Fidelco 2007

Well, faithful readers, here it is. On a foggy, drizzly Connecticut morning, me and about a bazillion other dogs marched forward in the name of employing German Shepherds. Even though the weather was not at all to my liking, I felt that it was important to prove my enthusiasm for getting homeless German Shepherds off the streets and into the work force. Hence, I marched with the best of them.

There were a number of different breeds present at The Walk. Lots of Labs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds. There were Newfoundlands- both Black and Landseers- and drooling all the way. Huskies, small yappy dogs, a few Standard Poodles, a Saint Bernard, a Great Pyrenees, and a Weimaraner. There were English Spaniels, Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Lassie Collies (The Woman called this "The British Invasion"). There was even a Bordeaux Mastiff puppy that made it into several of our photographs whose legs and paws were bigger than most tree trunks. There was, however, only one Shiba Inu.

C'etait moi.

So The Woman explains to me what I need to do. Follow all those other dogs. I, of course, do not understand a word that she is saying but pretend to pay attention.


I am looking for a spot to announce my presence, but damned if those Shepherds are moving in to where I think I have a chance!


Here I am, marching with the Shepherds. I make this look good.





Here is a picture of that Bordeaux Mastiff puppy that followed me most of the way. I think he was afraid the German Shepherds might hurt him so I allowed him to stay close so that he was protected. He was not a bad lad but his paws certainly made him funny looking.

So The People decide that they have some errands to run. First, they go out to Breakfast and leave me in the Car! Okay, so it was raining and sitting outside may not have been pleasurable, but sitting out in the car- this is so not my style.

But then we arrive here:


Which is (of course) the greatest store in the world and I get these:


Which are (of course) the greatest toy and the greatest treats in the world.

Then, the People decide to share the leftovers of their breakfast with me. I am going to get a Second Breakfast which is (of course) the greatest Shiba Surprise.


It's eggs, cheese and Po-ta-toes which is (of course) the greatest breakfast in the world. And I have worked up such an appetite, I am so ready for this.

But That Guy, he wants the breakfast too- and decides to race me for it:

We await the Ready - Set - Go!


I win!


And so the rest of my day is spent basking in the glory of my unselfish, dogitarian act of helping those poor German Shepherds. Sometimes, I amaze myself with my generosity towards the plights of others.


I Am Shiba. Together, We Raised $344 for Fidelco to Help Raise and Place Seeing Eye Dogs throughout the Country. Thank You.

I Am Waiting!!

The Woman is in a Panic.

Her Human Anatomy final is today. She is being all wierd and trying to get organized.

I have yet to receive my morning constitutional.

ummmmmm, HELLO?



Addendum: She took me to Squirrel Park. This Woman roxxors!


I Am Shiba. Patience Is Not My Virtue.

You Want Me to do What?

As my readers know, I despise littering. I particularly despise people who litter in my private parks and personal territories. And, I despise people who litter recycable cans in my private parks and personal territories because it means that The Woman is distracted from my personal needs, and wanders off to pick up the litter.

Yesterday, we went for a walk in the Nature Center and there were three beer bottles in the center of the stream. It looked as if someone had a few brewskies on the bridge, and simply toss their bottles into the water. I was disgusted, and The Woman, of course, went into action by moving into the stream to pick up the bottles.

There was one small issue, however. I did not feel like getting my toes wet for a total of 15 cents.

So The Woman was trying to reach the water, and I put on the brakes, asserting my attitude that while I hate trash, I hate getting my digits wet even more. So she stretches and I pull; she is calf deep in cold water and I am digging firmly into the muddy bank, refusing to budge.

Then, I realized something.

My collar was tight behind my ears, and if I shake my head just a little bit, I would be able to chase squirrels unhindered by either the leash or verbal commands. So, the struggle began but The Woman retrieved her quarry before I had a chance to become 100% successful in my covert mission.

I have no doubt that there will be a next time. And I am ready for it.


I Am Shiba. Water Would Be Fun if it Did Not Involve Getting One's Feet Wet.

Cars, Chipmunks, and Cats on a Hot Cement Porch

First, I must tell all my supporters that I have been working out daily in preparation of my upcoming Walk for Fidelco. It has not been easy. The world provides many distractions as I furiously walk to build my endurance. But I must stay focused, so while pumping iron is out of the question, I march my way to superior muscle tone.

I am also insisting upon a high protein diet of eggs, eggs, cheese, and more eggs. One must keep their strength up! (a little bit of that turkey sausage would be nice also).

So, I keep busy. The Woman has been driving me everywhere, including many new places such as her Community College and the Doctor's office (although I had to wait in the car there). She did not take me to her chaperoning of the High School dance last night- which made me rather disgruntled because it meant I was put to bed early when there was still sun shining through the front door (I am also working on my tan for the Walk. One must look their best, you know!)

The Other Day, we were walking in my Nature Center. There were many squirrels to be counted, and one extremely large turtle to be noted. Red wing blackbirds were flying around as well as the usual ducks and geese starting to nest in for the long summer months. However, there was this one chipmunk that thought he was camouflaged by the trail. The Woman claims that she saw him before I did (which I doubt). He opted to stay completely still by the side of the trail in hopes that we would not see him (like she sees better than me). But as we went by, the aroma of a small warm-blooded furry critter entered my nostrils and I turned and jumped as fast as I could. But alas, that leash, that damned leash, once again prevented me from rushing down my quarry.

Then, Friday night, traumatizing. We arrive home to three cats fighting on our driveway. They would not cease and desist despite our insistence, and I had to forcefully make my presence known as so that they might scatter from what is rightfully my territory, and not theirs to claim. However, as we climbed the steps to the front door, there was a feline waiting.

It was very scary.

The cat made itself 3X bigger than what it normally was and had the audacity to spit at me. On my fur. But I know these temperamental beasts. When they are like this, do not make eye contact and pretend like they don't exist. Like bears in the woods, felines can hurt one's nose if one pokes it to close. The Woman ended up having to yell at the cat in my defense, and in retrospect, I am rather embarrassed to have had to stand down on my own front porch but sometimes those who retreat, can return to fight another time.

But they just have so many stickers. Like porcupines, you just can't win.


I Am Shiba. A Leader is A Shiba Who Can Adapt Principles to Circumstances.