act like dogs, because they are always following her and doing what she does."

Added Frank Schultz: "Usually, we take a long walk at night with Snowie, but now she drags me home so she can take care of the kittens. "

At night, the kittens snuggle up to sleep with Snowie.

Schultz said he's not sure whether they will keep the cats. Some acquaintances have already asked about adopting them when they get big enough, he said.

Nooz

2008-06-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

The new site for TMS is going up slowly. Sloooooowlllllyyy... You can see that I'm splitting it up into relevant sections, adding new content and fixing bugs. I am doing the happy dance because I figured out why my rollovers weren't showing up (funny when you don't put the right image file in, they don't work).

I decided that I was going to design for 800x600, as I barely get any 640x480 users. I am kind of wondering about the content being aligned left. It looks okay with most screen resolutions, but the larger ones make it look all huddled up against the left side of the screen. I'll have to think about that one.

My eventual goal is to have the site in all of its glory posted up, but possibly add more information about Shibas for adoption, lost Shibas and maybe even expand the site to make it more interactive for Shiba owners and lovers. But this is going to be a long time in coming; for now my goal is to just get the content up and running with good linkage.

The new TMS

2008-05-30T00:46:00.001-07:00

The Misanthropic Shiba will be moving to shibainus.ca pretty soon - as soon as I can make all the pages. You can see a preview of what the page is going to look like by clicking the link... I'm learning CSS and making it all pretty.

Knob Nots

2008-05-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

The company produces these for all breeds, but I thought the "Shiba Inu: Inside and eager to escape" particularly rang true. They are pretty cheap - $3.50 for one and $12 for all four. I might have to get one!

Shiba Inu Friendly Door Alerts

Neck Point Park

2008-05-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

We went geocaching at Neck Point Park on Saturday and I got a really nice picture of Tierce looking out at the lagoon. I'd like to go again one day and check out the caches I didn't get to find. Tierce was acting like an idiot, though. I suspect the last battle of his teenage years is beginning - and we have only 3 weeks until the Nanaimo Kennel Club dog show! Better get cracking...

Here's a big improvement on the last toy

2008-05-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

Fleece Shiba kit

For only 1,890 yen, this could be yours! (plus shipping and handling)

Kayaking with Tierce

2008-05-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today, Mischa and I took Tierce to First Lake, one of the Nanaimo lakes south of the city. We had never been there before and ended up driving longer than we thought. However, it was a fun outing.

Kayaking with Tierce had some problems to be solved. He's come a long way from the four-month-old puppy who I popped in the front hatch with ease:

In fact, it seems like the front hatch is now kind of cramping his style:

This could end up being a problem, because kayaks have this little issue concerning balance. It's really easy to tip one over and I can't have Tierce doing cartwheels while I'm paddling. At one point, Tierce was balancing on the top of the kayak, which ended up badly for him, as he tumbled into the water after slipping on the top.

So, we put him in Mischa's kayak, which has a wider front hatch.

Later, I tried to make a bed for him on the kayak, but it made the kayak too top heavy.

The interesting thing is that Tierce didn't overbalance the kayak when he was balancing on it himself so much as being in the "bed".

So, at this point, I think I have a few options:

- stick a non-slip surface on the kayak so that Tierce can balance on the top easily. However, for sea kayaking, this is not the safest idea.

- teach him to lie against me on the spray skirt or in the cockpit while I'm paddling. Not a lot of room there, plus, there's the danger that he and I could get stuck in the cockpit if we were to capsize.

- let Mischa take him in his kayak's hatch, since it's wider than mine

- figure out a way that he can sit and lie comfortably in the hatch without needing to wriggle, get up, turn around, fall out of the kayak, etc.

I've been searching on the Net for ideas, but haven't got very far. I'm going to see if there are some creative things I can do with waterproof foam padding.

The Vacuum

2008-05-18T02:27:00.001-07:00

Tierce: What are you doing?

Me: Getting out the vacuum.

Tierce: It's evil.

Me: It is not evil; it's what stands in the way of your undercoat staging a coup of the entire house.

Tierce: It growls at me.

Me: *sigh* Sure. That's because it hates you.

Tierce: See? It's evil!

Me: Maybe it would be less evil if you stopped trying to bite it while I'm sucking all your hair out of the carpet.

Tierce: I keep trying to warn you about these things, but you never listen to me! It's bad, I tell you.

Me: Ahuh [turns on vacuum]

Vacuum: Growl.

Tierce: Growl.

Vacuum: Just you wait... one day I'll sneak up behind you and suck you right up!

Tierce: Just you try!

Me: Tierce! STOP biting the vacuum!

Tierce: But did you just hear what it said to me?

Me: No! Leave it!

Vacuum: Ha! Your human can't understand my plan to dominate the entire world! Mwahahaha!

Tierce: You'll never succeed! I'll fight you until my dying-

Me: NO! Stop it! You wanna go into the pen?

Tierce: But...

Me: Leave it ALONE.

Vacuum: And then, when I'm done with you, I'm going to suck up all the pizza, all the cheese and all the hamburger...

Tierce: NoooOOOooo!

Me: That's it! Pen!

Tierce: But-

Me: PEN!

Tierce: You don't under-

Me: Fine! [picks Tierce up and deposits him in the pen] And you can just stay there until the cleaning's done!

Vacuum: Mwahahaha...

Vacuum: Mwahahaha! Look at you! You're in the pen! And look at me! Free to cause mass destruction!

Tierce: You'll never get away with this!

Vacuum: Watch me.

Me: Is that a knock at the door?

Vacuum: Hehehe

Tierce: [jumps against pen and knocks the ends askew]

Tierce: Ha! I'm out!

Vacuum: So, we meet again!

Me: Guess there was no one at the door- aw, crap, how did you get out?

Tierce: I'm about to save you from certain death!

Me: We've had this discussion before. Get away from it!

Tierce: No, I can't in all conscience let it do its devil's work any longer!

Me: Good thing I'm pretty much done in here.

Vacuum: Now, know fear!

Tierce: Now, know pain!

Me: STOP IT! [turns off vacuum]

Tierce: I won't let it threaten this house any longer!

Vacuum: Glarg.

Tierce: ha HA! I killed it!

Me: I just turned it off.

Tierce: You should be more careful with these things; you could have been seriously hurt. Good thing I was here.

Me: Uh, yeah, sure.

Tierce: So, now what are we doing? How about a walk to celebrate my victory?

Me: No, I still want to vacuum the stairs and the bedroom.

Tierce: What?

Vacuum: Growl.

THIS IS SHIBAAAAA!

2008-05-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Meme evolution in action!

From this:

To this:

To arrive at:

You can buy the T-shirt. :)

Shibas in dog books

2008-05-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have a collection of older dog books and keep my eye out for others. Being a Shiba fancier, I always check to see if there's any reference to the Shiba in any dog book (often I am disappointed; they are only now becoming popular enough to merit a reference in books outside of the kennel clubs' book compilations of the dogs they recognize). Most of the time, if there is a mention, it is somewhat akin to the National Geographic "Man's Best Friend" - [referring to dogs used for small game hunting] "In Japan, it's the little Shiba". Which is fine; at least they acknowledge that the breed exists.

However there are some weird notions about Japanese breeds and Shibas in particular that I have found in this one book, "The New Dog Encyclopedia" (The Stackpole Company, 1970, ISBN: 0-8117-1064-5)

The smallest dog of this type is called the Shiba, or the Shiba Inu. It stands 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder.

So far, they're doing fine. But then they stray into what I can only call a wild flight of fancy, or the result of experience with a very small percentage of the Shiba population.

The Shiba differs from the Akita and the Nippon Inu in that it is born tail-less or with a short bob- tail. In this, it is like another miniature Spitz, the Schipperke.

