For Adoption: Dasher, 8 yr old Shiba Inu

CAN YOU PROVIDE A FOREVER HOME FOR DASHER? Dasher is a very handsome 8 yr old 28 lb male looking for a new forever home.

He is up to date on his shots, neutered, housebroken and crate-trained. He loves walks and is food motivated. As with some other dogs, he can be mildly affected by seasonal allergies. Dasher needs someone that is familiar with this breed and is willing to commit themselves to training. Dasher will also need time spent to socialize him around people. The potential adopter must have experience with dogs, patience, time, and a lot of love. Dasher needs to be in a mature, adult home preferably with another dog and an owner that will respect and understand his quirks, needs and personality. No cats or young children in the home. .

* Dasher would enjoy being the second dog in the home; he enjoys dog play time and is more comfortable not being the center of attention. .

For more information or to fill out an adoption application form, please email us at shibarescuegta@gto.net

Safety First!

Being wintertime, I'm reminded a little bit more about car safety. Not just for people, but for our furkids as well.

Two years ago, Sushi and I were in a bad car accident, after having a wonderful time at the dog park. 3 cars were involved in the accident - mine was written off. I had 7 months of physiotherapy on my knees and then my back. Sushi was scared to be in the car for about 2 months, but other than that, my little Shiba Inu boy was unharmed. Sushi was wearing his seatbelt harness, which to this day, I believe saved his life. Please, if you allow your dog to remain free in the car or even worse, allow him/her to sit up front with you - please don't do that anymore. You are putting your dog at risk, and even yourself. Find a good seatbelt harness - one that won't allow too much movement; the dog should not be able to wiggle his way out of it. With Sushi's, he can sit and lie down; it can also be used as a regular harness for walks. A crate is the best option and should be placed behind the passenger seat, in the back of course. It should be positioned in between the back of the passenger seat and the back of the backseat, so it can not budge. There are other options as well - some people install a guard or gate, depending on the vehicle they own. Do not take your pet's life for granted. An accident can happen so quickly, and there is no way for your pet to prepare himself for it.

Lots and lots of snow!

Oh boy, it snowed a lot last night. Sushi loves the snow, but this time he seems unsure whether to be excited or not about it. The snow nearly touches his belly. He leaps and hops through the snow. I had to trudge around our yard to make a path for him, which he now uses for his Shiba 500. He keeps wanting to go outside, he loves it if you take a shovelfull of light snow and throw it for him to catch. Crazy Shiba.

Shiba Rescue GTA

Shiba Rescue GTA was founded last year in the spring (2006). A 9 yr old female Shiba Inu was left at a local Toronto shelter. Her name is Yoshi, and it is because of her that Shiba Rescue GTA was born. My friend and I (also from the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group) realized there wasn't an active rescue dedicated to the Shiba Inu in the Greater Toronto Area. Currently, Shiba Rescue GTA is the only Shiba rescue in Canada. We do not have a shelter, we have foster homes. We conduct interviews, home visits, reference checks. Shibas are not for everyone and placing them in the right home is very important. If you would like to make a donation or learn more about Shiba Rescue GTA, please visit our website: http://www.shibarescuegta.ca

Bonnie & Sushi

The Shiba 500

For those that are owned by a Shiba Inu already, you know what I'm talking about. The infamous Shiba 500. Where your Shiba runs like s/he's psycho at warped speed and the best thing you can do is cheer them on but stay out of the way! Sushi had 2 rounds of the Shiba 500 tonight. He used to do this more often as a puppy, but I still laugh everytime he does it. I think when I laugh it encourages him to run even more! Odd things can set off the Shiba 500 - a good poop usually does it. But, tonight, it was because I furminated him outside. The Furminator is an excellent "comb" to help when they are blowing their coats. Sushi's nickname these days is "FuzzButt".

Bonnie & Sushi