Shiba Inu "coat"

Humph!!! Mom said that since my undercoat has refused to grow in and I get cold at the park, that she had to buy me a jacket. Can you believe that? She did promise to not make me look completely ridiculous and says I look quite distinguished in it. Some pals have said the colour goes perfectly with my colouring, whatever THAT means. I guess it's ok, now that I've learned I can still pee and poop! Shiba Inus are double coated, and normally I blow my coat every Christmas, but I was early this year...still waiting for it to come back...

Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup Howliday Pawty

32 Shiba Inu, 2 Korean Jindos and 2 non-Shiba pooches took over Doggie Central for the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group's Annual Howliday Pawty.

Shibas That Like to Dress Up??

Humph, I'm not so sure about that, but Mom found this website along with these photos. I ain't wearing any of those outfits! Mom keeps giggling at them...sheesh...

Dogs in Duds

Sushi

Shiba Inu Fun Across the World!

If you own, or are owned or want to be owned by a Shiba Inu, do yourself a humungous favour and join a Shiba Inu Meetup Group. There are several across Canada and the U.S. If there isn't one listed, start one, you will not regret it!

Mom became the Organizer of the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group 4 yrs ago and we now have approximately 140 members. On average, there are 15-20 Shibas at a playdate, sometimes more! It's an amazing sight to see, and so much fun. Now, Mom is also the Organizer of the Missouri Shiba Inu Meetup group.

But, the Meetup groups can be so much more than just getting together at the park. There are Message Boards, which is an excellent way to get to know other Shiba owners before attending a Meetup - you'll feel like you already know them. On top of that, the amount of information on Shibas is invaluable!!! What better way to understand the breed than to speak with the owners! Socialization is one of the best things you can do for your Shiba, and the more you understand the breed, the better the relationship you will have with your Shiba Inu.

Share photos, stories, successes, challenges. The groups can even become a support group at times. So, what are you waiting for, check out Shiba Meetups and join in on the fun!

Here is a current list of Shiba Inu groups:

All Shiba Inu Meetups on Meetup.com

Vancouver Shiba

Life With a Shiba Inu In Missouri

Well, it's been 2 weeks since my family loaded myself, the 2 cats, and the 3 dwarf hamsters into the cars and we went on a looooong road trip. Mom told me that we were moving to a place called Missouri and promised it would be lots of fun! Oh boy, I love fun!


We stayed in 3 hotels, which was kinda neat - even the cats didn't seem to mind. Now we are in Missouri (Harrisonville), and adjusting to our new home.


We are out in the country, and wow that is a big change! I'm a cityslicker, love to stick to the sidewalks, and not get my Shiba paws covered in tall grass - ick!


It's been quite the adventure. I've made one good friend. He met us the day we arrived and I see him every once in awhile. We call him Buddy :)

Other than him, there are a lot of other dogs around here that get to run loose - but I can't! How unfair is that!!! I complain during leashed walks all the time but Mom & Dad won't let me loose, humph!

But, Mom found a really cool park for me to go to and we are there almost every day when we can. I've even made 2 new Shiba pals since Mom started the Missouri Shiba Inu Meetup group. Taylor & Aki are from MSIR and are really cool and fun.

Mom says that aside from my dislike of meeting other dogs while on leash, that I have done remarkably well with all the changes in my life, and gives me bellyrubs every morning when we get up. I guess life here ain't so bad...

Thank you to Tsuki & Yoshi the very cool Shibas!

The Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group had a Meetup last weekend in Mississauga, Ontario. Some of you know of Tsuki & Yoshi from TwoCuteDogs.com

Well, their owners, Kathy & Peter came alllllll the way from Pennsylvania to meet us! How cool is that! They were super nice and even gave me a Possum to kill!!! I've tried my best to de-stuff the possum the way Tsuki & Yoshi do...but Mom says I'm more of a lover than a killer.

I CAUGHT IT!!
















I'LL GIVE IT THE SHIBA DEATH SHAKE! GRRR!

















THAT WAS EXHAUSTING, TIME FOR A NAP. ZZZZ....

Shiba Nationals 2008 - coming soon!

Roohoo!!!! Mom tells me that we are moving to Missouri just in time. The NSCA Shiba Inu Regional & National Specialty is happening near St. Louis, Missouri this year! Mom is so excited, she can't wait to go!

NSCA SPECIALTY INFO

Who is Really the Alpha? - You or your Shiba Inu?

Shibas are born believing they are Top Dog. It is up to the owner to establish Top Dog status as soon as possible. The Shiba will thank you for it. However, it's not always easy to do this. Sushi will be 5 yrs old in September. Am I Alpha? Yes...and no... So, basically, no, lol! Or at least, not in all situations, but we are working on it.

How do you know? Well, whoevever is making all the decisions is the Alpha.

Here are some interesting articles about Being Alpha:

WHO IS THE REAL ALPHA IN YOUR HOME

ESTABLISHING ALPHA - tips from the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group members


Bonnie & Sushi

Shiba Inu Movie - A Tale of Mari & 3 Puppies

Inspired by a true story...

In the small village of Yamakoshi, a dog named Mari gives birth to three puppies, much to the joy of young owners Ryota (Hiroto Ryohei) and Aya (Sasaki Mao). Soon after on October 23, 2004, a major earthquake hits the area, and entire sections of Yamakoshi are reduced to rubble. Away from home, Ryota and father Yuichi (Funakoshi Eichiro) escape the worst of it, but Aya and Grandfather Yuzo (Utsui Ken) are trapped in their collapsed house. A rescue team arrives in time to save them, but there is no room for Mari and her newborn pups on the helicopter. With the entire village evacuated and blocked off, Mari and her puppies are left to their own means in the desolate village. Inspired by a true story of canine heroism, A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies is a touching story of love and resilience starring some seriously adorable dogs that could give Quill a run for his money. Mari's tale of survival against all odds became a symbol of hope for the people of Yamakoshi in the aftermath of the earthquake, and was later turned into a best-selling illustrated book from which the film is adapted. A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies is helmed by television director Inomata Ryuichi (Golden Bowl) and features music from renowned composer Hisaishi Joe.

If you want to watch the movie, here is the link for it (make sure you have kleenex):

A Tale of Mari & 3 Puppies

Bonnie & Sushi

Support Shiba Rescue GTA

Hey, all you lovers of the Shiba Inu!

It's that time of year again. Shiba Rescue GTA will be participating
again in this year's Annual K9 Rescue Me Walkathon, part of Woofstock, a festival for dogs! Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

If you would like to show support by donating online, please go to

CanadaHelps.org

Please be sure to use the drop down menu to select "Shiba Rescue GTA"
and there should also be a comment/notes box where you can type that
in as well. There are approximately 20 rescues participating, so it
needs to be clear which rescue you are donating to.

If you will be in the Toronto area on June 8th, come out and join the
Shibas! The walk starts at 11:00am. Pledge forms and all other info
can be found at:

http://www.rescuemewalk.com


Thanks,
Bonnie & Sushi