Huh?

Here's one of the earliest pictures of Tierce at 3 weeks (his breeder sent me a whole set of pictures that she took from birth to 8 weeks):

And notice the appendage that The New Dog Encyclopedia claims shouldn't be there:

And, since I didn't rectify this situation, it has only grown and become more obvious:

Do we actually have defective Shibas? Should we actually have red, red sesame or black-and-tan Japanese Schipperkes? Or, as I suspect, did the person who submitted this particular piece of information only see one "Shiba" who happened to be wearing a shorter tail than most?

Of course, if one reads further, one finds that the book claims that the Beauceron hails from South America, so I think that somebody was hitting the sauce during certain portions of the editing process.

Bella Website

2008-05-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Bella Website

Get updates on Bella here!

Shiba Dreams

2008-05-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend and I have the flu, and apparently it's playing with his head, as evinced by the following dream:

We decided to go to a bookstore. We were still in our Toyota Tercel, but it was now powered by the driver running and stopped by him standing up, just like the Flintstones! The bookstore was in someone's house, so we avoided the corner with the bed and person sleeping in it. My boyfriend was poking around the books, but I knew exactly why I was here and bounded up a staircase to an upper balcony. I shouted down to Boyfriend, "Come up and take a look!"

He came up the stairs and saw a box of ten, eight-week-old Shiba puppies on the floor. I was standing beside it, with a huge smile.

"Look what I bought! Aren't they great?" I said.

"No!" Boyfriend replied.

"But, you'll learn to love them!" Boyfriend went back down the stairs. I followed him, a big box of ten Shiba puppies in my arms, repeating how much he was going to love them once he got to know them.

"You're not taking them home!" Boyfriend said at the door.

"Oh, it'll be okay!" I said, still smiling.

He got in the car. And drove away, leaving me and ten Shiba puppies at the bookstore.

Tierce (our present and only Shiba!) was glad to see him back home, though.

And that's how we broke up.

(he told me about this dream this morning and I laughed my ass off, between coughs)

More on Bella

2008-05-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Goldston: Owners seek help in searching for their dog
Linda Goldston
Mercury News
Article Launched: 05/03/2008 01:33:46 AM PDT

Terri and Steve Belsley would give anything to get their dog, Bella, a Shiba Inu, back home.

They have searched non-stop since April 11, when Bella ran off after she and Steve were attacked by a pit bull about a block from their home, in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood of San Jose between Branham and Capitol.

They were attacked by an unneutered male pit bull running loose.

"We learned this was the third time this animal had tried to attack people," said Terri, who cried as we talked.

I understand completely. Her dog is missing - missing through no fault of hers, or her husband, or the dog.

So far no charges have been filed, but the pit bull was euthanized. It's sad for that dog, sad for the Belsleys, and terrifying and sad for Bella.

Yes, there are good pit bulls who have been socialized and trained. They are owned by people who care and accept the responsibility of having a powerful dog. The jerks who own dangerous dogs should be prosecuted. And after they get out of jail, they should be banned from ever owning a dog again.

Terri and Steve can't even think about getting over the attack. Not with Bella still missing and Steve still recovering from his injuries.

Steve suffered major injuries on his arms and hands, including 20 bites, one nearly to the bone. He was rushed to the hospital, and Bella was seen limping off.

There have been several sightings of Bella, and Terri is hopeful they can bring her home. The
Advertisement
thought of life without the dog who turned 3 on April Fool's Day, "our little April Fool's baby," is unthinkable.

Terri said two sightings occurred last weekend near Willow Glen High School, three to four miles from their home. Other sightings were at Hellyer Park and on Yerba Buena Avenue.

With the help of a search dog, Terri feels sure Bella has been in those places. Food, blankets and pieces of clothing with Terri and Steve's scents have been left in the hope that Bella will return to those sites.

People who saw the dog told Terri that Bella looks confused and scared.

Numerous folks have helped in the search, but the Belsleys hope more volunteers will step forward today to help. The couple is planning a search that will start at 10 a.m. at their house, 3859 Thousand Oaks Drive in San Jose.

Terri suspects that Bella might be traveling along creek paths, emerging to find food.

Terri had just gotten home after an eight-day stay in the hospital when the attack happened, and Steve still doesn't have the use of one hand. So they're really hoping they can get some help in today's search.

"She's terrified from the attack," Terri said. "I know she's out there. We just have to find her."

Bella is black and tan and stands about 12 inches high. She weighs about 25 pounds and has pointy ears and a corkscrew tail.

The couple have been careful with Bella, placing double locks on their backyard gate and even keeping Bella's tag on a separate collar, in case the one attached to her leash slipped off.

They didn't deserve what happened. But they do deserve to get their dog back.

If you see a dog who might be Bella, call the Belsleys at (408) 891-4239. They are offering a $1,000 reward.

Volunteers Needed To Help Find Bella (near Almaden Exp & Branham)

2008-04-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

** PLEASE HELP US FIND BELLA...VOLUNTEERS NEEDED** Bella is the Shiba Inu attacked, along w/her owner in her neighborhood, by a pit bull roaming loose on 4/11. See attached SJMN article. We've had multiple sighting as recent as 4/26 and need your help to have an all-out search to get the word out and bring her home safely. We need volunteers to help search for Bella on Saturday 5/3 at 10 AM, starting at 3859 Thousand Oaks Dr, San Jose. We will have flyers and maps with the latest sightings to focus on. All volunteers and help is truly appreciated. We know she's out there and needs your help to find her way back home where she belongs. Please be part of bringing Bella home safe. Thank you, Terri & Steve

stevebelsley@comcast.net

Blogs of Note

2008-04-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have added another section (finally!) to the Shibalog - Blogs of Note. If you have a Shiba or dog themed blog and want a link, let me know and I'll check you out. I will add links at my discretion, so this isn't an official link exchange. :)

We are still looking for Bella

2008-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Repost from email:

The Belsleys are still looking for Bella, the Shiba, in the San Jose, CA area. Bella went missing on 4/11/08 when she and her owner were attacked by a roaming pit bull. Yesterday, there was a possible sighting of Bella in the general area of an earlier sighting. They are bringing in a scent dog to do area search today of this area .Tomorrow they will meeting at the Belsley's house at 1:00 p.m. to do another area search with people. They have notified media of the Sunday search.

People interested in supporting the Belsley's search effort tomorrow (Sunday) should contact them at (remove space):

stevebelsley@ comcast.net

***

Search is still on for Sunday at 1pm at our house. Making more fliers and posters today, along w/searching. Left message w/local stations and paper...if you have time to call, please do, as I think the more people they here from the better chance they'll cover.

Had a possible sighting last night near Lincoln Ave. and Coe....about 1 mile from last sighting and 5 mile from our house. Search dog coming this afternoon to check for scent, so we can increase searching in that area tomorrow with the help of more people. Any help in passing the info on via internet etc. is appreciated. I am encouraged by last evening's sighting, we were out late looking and my husband went back this a.m. Hoping she will return to that area. Thanks again for helping to bring Bella home safe.

Oookay...

2008-04-26T00:49:00.001-07:00

Shiba Brand... garbage bags

Their motto appears to be "Free Journey in Imagination". Well, it's admittedly true that many Shibas are extremely imaginative as to what they could eat and later shit out onto an expensive floor or vomit onto a pair of $200 Adidas. However, I am not the first person to advertise the Shiba as a prime candidate for filling these garbage bags via the strategically placed "X".

Still hunters in their native land

2008-04-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

I came across this blog entry containing a photo of Japanese wild boar hunters and their dogs. Two of the dogs look like Shibas. It's interesting to note that they are still used for hunting, especially wild boar, which is a tough opponent even for larger hunting dogs like Catahoulas and the American hounds.

