Love Me, Love My Shiba

Read this first before you decide to bring a shiba home. The Misanthropic Shiba.

As it turns out, we really need two people to bathe Kuma. I actually injured myself - although it was sort of a relief that there were no witnesses who could tell the tale. ;-)

Kuma starts his new class next month - we're retaking Intermediate Obedience since he seems to be going through a "I've forgotten every command you ever taught me" phase. So it's back to PetSmart we go.

Anyway - read all about the bathing fiasco here:

How to give your Shiba Inu a Bath

Go to Fotosearch.com for some really terrific Shiba stock photos. If I had the money to invest in a proper Shiba Inu page, I might just have to get a few! Meanwhile, I've got some new grand ideas for taking a few of my own pictures!

This looks like a must-read. A look at the Japanese relationship with dogs - a great cultural perspective.

Pawprints in Japan by Nicholas C. Rhoden

"A fascinating book, 'Pawprints' is sure to captivate dog lovers of all persuasions, not just those partial to the Akita breed. This anthology comprises four separate, independent works related to dogs, some of which are Akitas. It also addresses topics of interest to students of Japanese culture, whether dog lover or not."

'Pawprints' is a book about:

Dogs, real and imaginary

Loyalty as perceived in a national context

The essence of Japan's individuality

Buddhism as a prevailing force that binds these four otherwise unrelated works and gives uniform testament to cultural values that found a beginning in Japan's early centuries A.D."

See more HERE

Purchase the book at the Akita Club of America's online store.

"Pooches at Play Award winning artist Enid Groves continues to enchant us with her delightful watercolors. She views animals as "stars in their own right"! Trying to capture a look, a gesture, a yawn that reminds us how special they are to us. Signed and numbered print. 7.5" x 24.5" is just the right size for a special spot."

Get it at Dogstuff.com for only $29.95.

Kuma has to be involved every time the camera comes out, he's always ready to strike a pose!

It appears that my dog and the owl that lives in our backyard giant Locust Bean Tree have formed a sort of friendship. My dog will sit at the door, softly arffing and woofing (with the occasional deep sigh) while the owl hoots and hooo's back.

The cat, in his tall, carpeted tree, and I simply watch and listen, and occasionally give each other the equivalent of a shrug, while we ponder what they must be talking about.

"Lovely weather we're having tonight, isn't it?" (hoothooOOoo?)
"Yes, quite. Not so chilly as last night." (arffarrfwooof)
"Did you see that rather plump squirrel earlier?" (hoothooOOhoot?)
"I did indeed - quite quick for such a plump fellow." (arffhurumph arff)
"I let him get away of course, it being the holiday season you know." (HoothootHOOooo)
"Of course, of course. I thought you did." (arf*sigh*hurumph)
"He looked to be quite the tasty morsel though, didn't he?" (hootHooOOohooot?)
"Ah yes, quite tasty. But then, you know... the people get so upset." (rolls eyes, woofarf*sigh*)
"Oh yes - quite . . . well, good night . . . See you tomorrow. Don't let the feline boss you around." (hootoot ooOOoo hooot!)
"*yawn* Good night. I won't let him - tonight I'm going to put my tennis ball in his water. He hates that." *snort* arfarfhurumph - woof!

Then, on cue, the owl flutters off into the night and the dog curls up in his round pillow bed.

The cat and I exchange our usual shrugs and "whatever" looks, pad off to bed ourselves.

This is one lucky pup!

Shiba Inu rescued in the woods by children.

(ARA) - Every holiday shopping list has them - those people who are impossible to buy for, either because you just don't know what they'd like or because they already have everything you can think of. If they're among the 63 percent of U.S. households that own pets, especially pets they love to pamper, you're in luck.

Pets become part of the family, and a devoted pet owner is sure to appreciate a gift that caters to their favorite four-legged companion. If you're thinking that catnip or a chew toy don't seem like very festive gifts, you're right. But the pet market has gone upscale, with humans spending an estimated $38.4 billion on their pets in 2006, according to The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. You'll find a range of gift possibilities that reflect the strength of this growing market, from clothing outfits to canopy beds to fancy food dishes.

For the pet or pet owner who has everything, the artisans at Arthur Court have designed a line of pet accessories that add a decorator touch to items pets need every day. The San Francisco-based company, known by devotees world-wide for its sand-cast aluminum serveware inspired by nature, recently introduced a line of products devoted to dogs and cats.

