Adventure Incoming!

I have been told that we are heading to Northern Vermont to visit friends this weekend.

I am very excited.

The People are even bringing Belle, and have implemented all sorts of plans regarding Diva vs. Diva dog problems.

Photos and story incoming after this weekend.




I Am Shiba. They Rented an Air-Conditioned SUV Just For My Comfort.

Today on Dog 101

The hosts discussed the breed "The Poodle." They were described as as intelligent and eager to please.

So like, when they get around to talking about the Shiba, are we going to be described as intelligent and not eager to please?



I Am Shiba. What's In It For Me?

Update Time

Well, I have been a busy Shiba.

First, for all concerned parties, my ear is rapidly getting better. It turns out that it was decided that I probably had the ear infection for longer before The Woman noticed. Stoic was the word used to describe me and how I handle issues in my life so most likely the infection was really bad by the time I bothered to mention that maybe I needed to see the vet. But while they are still putting that gross gooey stuff in my ear, I am no longer cock-eared and I now look at the world with two ears erect and forward.




Second, we accomplished our walk for Fidelco, although I still was not feeling 100% better so I was a bit peevish at other dogs that got in my space or tried to sniff my ear. So me, The Woman and That Guy found a spot where we could walk on our own without other dogs. With everyone's donations, we brought in $642.00. I was just told recently that a good service dog can cost upwards of $20,000 so I am feeling pretty darn good about our single accomplishment. We got donations from all over the place, from other countries in fact!, from the military and poor nursing students, from people The Woman used to work with, from family and friends, the Shiba Network, and political affiliations who The Woman loves to argue with but politics, breed, job, ideals- none of this matter when it comes to helping someone without sight find a new life with the help of a dog, and nothing feels better than when a dog and their person feel that connection.

Third, last night I participated in MDoG's, the Taste of Manchester. I was not the dog that was not supposed to be there. But The Woman volunteered to stamp passes at our favorite pub and it was pouring rain outside so we were invited inside. I, of course, was a success as was the event. I am well known by the crowd who hangs at this establishment and all the visitors were fascinated by my calm demeanor and overall royal presence to the event. I laid calmly at her feet, accepting attentions and affections as they were offered and even got some belly rubs out of the event. We saw many people that we knew from walks, other establishments where I have traveled (like where The Woman goes to buy paint!) and eeek!, there were people from the Vet's there! But fortunately, they were not working. The Guy joined us about half way through and helped The Woman stamp passes. There were so many people attending that it was hard for her to keep up!

Now Belle stayed home for all these events. It was decided that she might be a tad "excited" by all the attention, and everyone (including me) that I was a better choice for the public. Everyone kept telling us, Oh, I so badly want one of these dogs, and The Woman kept stating that I was the exception and not the rule (which I interpret as that I am exceptional and I rule!) But overall, I have been busy making public appearances. Fortunately, I will have some time off from having to interact with the masses during the next few days and can rest and relax.

Sometimes being an icon is a tough job.



I Am Shiba. I Believe In Performing Civic Duties.

Well-Behaved Shibas

I Am Shiba. As Long As You Don't Touch My Pig Ear, I Won't Touch Yours.

Feeling Better!

Got some gooey stuff for my ear. I don't like the gooey stuff. It makes my fur look gooey.

I still cock it to the side every now and then, and whine to let The Woman know that I am not a happy camper but she says it does not smell as bad, and that it is improving.

I am not sure if I believe her, but I did get salmon in my dinner last night so I really don't care.


I Am Shiba. I Am On The Road To Recovery.

Note: The Woman Speaks: Cortez must have been in a great deal of pain because when the vet attempted to examine him, for the first time ever, he attempted to bite (and we are not talking a gentle nip; impact would have broken skin, I have no doubt). Sadly, he wouldn't stay calm with me holding him and we ended up having to muzzle him. It broke my heart because while I knew he was in pain because of his whining (he never complains), he has never gone psycho like he did at the vets that day so he had to be in a lot of pain. And the vet we use is top notch.

It was diagnosed as a yeast infection with bacteria as well. I have no idea how he got it because it is not like I have bathed him recently or he has even gone near water. I guess it was just one of those things that happen so I also got from the vet some ear cleaning solution that I can use on him and Belle about once a month that is not dangerous since BOTH of them have had ear infections in the last year.

But he is definitely feeling better although he is still somewhat cock-eared. And I am not sure which is harder; giving him a pill or putting in the ear medicine.

I Am Sick

I have an ear infection.

My ear is hot and The Woman tried cleaning it yesterday. It smelled really yucky.

I keep shaking my head and scratching and whining so she ended up giving me some of the doggie anxiety pills she keeps around so that I would relax and sleep.

I just look at her and whine with my head cocked.

I don't know why this happening to me. I am undeserving of this type of interference in my life.



I Am Shiba. I Go To The Doctor At 10 AM.

Cuteness Personified

Unless You Are The Lead Dog

The scenery never changes.



I Am Shiba. I Am A Leader, Not A Follower.

The Idiot's Guide to Living With A Shiba

It really is quite simple.

Your life revolves around me, not vice versa. You shall attend to my needs as I require and you shall respond with pleasure to any of my demands.

If I stick my nose in your face at 2 am, you shall eagerly leave your warm bed. Sorry, I was just pretending that I needed to be let outside. I really didn't need to go outside. I just wanted to feel the breeze against my face.

I will repeat this at 3 am. just because I can and you never really know if I am or I am not in need of going outside. Again, cool breezes feel good in the dead of night.

Don't get pissie with me at 4 am because I am telling you I want to go out again. I do not care that you have school in the morning, nor do I have any interest in the fact that you have some sort of time schedule that you need to follow. This time, I do decide to eliminate upon the shrubbery but only for a few seconds.

It is now 5:30 a.m. I send Belle-chan into the room to politely "woof" at you to remind you that our feeding time is in about ninety minutes. I would not want you to oversleep after all.

Oh, since you are now up, would you mind giving us an early breakfast?

Now Belle-chan has to go outside for her morning constitutional and I decide that I shall come with in case we both find some squirrels or chipmunks or a tree branch of interest. We both find appropriate places to mark and return inside, hoping for a treat or three.

We are out of treats?

Oh, this is not good. How about one of those hot dogs then? That would work.



I Am Shiba. May I See The Dinner Menu Please?