Bella still missing

2008-04-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Craigslist Lost Ad

$$1000-Reward$$ - Lost Shiba Inu - dogs - looks like a black fox (near Branham & Almaden Exp, San Jose)
Reply to: stevebelsley@comcast.net
Date: 2008-04-20, 8:24AM PDT

Lost female Shiba Inu dog, black with tan color, small to medium size, 251bs, curly tail, pointed ears, looks like a black fox, may be injured. Name is Bella. Lost Friday night, 4/11. Last spotted running down Edenbury Ln and and recently near Willow Glen HS. Could be anywhere in the greater south San Jose area or surrounding communities. $$ 1000 Reward $$ offered. 408-891-4239 any time, day or night. View SJ Mercury News article for additional info:
http://www.mercurynews.com//ci_8917541?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

Thanks to Gail for letting me know about this.

No Next Day Pets

2008-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Speaking of selling, as I referenced in the 100th post of the Shibalog, you may notice that the ad for NextDayPets is gone from the Google ads that I have posted on the right.

I'm not a big fan of any website whose domain name basically encourages the buy-on-impulse-neglect-at-leisure attitude. "NextDayPets" is not something that I want to imply is just fine.

Furthermore, I'm not a supporter of a system that treats animals like anything else that you can buy on E-Bay, with a puppy paypal system:

Safe Payment Method - FeelSafe, Pet Pay!

FeelSafe, Pet Pay! - Learn More

Trusted payment and transaction management solution

Create and reference binding agreements readily accessible online 24/7

Listing details and images are saved and accessible online 24/7

Send payment for the puppy directly to the Seller using Pet Pay!

Accepted Payment Methods

Sellers may accept one or more of the following types of payment: Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), PayPal, Wire Transfer, USPS Money Order and Cashier Check

I don't like it. I think that a pet purchase should be carefully thought out, not something you do on impulse, based on the picture of a cute puppy and an information line that looks like it was excerpted from an emo MSN conversation: OMG! These puppys R soooo cute! U should buy 1 cuz there gonna go kwik!!! LOLWTFBBQ!

Thank you, no. I don't need revenue from those kinds of referrals.

I was going to sell my soul on this post, but...

2008-04-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

this is the 100th post! Yay, us!

New Shiba Rescue site!

2008-04-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today, I got a new e-mail.

I have had your site bookmarked for years and have actually linked to it on my personal Shiba site. I also direct many prospective Shiba owners to your site. I do not know if you have heard of our group or not, but we recently started a new Shiba rescue called Shiba Inu Rescue Association www.savingshibas.com. We would be honored if you would consider linking to us on your website. Thank you!

Aimee Winkler

Shiba Inu Rescue Association

www.SavingShibas.com

I've got to thank Aimee, because she inadvertently gave me an e-kick to the ass to update TMS already. Nothing major; just updating the information about Shassi (she's now #10 on the unofficial Shiba Inu Veteran top 50) and improving parts of the site. I want to make it into a bigger site than it is, maybe breaking up the information into several pages. Eventually. Some day.

One idea that I will need more knowledge for, but I think would be cool is an application on the site that automatically rotates pictures and information about rescue Shibas and/or Shiba alerts, like lost dogs or Shibas who have come upon misfortune. I'll see; I need to know a LOT more information about web applications as well as incorporate an easy to use interface where rescuers could post pictures and information about their dogs.

But, back to the e-mail. If you're a Shiba person in SIRA's area (some volunteers are pretty far away from the base, so people outside the Chicago/Illinois area may still be able to help/volunteer/adopt through them), check them out. And thanks, Aimee!

Missing Shiba Alert

2008-04-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Dog is missing after pit bull attacks her and her owner
By Joshua Molina
Mercury News
Article Launched: 04/14/2008 01:33:48 AM PDT

For the last three years, Bella, a shiba inu dog with deep brown eyes, pointed ears and a corkscrew tail, slept peacefully every night on her fluffed-up down pillow next to Terri and Steve Belsley.

But Friday night, Bella never came home.

"It is like a surreal nightmare," Terri Belsley said. "We let this dog become our life. Nothing is going to seem normal until we find Bella and bring her home safe."

The black and tan dog hasn't been seen since she was last spotted hobbling away on Edenbury Lane, about a block from Thousand Oaks Drive in San Jose, after an altercation with dog that animal control identified as a pit bull.

The San Jose Police Department responded to the attack and the pit bull was seized by animal control.

The chaos ensued when Steve Belsley was walking Bella as part of the frisky dog's nightly ritual. The pit bull, said Belsley's, wife, Terri, charged the two.

When the violent and frightening encounter ended a few seconds later, Steve Belsley had more than a dozen dog bites on his left arm, and a huge gash in his forearm where "the dog practically bit him to the bone," Terri Belsley said. He also tore a tendon in his hand that will require surgery. He spent several hours at the emergency room at Good Samaritan Hospital.

And Bella has disappeared.

"We don't know how badly she is injured," Terri Belsley said. "We are concerned that if she is injured or scared that she is holed up in
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a bush."

Neighbors spent the weekend posting fliers with the dog's picture. Some of the rescue crews stayed out as late as 5 a.m. looking for the dog, which stands about 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 25 pounds.

Animal control has also been looking for Bella. The pit bull's fate was unclear on Sunday night. The Belsleys said they were told the dog had been destroyed. The dog's owner did not return Mercury News calls on Sunday.

"The neighborhood has come out in droves," said nearby resident Sharon Freitas. "To Terri, it's like she's missing a child."

Contact Joshua Molina at jmolina@mercurynews.com or (408) 275-2002

****************************************
I'm not so concerned about the pit bull as I am about the owner. What the hell is someone who carelessly let their dog run loose doing... loose? Why aren't these people arrested as accessories to manslaughter or assault with a deadly weapon? In a different reality, the pit bull could have been responsibly contained and Bella would be at home. Until society starts treating irresponsible owners like the menace they are, they will continue behaving irresponsibly towards their dogs.

I hope Bella is reunited quickly with her family.

Spay and neuter or die

2008-04-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Questioning whether to spay or neuter can get one in extremely hot water from animal rescue groups, reputable breeders and kennel clubs. It seems that anyone calling this into question is automatically labelled as a foe of preventing overpopulation and that spaying and neutering is the only solution to pet overpopulation. Of course, the health benefits of spaying and neutering are held up as reasons to get the surgery performed, but arguably the main reason is so that the dog cannot produce offspring.

It has long been held that spaying and neutering are the best things you can do for a dog, with many health benefits and very few drawbacks. To a degree, this is true - many unspayed bitches that have not had a litter develop cancers and other nasty things. Some dogs have developed testicular cancer and prostate troubles. Despite these more-or-less well known facts, there are studies that indicate that neutering and spaying may not be the Holy Grail of responsible dog ownership.

Look at Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs (PDF File). There are a lot of startling risks associated with neutering at ages traditionally held to be "best" (6 months or earlier). Spaying is a different dish of kibble; malignant mammary tumors and pyometra are a significant affliction of unspayed bitches. But there are a lot of other health risks to spaying and neutering that are completely glossed over by the majority of people and organizations that promote the surgeries.

Understand, I have great respect for the people who take the time and effort and spend a lot of money to rescue. I am also a big supporter of the whole, "Don't breed your dog if you're not going to do it right. And by 'right' I mean doing everything in your power to ensure that your puppies have the best genetics, temperament and environment possible for them to have." And I accept that a lot of people are morons, who put their personal feelings - "Oh, my Pookie is the best dog ever and there should be more Pookies in the world!" - ahead of their responsibility to their dog, the puppies they produce, and dogs in general.

