I Am Shiba.

Today I am 9.

2009-11-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

I think I will go dig up an expensive shrubbery to celebrate.

I Am Shiba. I Am One Year Wiser.

Dungeons and Dragons, Shiba Style

2009-11-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Life is a game of Dungeons and Dragons. We have experiences that create knowledge and we build upon these experiences. Each experience gives us extra bonuses toward different traits of our being, and every now and then we gain a level based upon our ability to stay alive and learn from the experience points that we have accumulated.

Shibas would most likely fall into one of several warrior like classes. For example:

A Hunter: uses Range and Speed to its advantage
A Ninja: Stealth and Accuracy is key here
A Barbarian: Strength and sheer Will Power

I consider myself to be the Ninja while Belle-chan is more the Hunter.

Shiba's use of Dungeons and Dragons experience points is a pure art form. For example:

with every Shiba, there is the Participant's List of how many points you get for being aggressive toward another dog, physically scaring another dog, or winning a fight with another dog. A Shiba's list might look something like this:

Toy Poodle: 50 experience points (seriously, no challenge here)

The Pit Bull behind the Electric Fence: 150 experience points if you get the Pit Bull to the fence, 400 if the Pit Bull crosses the fence, 750 points if the Pit Bull goes back home because everyone is screaming bloody murder, 1000 points if you end up spitting out the Pit Bull's fur after the encounter is complete.

The Really Friendly Happy Go Lucky Labrador That Hangs Out in its Front Yard Playing with the Kids all day: 100 points if you distract him from the children but 200 points if you scare the Labrador so he runs and hides behind the children. 400 points if the Labrador does this when you are on the other side of the street far away because Happy Lab wants nothing to do with Ninja Shiba.

So on a walk, I can conceivably gain the following experience points:

50 points for scaring the Poodle
150 for getting the attention of the Pit Bull and peeing on a nearby tree that he can't reach
400 points because the Lab hides from me every time he sees me (and seriously, I really did not do anything that bad to him).

for a total of 600 experience points just doing a 20 minute walk.

This does not include bonus experience points such as getting dogs inside their homes upset, peeing on the neighbor's expensive shrubberies, stealing another dog's toy out of his yard- the list goes on. Then there are the experience points we gain within the house. For example:

Notifying The People that There is a Spider on the Floor Right There: 100 points
Barking Loudly when The Doorbell Rings to Let The People Know that The Doorbell is Ringing Because They May Not Have Heard It Ring: 100 points
Destroying the Very Expensive Indestructible Toy in Under 3 Minutes that Your Person's Mother Gave The Shiba Because She is Trying to Understand Why Someone Would Want This Breed of Dog: Priceless

So as the reader can see, The Shiba is constantly gaining experience points for skills that are natural to our ancient breed. And with each Shiba having a different class specialty, I gain points specific toward my ninja agility skills for theft of items while Belle-chan gains experience points in her Range Hunting Skills by barking at dogs 1/2 mile or more down the road.

So as one progresses through their day with their Shiba, realize that Our Day is consumed with the need to acquire experience points, and often, this involves considerable creativity on our part since normal standard behaviors give low points. It's just not good enough that Shibas can slip through doors and run outside (that is like 25 points). To gain experience points, you have to slip through Your Person's legs while They are carrying three bags of groceries with an opening that is only one 1/2 inch wide and make it to the end of the block in under 30 seconds with the bag of deli sliced roast beef that you stole on the way out. Those are the Talents that Give Shibas experience points.

I Am Shiba. The Shiba With The Most Experience Points in The End Wins!

Hypnotized Shibas

2009-11-02T03:56:00.001-08:00

I Am Shiba. I Am Mesmorized By The Smell of Beef in the Kitchen.

For Every Reaction,

2009-10-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

There is an Equal and Opposite Shiba Reaction.

If one Shiba should happen to leave a deposit in That Guy's basement because there have been no perfect spots offered earlier, then the second Shiba must pee on the cat post in the same area, on the same night.

Then, if the one Shiba happens to notice that another Shiba has marked the cat post, this Shiba must also attempt to spread their perfume on the catpost while the other Shiba smells the ex-deposit spot and considers this to be a preferred deposit spot rather than going out into the rain.