The products combine form and function - all the items are practical yet beautiful. The pet treat jar, the company's most popular pet item, is an attractive glass jar that features Arthur Court's signature aluminum lid with a dog bone for a handle. The lid has "good dog" engraved on it, and a star-shaped "good dog" charm dangles from the rim. The cat jar lid features a kitten on a pillow playfully reaching for a dangling fish. Before you notice that the jar contains pet treats, it could easily be mistaken for a cookie jar, thanks to its distinctive style.

Other pet items include two sizes of pet food scoops, one for cats and one for dogs, as well as a cat-size and dog-size food dish. The dog scoop, which holds one cup, has a bone for a handle, while the cat version features a fish handle and holds 1/2 cup. The cat bowl is engraved with "here kitty, kitty," the dog bowl with "good dog." The decorative leash holder has three hooks, each stamped with a paw print, and the words "let's go for a walk" engraved on the plaque.

There's an adorable show in Japan called Shibawanko that teaches children about etiquette and preparing a home for guests etc. It's so adorable!

The video on YouTube can be found HERE

The story and history can be found HERE

A matching calendar can be purchased HERE

The companion cat is of course portrayed as lazy, while the Shiba cleans. I wish my Shiba would clean lol! Both the cat and dog usually lie on the sofa and watch as we tidy up.

This is pretty amazing - a skater shiba! Her owner has even entered her into a SuperDog competition!
Skateboarding Shiba Inu

And here's a You Tube vidoe of what it may look like, only instead of a Shiba (which I couldn't find footage of), it's a bulldog. sheesh... I can't even skateboard!
A BullDog Skateboarding on YouTube

Kuma is turning into the typical Shiba ham. He knows where there's a camera - there's bound to be a reward for posing pretty. Of course he's right. For some reason this pose makes me think of when Burt Reynolds posed for Cosmo (eek, showing my age.)

This adorable calendar features puppies as well as adult Shibas in high quality photos to enjoy all year.

http://www.shibarescue.org/calendar/2007/calendar2007.html

At $18, plus s&h all of which goes to rescue the dogs, this calendar makes the perfect gift for every Shiba lover, and the perfect accessory for your daily life.

Shipping has been reduced to $3 this year, a savings of $2 from last year's rate

Here's a link to Wikipedia's most excellent site on Shibas - including a picture of what may be a Red Sesame shiba. Lots of good info and links - plus a gallery of cuties to admire.

Shibas on WikiPedia!

1. In the beginning, the Shiba puppy should be on lead all the time. This is mainly because he, if when this small, ismuch faster than you are and you will need the lead to grab on and reel him back in. It also makes him very used to a.) the leash itself, and b.) you handling the leash.
2. Sit and down are the first commands to train and the most important to build on - as well as practice at a distance.
3. Authority is key for Shibas and if you're not comfortable with having to keep reminding your Shiba that you really are in charge, training will be tougher. He or she needs a crate of their own and a pen to keep them out of trouble their first several months at least (for when you're not home.) Freedom and play must come from you and be on your schedule. Food likewise should come from you. That way your Shiba looks to you to know what he's supposed to be doing.

(ARA) - There are more than 60 million pet dogs in the United States and nearly 70 million pet cats, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that $38.4 billion will be spent on pets in the Unites States during 2006, a more than $2 billion increase over what was spent in 2005.

Just as they seek out goods and services for the humans in their lives, today's animal lovers are looking for grooming salons, veterinarian clients and specialty stores that offer top-notch products and care for their pets. Whether you are looking for a pet hospital, pet-proof seat covers for your car or a pet sitter to watch Fido for the weekend, searching online is the best way to locate the pet-friendly stores and services near your home. With just a few clicks, the Internet will help you find everything you need to provide care for your pets, complete with door-to-door driving instructions.

Health care for your pet

Picking the right veterinarian for your pet can be tricky. Today there is an array of choices for everything from animal dental services to doggie yoga to therapeutic massage. Narrow down the options available for pet healthcare with one of the Internet's leading local search sites, Yahoo! Local (http://local.yahoo.com). Through business listings and ratings and reviews, you'll be able to see where the business is located, their hours of operation, as well as what other pet owners think about a particular vet or pet hospital. This information combined will help you make smart decisions about your pet's health.

Pampering your pet

Not sure what to give your puppy on its first birthday? Using a local search engine allows you to uncover specialty stores and services you might not have ever known were in your neighborhood. On Yahoo! Local you can search for "pet boutique" or "pet accessories" and reveal rare gems like canine B&B's or organic pet food supply stores in your own backyard. Discover unique finds in your hometown like San Francisco's Urban Pet, the city's only pet portrait gallery or Seattle's DowntownDog Lounge which lets you admire your pet via webcams when you can't be together. Whatever you need to delight and pamper your furry friends can be found locally by searching online.