Spaying and neutering is the one thing that ensures that, whatever else, a dog will never be able to reproduce. And that is important, because once a dog can be said to be legally owned by someone, it's out of the rescuer's ability to control whether the new owner breeds it or not. So, especially in our oops-I-did-it-again society, this might still be the best option for rescue dogs. Vasectomy and tubal ligation are another possibility for sterilizing dogs and letting them keep the hormones. Bitches will still go through heats and dogs are still getting the full benefit of testosterone, which may mean that they will have higher aggression levels. Then again, it is never guaranteed that neutering will solve aggression problems or any other problems - training is a better overall solution. Vasectomy and tubal ligation have yet to become accepted as a valid alternative.

What about movements to make spaying and neutering mandatory for dogs and dog owners? Save Our Dogs is a blog devoted to fighting Bill 1634 in California, aimed at establishing a mandatory spay and neuter of dogs over 6 months of age. Among their other points against this bill, they mention health. The California Veterinary Medical Association withdrew support of the bill after massive opposition from members and the veterinary community because, in part, they did not believe that the bill was in the best interests of pet animals.

One problem I see with the automatic promotion of spay and neuter is that it doesn't solve the underlying problem: ignorance and society-supported selfishness. The assumption seems to be that anyone who wants to keep their dogs and/or bitches intact is automatically planning to breed them. And it is true that this is often the case - many people who do not have their dogs spayed or neutered are making the choice to breed, either deliberately or causing an "accident" through studied carelessness. However, whether or not a dog or bitch is intact is not the problem; the problem is people breeding unhealthy dogs for the wrong reasons, then refusing to take responsiblity for the puppies and keeping them out of irresponsible hands or rescues.

Sweden is a good example of a society where most dogs and bitches are not altered. Despite the fact that they don't surgically prevent dogs from breeding, there is not an overpopulation problem like there is in North America. In fact, most Western European countries seem to view dogs differently than North America does. In France, dogs are a common sight in restaurants and shops and other places that they are not generally allowed in here in Canada.

One can only surmise that the incredible concept of responsibility has leaked through the heads of Europe's people until they actually control their dogs from running loose and breeding indiscriminately. Obviously, if dogs are routinely allowed access to places like stores and restaurants, they must be well behaved. Good behaviour in dogs only happens when people are expected to behave well. Responsible management of dogs, then, is only going to happen when their owners are expected to behave responsibly by their society. If horrible social consequences befell people who allowed their dog to breed without thought to health or the care of the puppies, you can bet that there would be a lot fewer litters.

In North America, it seems that any behaviour by dogs is automatically seen as the fault of the dog. Overpopulation is seen as a dog problem, not a people problem. The result is the call to do something about the dogs. Spay them, neuter them, euthanize them, train them, do something about them. Not the people who choose to breed them, abandon them, neglect them, abuse them.

It would take a huge upheaval in North American society for attitudes towards dogs to change so that overpopulation is quickly made a thing of the past. Until then, perhaps spaying and neutering is the only weapon that people can use to ensure that the dogs they are trying to find homes for cannot be used to bring about another generation of unwanted, unhealthy animals into the world. But, for people who are dedicated to breeding (or not) responsibly, the alternatives should not be automatically condemned.

Why buy from a responsible breeder when I could have a puppy NOW?

2008-03-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Right now, I'm LiveJournalling like a fiend, trying to convince a friend of mine why choosing a breeder who tests is so important. She wants a Japanese Chin, a breed prone to patellar luxation, eye problems and heart problems. She can't find a breeder who does testing on their dogs. She's getting frustrated and wondering if she should go to a breeder who doesn't test, on the assumption that "all dogs can have health problems; it's just the luck of the draw". I sent her a few links detailing why that isn't the case, but despair of actually explaining effectively enough so that she sees the risk factors.

It's hard to show a non-dog-educated person how the dog world works. I don't mean to sound supercilious; Dog knows that I'm not the first person to ask about the merits of buying a SUV vs. a hatchback. However, it seems to me that a lot of people are approaching buying a dog like they would a stack of plates at Wal*Mart. They don't really care where it comes from as long as it does the job. If a plate breaks, well, back to Wally World to buy some more.

However, it's been proven that dogs are not like plates. It does matter where they came from. If someone buys a dog from an irresponsible breeder who doesn't test and doesn't carefully consider each breeding, they are going to be at high risk for getting a dog that will cost nearly $2000 to address its health issues. If you break a plate, you generally don't care very much, but when Pookie is unable to go for the walks she loves because her knees are too painful, you generally are unhappy that Pookie is hurting and because she can't function as the companion you bought her to be.

To NDE people, you generally have to speak in terms of money, not ethics. Again, not a lot of people care where their stuff comes from, if it's the right price. A lot of people are wondering, "But why do I have to pay all that money for just a DOG?! Why should I wait for the right puppy instead of seeking out someone who has what I want in stock? Why should I be anal about whether the puppy's parents have the right testing and that the breeder isn't just tossing a male and female in the same pen because they both have pricked ears and curly tails?

The answer that everyone can relate to is money. After spending around $1000 for a dog, finding out that you have to shell out $2000 for a preventable genetic condition, the charm of buying cheap is somewhat tarnished. Spending two grand because the dog escaped from the house and lost an argument with a Honda Civic is a lot different then money that you find out that you might have avoided spending if you hadn't bought that puppy at Puppies R Us.

The biggest hurdle to get over is the fact that you can test your dogs clear of everything under the sun and still end up with a puppy with problems. I usually use some analogy involving kids... like if you were going to buy a car seat for little Eggbert Throckmorten III, apple of your eye. You see two identical-looking seats. The only significant difference is that one of them has been tested to make sure that the model's straps are solid and that the seat won't break and send little Eggy through the windshield at an inopportune moment. Which one do you buy? The one coming from a plant that regularly tests its products may still fail, but at least you know that measures were taken to prevent failure instead of the sunny assumption that, "well all our seats are safe!"

It's late, I'm tired, I'm depressed and I'm quickly losing patience with the wilful assumption that dogs are somehow the same as inanimate products on the market.

Happy Birthday, Tierce!

2008-03-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

I found a stuffed Shiba toy... I think

2008-03-25T13:02:00.001-07:00

Trudging along in Wal-Mart, just before the joyous Easter season descended upon us, I espied this:

Note that this is a product of THE DOG CLUB. Their claim to fame is pictures that bring the dog's nose into closeup - there's a term for it, but do you think I can remember? - and look really cute and all that. Look, I did it with Tierce:

If you look closely, you can see what I saw:

Could it be a Shiba? The basket was 12.95. Yes, I spent 15 dollars for a cheap made-in-China Easter basket with a crappy colouring book and shitty candy, just for the sake of this damned stuffed animal.

And look what I got:

Okay, the markings look... somewhat like a Shiba toy's might... but let's see.

Its markings are on the top of its head. Its head could accommodate its entire body. The tail does not curve, curl or do anything other than act as an afterthought. I think THE DOG CLUB should stick to pictures, because this thing is hideous!

Well bred Shiba vs. PuppyMill Shiba. Buy from a responsible breeder or your dog could end up like the dog on the right!

So, Tierce, what did you think of your new stuffed counterpart?

OMAIGAWD LOOK AT MY CUTE SHIBA!!!

2008-03-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

Remember Buddy?

2008-03-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Shiba who gnawed his leg down to the bone has had some closure.

Owner of dog who gnawed own leg takes plea deal

Honestly, didn't the guy ever hear of Elizabethan collars or muzzles? Duct tape is one of Dog's gifts to mankind, but it isn't the solution to a medical problem like this.