If one Shiba has to go out THIS VERY SECOND, the other Shiba will follow but do nothing. The other Shiba will then request to go out THIS VERY SECOND five minutes later, followed by a Shiba that will do absolutely nothing.

If one Shiba sees a squirrel in the front of the path, the other Shiba will see a squirrel behind on the path. Both forces will pull simultaneously and then rotate around The Person holding the leashes until The Person falls from dizziness.

If one Shiba barks at something seemingly important, the other Shiba runs to check out the emergency and then does not respond because there is no emergency. If the other Shiba notices something important and barks, the same response is applied. (Please note: this does not apply to the mailman and the delivery of the mail that happens to involve both Shibas simultaneously going crazy over the same moving object and sounds).

If one Shiba consumes their food very fast, the other Shiba will chew slowly. If one Shiba eats their treat where it is given, the other Shiba must run and hide in another room to consume their treat.

If one Shiba is walking in the rain, that Shiba will notice all the flowing water in the streets and be distracted from accomplishing its daily business as moving water is a mystery. During this same walk, the other Shiba must investigate every pile of leaves in case there is a mole, mouse, shrew, chipmunk or squirrel hidden within, and come home covered in damp leaf parts while the other has mud beyond its knees.

If new items are introduced into the household, one Shiba will point out that there is change occurring while the other remains calm. That is, until the very second that the First Shiba is exhausted from addressing the change and sleeping in its crate, at which point, Second Shiba resumes to point out that there is something different in the household and carry the banner of "no one asked us if this was permitted!"

Allow it to be noted: new game machines often have noises that Shibas have never heard before. What bothers one Shiba does not bother the other, and vice versa. So in essence, you have two Shiba barking at different sounds that equates to non-stop Shiba barking at new noises coming from some part of the house although resulting from different sounds at different times.

If one Shiba learns to do something that pleases The People, that Shiba will only perform identified action at a certain time periodically to its benefit. If one Shiba learns to do something that displeases The People, said Shiba will teach the other Shiba how to perform that particular activity so that The People are never certain which Shiba did what.

In summary, for every Shiba in the household, there is a Shiba that will do exactly the opposite of the first. All responses must be 180 degree differences as at no point shall two Shibas collide. If this should happen withing your household, the resulting fur implosion will be detrimental to your carpets, furniture and clothing.

I Am Shiba. I Am A Canine Enigma.

Belle-chan's Grand Finale

2009-10-26T04:33:00.001-07:00

As my latest chipmunk hunting partner is now officially retired from the agility show circuit, she at least has proven that she is not to be underestimated. The Front and Finish Rankings have been released, and Belle-chan has proven her superiority.

2008 Rally A Advanced Ratings

1 Lee-Fen's Gotta Have Faith RN C Clifton (Shiba Inu) 18
2 Taichung Belle At Nozomi RN NAP NJP E Giles/M Giles (Shiba Inu) 6
3 Gingersnap Of Paladin RN B Searl/H Searl (Shiba Inu) 4
3 Mugen Akira CD RN S Scherr/J Scherr (Shiba Inu) 4
4 CH Midnight Sun Copper Akainami RN J Anderson/S Anderson/D Anderson/J Johnson (Shiba Inu) 3
4 Nozomi's Dread Pirate Roberts RN AX MXJ OF E Giles/M Giles (Shiba Inu) 3
5 Nozomi's Chrysanthemum RN OAJ M Giles/E Giles (Shiba Inu) 2

(ha ha, she says, she beat the Dread Pirate Wesley!)

and here she stands alone for her kennel:

2008 Rally Combined Ratings

1 Yuki Kitsune CDX RE OA AXJ D Takata/J Takata (Shiba Inu) 25
2 Lee-Fen's Gotta Have Faith RN C Clifton (Shiba Inu) 18
3 CH Wilhavens Can We Talk RN E Williams (Shiba Inu) 9
4 Taichung Belle At Nozomi RN NAP NJP E Giles/M Giles (Shiba Inu) 6
5 Mugen Akira CD RN S Scherr/J Scherr (Shiba Inu) 4
5 Gingersnap Of Paladin RN B Searl/H Searl (Shiba Inu) 4

And now, the most agility that she does is get on and off the couch.