Shassi and Tierce love Violent Acres

2008-03-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Shassi and Tierce couldn't give a rat's ass about Violent Acres. But I do. The latest posts that V has written concern how to train children to behave. It's excellent reading on directing positive and negative reinforcement to effectively modify behaviour. In fact, it's very close to clicker training, which is a very effective behaviour modification technique.

Training children to behave on cue

Effective Negative Reinforcement

Effective Positive Reinforcement

The last is, I believe, the best of the three. Shiba owners will find a lot of effective strategies here. First, set the puppy up to succeed. If circumstances are such that he can't do anything but engage in a desired behaviour, he will develop that into a habit. Incompatible behaviour training is effective in situations like meeting people - if the dog is taught to sit for a treat, then taught that all strangers feed him, he will automatically sit when he meets a stranger. Enthusiastically praise, to the point of absurdity and beyond, a behaviour that you want to reinforce.

And check out the rest of Violent Acres.

No, you can't play.

2008-03-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Tierce: What are you doing?

Bravewolf: Nothing.

Tierce: But it looks like fun.

Mischa: Never mind.

Tierce: But you're playing. In the bed. Under the blankets.

Bravewolf: Yes. We are. Glad we've sorted that out. Now. Get. Out. Of. The. Bedroom.

Tierce: Can I play?

Bravewolf & Mischa: NO!

Tierce: I like to play under blankets.

Bravewolf & Mischa: NO!

Tierce: Well you don't have to be so mean about it.

Mischa: Apparently we do. Now get out of the bedroom before you get escorted out with some propelling force.

Tierce: Fine!

Tierce: ...

Mischa: AAAUUUGGH!

Tierce: Your foot is salty.

Bravewolf: GET OUUUUUT!

Tierce: But now you're PAYING ATTENTION TO ME! Why should I stop now?

Mischa: Apparently the philosophy of 'ignore him until he performs the correct behaviour' is not applicable to this case.

Bravewolf: Agreed.

Tierce: gets escorted out of the bedroom with some propelling force.

Why do we go through this?

2008-03-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I meet up with people who say, "Well, why did you get a dog if you knew that it wouldn't listen to a thing you say?" Sometimes I play along and say, "I'm a masochist. I enjoy pain, but don't want to scar myself, so I got a Shiba instead of indulging in BDSM."

Some people just can't function without adversity. If angst was a career, I would be writing this on my private jet. And it seems I can never give myself a break. So it stands to reason that I would not get a dog that makes life easy. I would not be truly happy with a dog that obeyed my every whim. I can only be happy with a dog who, when he obeys a command, makes it seem as if he is giving me the Holy Grail.

As soon as a Shiba responds to a command, the Shiba owner's mind is immediately flooded with a plethora of endorphins, each one shrieking, "Did you see that?! He came/sat/flicked his ear!" For that one instant in time, it doesn't matter if you're broke or depressed or worried about life - by Dog you told your Shiba to something and he did it. Suddenly you can do anything. If you can get your dog to acknowledge your existence as something significant to him, you can get your boss to give you a raise, campaign for mayor, get to the top of that mountain and learn to parallel park all in one day!!!

People with border collies just don't know what they're missing.

They're probably glad.

Beds.

2008-03-07T00:13:00.001-08:00

The subject today is beds, bitches and gentledogs... specifically which bed would Tierce sleep on from this website.

Now, if a Shiba could pick, choosing a bed would be done carefully. It's not just the comfort that a bed provides, it's also chewability and the chance that a human could be ejected so that the Shiba could sleep in the queen or king-sized bed more comfortably.

Therefore, it is my opinion that the discriminating Shiba would pick the Verona bed frame. Note the curled ends of the bed, allowing for maximum chewability. Nothing beats expensive, perfectly tanned leather for promoting healthy Shiba teeth! Also the sides of the bed allow people to slide easily in and out - in if the Shiba should prefer some warmth and out if the Shiba should prefer to stretch out.

Keep in mind that the ideal Shiba bed is something that provides both comfort and entertainment!

Nooz!

2008-03-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

Another game featuring a Shiba is on the market!

***

A Shiba has won the utility group at Crufts!

But that's not all - Tango, the Shiba, won under some interesting speculation. Bookies suspended betting at Crufts due to rumours of inside information. The above article mentions suspicions tending towards a poodle as winner. However, judge Keith Nathan chose Ch Janeryls In The Line Of Fire, owned by Mrs J Bannister from Telford in Shropshire. If you don't normally pay attention to England's biggest dog event, then this year it's worth keeping an eye on Best in Show on Sunday.

Congratulations to Tango!

Insurance!

2008-03-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

I have not signed Tierce up for pet insurance. One of the reasons is that I'm cheap and think that I can beat the game of Dog Health Roulette. However, I am seriously considering this move. I fully intend to research the best policy for my money before throwing my credit card at some lucky company. After all, nothing's too good for my Shiba, but it would be better if the things that are not too good are not too expensive.

When you look at one Canadian pet insurance estimate for Tierce, an 11 month old Shiba inu, the prices seem to be disturbingly reasonable; between 11.95 and 87.57 a month. Depending on which policy I choose, this can be a relatively cheap way of ensuring that a good chunk of Tierce's vet bills will be paid should he ever be in the position to play chicken on the highway.

The thing is, for people who take the time and money to get and maintain insurance for their pets often don't need it as much because they are already investing time and money in their pets' health. Tierce comes from a long line of dogs that have outstanding health and temperaments. I also don't walk him without a lead, meaning that he doesn't get a lot of chances to see if he can outrun Ferraris on Highway 19A. I am already beating the odds.

There is something to be said, however, for the comforting voice in one's head that reminds you that you don't have to worry about the cost of veterinary care simply because you gave up a latte or two a week. If I were to save 87.57 every month, the aggregate would only amount to 1050.84 every year. This would pay for one moderately expensive surgery. With the insurance, I can get coverage for all accidents and illnesses. When you consider that some surgeries can cost anywhere from 2500 to 5000 dollars, this suddenly becomes very appealing.

So it looks like I am going to seriously consider insuring Tierce for a moderate amount of money. Dog knows that he is planning to find a way for me to involuntarily spend money to keep him healthy - why not this?

Van Insurance
This link has nothing to do with pet insurance at all, but the company (UK) does insure dogs and cats. Go here to find out more about their pet plans.

It's that time again!

2008-03-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Bravewolf: Guess what time it is?

Tierce: Time to give me that hamburger defrosting on the counter?

Bravewolf: No.

Tierce: Time to go out for another walk?

Bravewolf: Nope.

Tierce: Time to play with my Kong?

Bravewolf: (Holds up nail clippers)

Tierce: ... (runs away)

Bravewolf (grabbing Tierce): Trust me, I hate this too.

Tierce: NOOOooooOOOOOooooOOOOoooo!

Bravewolf: Look, just hold still.

Tierce: No, it feels icky!

Bravewolf: If you hold still, it'll get done faster!

Tierce: No, you're gonna cut meeee!

Bravewolf: Only if you move.

Tierce: If you touch my feet again, I'll-

Bravewolf: You'll WHAT?

Tierce: Nothing.

Bravewolf: That's what I thought. Don't fucking move.

Tierce: moves

Tierce: Ow!

Bravewolf: Oh, shit. Now look what you did.

Tierce: That pinched!

Bravewolf: Because you moved. Where's the styptic powder?

Tierce: Over there, where I knocked it over.

Bravewolf: You little shit.

Tierce: You hurt me! I hope you burn in hell forever!

Bravewolf (sticking the nail in some powder): Hell can't possibly be more fun than this.

Tierce: You suck.

Bravewolf: Oh, I'm gonna suck more than you ever dreamed if you don't stay very, very still.

Tierce: leans back in martyrdom

Bravewolf: There, that wasn't so bad. Good puppy!

Tierce: Now can I have some hamburger?

Bravewolf: No.

Tierce: Not even after you hurt me?

Bravewolf: Not even after I hurt you.

Tierce: How about a walk?

Bravewolf: I don't feel like it.

Tierce: Fine, I'm going to race around the house, wear the styptic powder off my nail and paw at your good clothes in the closet.

Bravewolf: Let's go for a walk to take your mind off your recent trauma.

Tierce: Yayyy!

They play together so nicely.

2008-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

plonk.

Mischa (long suffering boyfriend): There is a Kong in my lap.

Tierce (balancing on top of the couch): Yeah, I don't know how it got there. Throw it for me, will you?

Mischa: No. I'm resting.

Tierce: But I'm staring at you!

Mischa: No. I'm resting and I'm Alph- FOR FUCK'S SAKE THIS IS SLIMY AND DISGUSTING! (hurls Kong away from him)

Tierce (leaping off the back of the couch onto Mischa's crotch and launching himself towards the Kong): YAYYYY!

Mischa: That hurt, but not as much as it's going to hurt you in a minute.

Tierce: But I'm cute and I've got the Kongandyouneedtothrowitformerightnow!!!!

Mischa: The only thing I'm throwing is you.

Tierce (drops Kong on Mischa's foot): Throw this!

Mischa: Ew! (kicks Kong across living room)

Tierce: YAYYYY!

Mischa: I'm going to watch Iron Chef. Maybe the secret ingredient today is Shiba.

Tierce: I GOT IT!!!

Mischa: I'm not throwing it for you.

Tierce: But it's riiiiight heeeeeere! And I'm cute.

Mischa: FINE. (Takes Kong and puts it on top of the stack of cardboard boxes in the other room)

Tierce: ...

Tierce: I can't get it.

Mischa: YAYYYY!

Mischa (settles down on the couch): Now life is good.

(five minutes pass)

Tierce: ...

Tierce: Hey, Mischa.

Mischa: Snore

Tierce: ...

plonk.

Ideal Houseguest

2008-02-22T22:54:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Mischa, Tierce and I are heading up to Courtenay, BC for a housewarming party. Well, Mischa and Tierce are heading up in the car and I'm cycling it. To make a long story short, I'm crazy and have been cycling long distances for a number of years. And it's going to be nice out tomorrow.

I was thinking about Tierce and the fact that we have managed to bring him along to so many friends' places. He is not obedient, he's still a chewer, we have to keep an eye on him in strange homes so that he doesn't blithely mark in the house and, while we managed to wrest a second dog out of him a while back, still sheds a good deal of hair. Well, it's not so amazing that we managed to bring him to so many friends' places; it's that we managed to bring him more than once.

The key, of course, is that a) we never assume that Tierce is welcome without specific inquiry and b) we take exquisite care that he is properly exercised, fed, confined and entertained. His parasite prevention is kept up-to-date. His exercise pen and crate are standard equipment for an overnight jaunt - they provide a safe, familiar environment for him to stay. I also make a special effort to take him for a good walk and/or a place where he can safely run his little heart out. Tired puppy = quiet, happy guest puppy. We also are very aware of his abilities and limitations and take those into account

I truly appreciate our friends' indulgence in permitting Tierce to accompany us to their homes and feel that the only way to return such a favour is to ensure that his deportment is nothing less than impeccable. Tierce is still a long way off from being a model puppy, so his deportment is largely dependent on his confinement and supervision.

It surprises me when other dog owners don't take these kinds of things as a matter of course. It seems that people's sense of entitlement extends past their overfed and underdisciplined spawn to their overfed and underdisciplined dogs. To my surprise, there have been stories surfacing of late that involve people bringing their dogs to places and events without ascertaining whether the dog was welcome. Some of these incidents have resulted in remarkably non-dog-friendly reviews of the situation. I like to reserve my disdain for stupid, selfish people, not people who happen to love their dogs - some people actually have a sense of limits.

Things we take when Tierce visits:

1) Crate
2) Exercise Pen
3) Dishes
4) Food
5) Kong - silent toy that can be stuffed with treats
6) Flexi and 6 foot leads

If we were visiting off-Island, I would also take copies of his vaccination records, veterinarian records, Canadian Kennel Club papers, identification (he's microchipped, so that has to be noted), recent photos and grooming supplies. Just in case.

Don't let them hang with the cool kids

2008-02-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

Shassi was born on August 27, 1993. When I started showing her in 1994, I was often the only person nervously trotting back and forth in the breed ring. I have a bagful of impressively coloured ribbons, but Shassi only achieved 9 points before an unfortunate incident involving my father, an open car door, and the highway going through Cloverdale, BC marked the end of her show career.

Back in 1993, somebody casually recognizing Shassi as a Shiba was cause for throwing a mini-party. It meant that I could talk to someone who understood. Back then the only people who recognized Shibas were Shiba owners or the owners of some breeds who greatly resembled a Shiba in looks and temperament.

In 2008, "Hey, that's a Shiba!" means that someone has a friend or a relative with one or considered one as a pet. This means that Shibas are (slowly) becoming more popular. 16 years after the Shiba Inu was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, they are slowly becoming mainstream. With Tierce, proper breed identification stands at about 33%. The other 67% is broken down into "What kind of dog is that?", "Is that a Chow mix?", and other haphazard breed guesses, with the most points going to people who at least name some variety of spitz breed. From one or two breeders on Vancouver Island, I can count at least five who are closely involved with breeding Shibas.

Popularity has its ups and its downs. On the plus side, I can now find Shiba merchandise at the local dog biscuit kiosk that also peddles breed-specific keychains, stickers, and other memorabilia. People actually recognize my dog's breed! It's easier to convince people of the Shiba's unsuitability for their lives when they have a vague memory of the problems that their brother's friend's nephew's sister's dog's best friend's owner went through.

On the negative side, the Shiba can now be found in pet shops and bred by unscrupulous fucking idiots. The more common a breed gets, the more likely that members will fall prey to the shelter/SPCA/rescue roundabout. Being as the Shiba can be a high-strung, dominant, independent breed to start with, rehoming a mistreated/unsocialized/ill-trained one can be, at best, difficult.

A Shiba breeder of my acquaintance lamented that the Shiba people at one dog show she visited were unrelentingly negative about the breed's traits. I was of a differing opinion. I thought then and I still do now, that emphasizing the negatives of the Shiba scares away the undedicated and prepares the tenacious of dog ownership. It also keeps this breed mildly unpopular with those who want an easy ride on the pet wagon, despite its appearance in Vodka commercials and as the evil genius (how appropriate) behind Silent Hill 2.

Unpopularity is the Shiba's saving grace when it comes to people who are not willing to accept and address its unique philosophy that all things exist to be eaten/chewed/played with/dominated. Most owners are already addressing this by rabidly jumping on even a hint that someone wants a dog "just like yours!" with tales of valuable items destroyed and frantic chases through the streets, not to mention the unfortunate incident with the neighbour's cat.

Keep up the good work. We don't want the Shiba to go through what the Akita went through in the 90's, what with being shoved into the limelight as big, unique protection dogs. The last thing we need is someone touting the Shiba as the very latest thing in wash n' wear home alarm systems. Thank Dog they're too big for your average handbag.

Just hangin' around

2008-02-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

We're still here; just haven't had much to blog about. We had obedience class tonight. Tierce isn't doing too badly, although he needs a lot more work with distractions. My trainer assures me that someday, if I keep working with him, he will come when called. I have my doubts.

What I am going to do is buy some snaps to attach to a length of the 1000 lb tested cord that one of my friends was kind enough to bring by. I want to take Tierce to the beach on the next sunny day and need something to attach to him so that I can stomp on it when he whizzes by.

Out for a walk

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Dog strolling along railway tracks brings train to a crawl in Yamanashi

How could it not be a Shiba?

This kind of reminds me of an adventure 10 years ago with Shassi. Friends and I were hiking Dodd's Narrows, which is a place of rock, ocean, islands and trees where one could watch the strait flow on by. When the herring run was on, the strait was churning with sea lions. It was the first time Shassi or I had been there, or to the house where we started from.

In my madness, I had let Shassi loose, figuring she would run with the other dogs and so stay with us. She did stay with us until after lunchtime. About an hour into the hike back, we took stock of the dogs and found that there was no Shassi. Calls and hollers rebounded into the woods - no Shassi. The best thing we could do was hike back to the house where we had left the cars and figure out what to do from there.

When we got there, who should uncurl herself from the doorstep, but Shassi. Apparently she had had enough of hiking and calmly decided to head back to await us hiking fools. We later heard from some locals that they had seen her trotting purposefully on the side of the road, heading back to the house. Keep in mind that this was the first time she had been to said house, and that via a car, so that made it even more incredible.

Note that I don't recommend this for Shibas or any dog who doesn't stick close or come when it's called. There are a lot of things in the woods who would happily make a meal out of a 20 pound dog and we're lucky that Shassi came out of the woods with nothing worse than a tick bite.

Tierce's first sanction match!

2008-02-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

Tierce went to the Victoria City Kennel Club sanction match this weekend. We got best of breed! We got a Group Second! Sounds great, except when you find out that Tierce was A) the only Shiba and B) one of two dogs entered in the Non-Sporting category. We did have some good talk with the other person, a lady who was starting to show her Keeshond by herself instead of using a handler. We ended up exchanging names and addresses and maybe we'll see each other again at the shows :)

Tierce kept on crabbing when he was moving for the judge. For those of you not crazy enough to hang around at dog beauty contests, "crabbing" means that his front end and his back end are out of kilter when he's trotting. This looks hideous and is a sure-fire losing proposition in the ring. The thing is, when Tierce is interested in something, he is perfectly straight. It's when he wants to go somewhere that I am not going or when he wants to avoid something i.e. a leash, getting too close to my feet that he says, "I may not be able to move my head away from you, but I sure as hell am gonna move my body!" I'm going to ask my show handling instructor on tips to avoid this.

However, this was not entirely wasted. Tierce got a chance to be in a show-like atmosphere and got examined by a stranger. He did very well for not having a lot of experience and I'm going to work really hard on his trotting and down-and-back for next time.

The ugly world of dog-show-snobbery reared its scaly head today. I heard stories of cattiness, the turning of the backs, etc. People, if you show, why the fuck do you do this??? Even if you don't give an inch in the ring, it doesn't mean that you can't be half-decent to people whose only crime is that they don't belong to your clique. So what if the dog is your competition - he's also a member of your breed and don't you want more people who love and respect your breed to spread the good word about them? Grow up. And get a life - maybe the person you snub today ends up leaving the show, thinking that it isn't worth getting involved because you were a complete fucking bitch to them - never mind your dog.

I'm definitely reading this one

2008-02-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

Ruff love

The love of Andrew DePrisco's life is loyal, affectionate, well-groomed and high class. Unfortunately for his partner, Robert White, his main amore also has four legs and goes to the bathroom in the backyard. Don't get them wrong - their 11 years (and counting) human relationship is strong and healthy. But from the first week the New Jersey-based couple started dating, DePrisco made one thing clear: He would always have two dogs and they would always be purebred Shiba Inu. "He wasn't unhappy with it, but he wasn't as committed to that breed as I was," DePrisco says of his confession. "He pretty much had to accept it."

That's DePrisco's number one rule: Never choose a man over your dog. You will regret it, he warns. But that's just one of many tongue-in-cheek - yet strangely accurate - observations he makes in his book, "Woof! A Gay Man's Guide to Dogs" (BowTie Press, $19.95).

Do I say "Hi" to you with a baseball bat?

2008-02-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

He Just Wants To Say "Hi"!

The above is one of the best articles on dog behaviour that I have ever read. It ties in to both the Shiba temperament subject and my pet peeve about dogs who are allowed to run up to mine.

A lot of owners are oblivious or just plain stupid when it comes to their dogs running up to others. They think that just because there is no fight starting immediately that their dog is "just being friendly" when, in fact, he is creating the potential for a severe backlash.

Clothier provided an excellent analogy in the above article, but let me provide another.

I'm walking down a city street and notice a big man staring at me. Without warning, he starts running towards me and nearly knocks me over. He then starts feeling me up and asking personal questions. When I kick him in the nuts and follow it up with a boot to the head, he starts screaming that he's going to call the police and charge me with assault.

Sound fucked up? But that is exactly what thousands of fucking assholes are doing to responsible dog owners every day. The implication is that they can allow their dog to run up to yours and jump all over him, but if there's a fight it's your dog's fault because their dog was "just being friendly". For variety, there's the OMG!thishasneverhappenedbefore! breed of idiot haunting city streets and pathways.

I also love how morons with their dogs on Flexi-leads allow their dogs to pull them over to my dog so that the dog can jump all over him. It smacks of the dog telling its owners what to do and the owners allowing a potentially dominant dog to get into my dog's face. It's like somehow things are okay because the dog was the one initiating contact. Never mind that I might be holding my dog close by my side so that we can pass by in peace.

Tierce is friendly with most other dogs. I like to have him meet other dogs regularly. On my terms. I don't like it when someone else assumes that he is fresh meat for their dog to jump on. I know Tierce and I know that he's a dominant little sumbitch. Therefore, I like to initiate how far and fast he gets into other dogs' faces because he will jump all over them and paw at their eyes and nibble on their ears. Not a good thing with the wrong dog.

Tierce also is figuring out that I will not allow him to dictate where we go and what he does. Because I'm the Alpha and I say whether he gets to meet that dog or run over to that person. Poor little guy never gets to have any fun.

You can touch this one!

2008-02-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

How are Shibas seen in your area? Good? Bad? Indifferent? What the hell is that thar dog?

Today, Tierce and I decided to drop into a local doggy daycare to check out what they had for sale. While I was there, the staff exclaimed over the fact that Tierce was friendly and pettable. They told me that the one Shiba they took care of needed to be lassoed in order to take her for a walk and didn't like to be touched at any time. Seven months ago, my veterinarian said that Tierce might well be the only Shiba she doesn't have to muzzle. Even people at the school where Tierce goes for socialization have remarked that Shibas are snappy around children.

The truth is that members of our breed, when they are not bred and raised responsibly, are nasty little creatures. We're starting with a dog that, even when it is healthy and well-adjusted, is naturally dominant, high-strung and independent. Bred without care and raised without structure, a Shiba will evolve into a canine Vlad Ţepeş.

I blame Shiba owners for the breed's bad reputation. They are not doing their jobs. What every Shiba owner has control over is the structure that they provide and enforce. Yes, yes, I know - sometimes people acquire Shibas that have less-than-stellar origins over which they and the Shiba have no control. That still doesn't preclude them from starting and maintaining control over their Shiba's behaviour.

Insisting that your dog behave politely towards other people and not immediately try to kill other animals is not just good for you and your dog. It also helps pave the way for the Shiba breed in other situations. Breed prejudice has long been considered the problem of Pit Bull people and Rottweiler fanciers, but it can work against any breed not considered "nice". Some people will refuse to rent to people who own certain breeds of dog or refuse to interact with them without a muzzle. This is not how we want the Shiba inu to be reacted to!

Little dogs are often perceived as less dangerous than big ones, and that causes some people to treat their little dog's aggression/dominance as not serious. Every person who has had to deal with a little dog who refuses to be touched, groomed or let someone take items away can attest to this fallacy. While a little dog may not be capable of the sheer damage of a large one, it is still capable of inflicting severe wounds and, in the case of small children, even death.

Things every Shiba should be informed of:

1. Nothing in life is free.

2. Children are living hot dog dispensers provided that you sit quietly.

3. Vets are actually kind people who dispense cheese (most veterinarians encourage you to bring your dog around for random treats so that they associate the vet's office with cheddar rather than shots).

4. Your food/toys/leash/collar/brushes are not your property and you will not treat them as such.

5. Your nails will be clipped. Your ears will be cleaned. Your fur and teeth will be brushed. You will sit/stand/lie quietly and not bite the brush or the hand that wields it. This is not negotiable. You may pout.

6. At no time will you ever growl/snarl/snap/bite at your owner or any person who is put in charge of you.

7. Lunging and trying to kill other animals upon sighting them is not in your best interests.

It's all very well to say "this is bad and don't let Shibas do this", but how do you correct them when they step out of line? Thoughts on this will be chronicled in a future post.

A morning's walk...

2008-02-01T09:56:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I took some pictures of Tierce as we went on our morning walk...

This is our street.

A favourite stopping place on the way.

The path around the Pitch 'N Putt at Beban Park.

There's more in this series, but it'll have to wait!

Selling Tierce's Soul

2008-02-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

We have joined up with PayPerPost to see if I can maintain my website by blogging. If anyone doesn't know, PPP is a site that connects bloggers with advertisers wanting to sell something. However, you can be assured that I'm not ever going to type, "Oh, XYZ is just maaahhhvaaaleess! It makes my Shibas soooooo happy!" just because someone pays me to. If I can earn some money writing about Shibas and the various aspects of the world they happen to be connected to, yay me!

Look where Tierce is sniffing! I bet he smells a custom tracking image!

This blog post was what?

Disappearing Act

2008-02-01T09:19:00.001-08:00

Anyone seen a Shiba named Gimli?

Well, what do you think? Is it a four-legged predator or a two-legged one? There's no mention of any blood or signs of a struggle, but then again, there wouldn't be with some of the larger predators. However I am suspicious that this rash of disappearances just started out of the blue, it seems. Either a new predator has moved in or a human has decided to augment their income with black market beagles.

I'm pretty sure that all of these dogs were taken from yards or something like that, but the article doesn't say. It's definitely a warning to keep your dogs where you can see them. It's sad that you have to supervise even in your own yard, but there it is. It also says something for keeping a rifle around to kill predators. And, no, I wouldn't care if a dog thief got involuntarily neutered with a 12 gauge.

Pet of the week

2008-01-29T07:54:00.002-08:00

My Google Alert for "shiba inu" informed me that Savannah, a Shiba inu mix was Broward's pet of the week.

Savannah, a 6-year-old Shiba Inu mix, was given up because her family is moving and could not take her along.

Every fucking day there are animals abandoned by their owners because of "moving". I know that some people are going to moo and bleat, "Well we didn't have a CHOICE!" "It was unexpected!" "We couldn't find anywhere to keep her!" I'll tell you right now, if you think that moving is an acceptable excuse for abandoning up a companion animal that you CHOSE to bring into your life, you are not just an irresponsible dog owner, you're a crappy human being.

When people give up pets for spurious reasons, they do it with the air that they couldn't possibly have foreseen that they might move/have kids/lose jobs/blah blah blah blah fucking blah in the fifteen years it takes the average family dog to live and die. Which is bullshit. People who can't understand the future and how changes can affect it are either below the age of majority or are candidates for the nearest mental health unit. If you're neither of these things, then there is no reason why the rest of us, on whose shoulders your selfish choice to abandon your dog lies, should not hold you responsible for your pet animal's welfare.

I have marginally more respect for people who take the time and effort to rehome an animal that is not working out for them. Marginally. Most of the time, I see people who didn't think when they got an animal and are now trying to foist the animal's bad habits off onto other people. Buyer beware. "Moving" can be dog ownerese for "Ill-trained animal from unprepared people who are only too glad to have an excuse to give him up".

Tips on moving and keeping your dog:

1. Don't act like a fucking moron and expect sympathy. You are capable of predetermining whether you should take on the responsiblity of a dog. You are fully able to figure out where your life might take you and develop a plan to maintain your dog's welfare that doesn't involve abandoning it for other people to take care of YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Think about where your life might take you and how you are going to manage it so that your dog doesn't suffer for your mistakes.

2. Be financially prepared for a pet's expenses. Keep a sum in the bank or stuffed into the mattress to deal with emergencies - if you have to board your dog while you look for permanent accommodations, then you will have the money.

3. Keep up with regular examinations/shots/pest prevention. Get references from your veterinarian to show prospective landlords. A well-cared-for dog is more likely to be a dog that will not damage property or infest it with vermin.

4. Crate train your dog and invest in an exercise pen. People are a lot more likely to entrust their property to you if you can assure them that the dog will be contained when not actively supervised.

5. Get impeccable references from your current landlord, including a letter indicating that you left your house in pristine condition, despite having a dog there. My family was able to find a rental property with three dogs and two cats due to the sterling recommendation by our previous landlord who found his house cleaner and in better repair than when he rented it to us several years previously.

6. Start and maintain friendly relations with your neighbours. A reference from a neighbour, stating that your dog has never bothered them with barking or with midnight visits to their pansies can open up doors. If you have had any problems with a neighbour about your dog that was rectified satisfactorily, consider asking for a reference from them as well - it proves that you are a responsible dog owner who respects the rights and property of others.

7. If your dog is annoying people, do whatever you can to stop it. If your dog is lonely in the yard, bring him inside. If he barks while you're at work, take him to doggy daycare or advertise for a companion to spend the day with him. Pay someone to take him for a walk every day while you are at work. Do not let him run loose if his recall is in any way shaky.

8. Get your dog involved with obedience classes and get your dog certified as a reliable companion animal if your country offers such certification. In Canada, it's called "Canine Good Neighbour" and based off of the American "Canine Good Citizen". It is a certification that proves that your dog has a good temperament and is well socialized.

9. Have a game plan prepared for your landlord regarding the dog. Bring a copy for the landlord to keep. Offer a pet deposit specifically for the dog. Bring along samples of pet rental contracts. Bring copies of reference letters, vaccination records, spay/neuter certificate, and obedience/temperament testing diplomas. If possible, bring your impeccably groomed, obedient, friendly dog to meet the landlord.

10. Put up posters at vet offices, groomers, pet supply and the local animal shelters. Advertise through word-of-mouth. Make up business cards detailing what you're looking for and showcasing your dog's rental-friendly qualities. Hell, go to the newspaper and see if they're interested in a human-interest story. Make your dog-friendly home search everybody's business.

In short, do everything in your power, no matter how ridiculous or over-the-top it seems to keep the dog that you chose to bring into your life. A dog should never have to be a "pet of the week" when they could have been one for a lifetime.

Shibas advertising dog products.

2008-01-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Working in a pet supply store, I have already made a mental note of the products that feature a Shiba on the packaging. Here are two, both from Outward Hound:

Here we have a Shiba who is no doubt delighted to have this water/supply backpack on.

Next, we have something more in keeping with a Shiba's goals: a nice tent for camping! This nylon tent sports bug mesh to keep your Shiba free from mosquitoes.

A closer look:

I think I remember some Ziggys that had a Shiba puppy on them, but we don't have that packaging any more. Akira and Shiro's blog has a post about Shibas in other kinds of advertising.

Last but not least, I have to promote my favourite screensaver: Kissing Canines, which features Libby the Shiba, both as herself and wearing a santa hat.