I Am Shiba. When We Are Good, We Are Good!

Intermission

2009-10-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

We have had issues with the traps, and as of yet, no chipmunks (or any other animal) has been caught or injured.

So, since today is raining, I offer this intermission movie:

Nozomi Kennel's Latest Agility Winner

(video sent to me by Nozomi Kennels)

I Am Shiba. Rainy Days and Chipmunk-less Days Always Get Me Down.

Chip and Dale, Part 2

2009-10-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

After swaping stories with the neighbors, it appears that the Chipmunks are running amok in the neighborhood. Every house is having issues with these striped little squeeky tender delicious critters.

A stand has been made. The People have gone out and purchased traps and the stuff to refill the hole in their house.

The traps will be set every day for the next few days, and then The People will be refilling and recementing the hole with screens including to avoid further chipmunk home invasions.

Tonight, the fun begins!

I Am Shiba. Using Dynamite Apparently Lowers Your Property Value.

Chip and Dale

2009-10-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

As The Woman and I were looking out the front window, we happened to notice a chipmunk slowly meandering across the lawn.

I looked at her, she at me, and soon two Shibas were leashed and tracking that little rodent down.

Turns out, it looks like he found a crevice in the house, and may be nesting in the walls! Now, The People are going to have to come up with a Plan.

News update at 11.

I Am Shiba. I Suggest Dynamite..

Cleaning Frenzy

2009-10-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Woman has hurt her neck and shoulders because she is constantly carrying around heavy books for her classes, plus stuff for labs and clinical, plus homework and study material. Then She fell and hurt her other shoulder, the one that She broke thirteen years ago, and basically is not doing well. The doctor has given her some medicine, and she starts physical therapy at the end of the week, but She is bored.

So what does She decide to do today?

She decides to wash all the dog food bowls and all our blankets.

It is utter chaos. My stuff is not where it is supposed to be!

I Am Shiba. How Belle-chan Can Be So Calm About This, I Just Don't Understand.

The Woman Shops

2009-10-08T08:47:00.001-07:00

Every now and then, The Woman just lets go. She tires of buying her clothes at the Salvation Army, coupon clipping, and worst of all, discovering that there is never ever anything on sale anywhere that involves or has Shibas (she paid 12 dollars in a pet store for some Shiba Stationary, and it was the only Shiba item in the store!).

Except for the Internet.

So, to indulge herself, The Woman contacted Eriko Yatabe-Waldock (myredcattledogs@hotmail.com) and placed an order with Shiba Inu Pottery. It was a small order of two small decorative plates, but they are beautiful. Each image actually does look like a Shiba.

She has already decided that after Christmas, she will be buying more Shiba pottery as one can never have enough Shiba in their lives. Two real plates for evening meals. Alas, I will be stuck with my same old dog bowl because of her selfishness (maybe she will let me lick the plate clean?)

The second thing that The Woman purchased is her yearly Japanese import of the Inu Seryu calender from Happy Buffay- The Woman's Japanese Internet Contact (see the story about the ad on the Misanthropic Shiba of a stuffed Shiba doll, asking Maki to translate, then find the doll and send it our way. Again, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do). This calender beautifully portrays the relationship of the Japanese and their Shibas in their daily lives. It not just a posed calender like one finds here in America but rather very select pictures of Shibas living their lives in their home country. Maki's storefront can be found here.

One thing to note: when purchasing items from Japan, be prepared that the shipping costs are almost as much as the item itself.

But its worth it in the end because there is no such thing as too much Shiba.

I Am Shiba. You Can Never Have Too Many Images of Me.

10 Things You Never Knew About Me

2009-09-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

(Concept borrowed from Lisa's Website)

1. I like to start every morning with a belly rub, then breakfast, then my constitutional.

2. My best friend is a Bichon Frise.

3. I am fascinated by moving water.

4. I don't like onions in my table scraps.

5. I hate the Dust Buster.

6. I really did not mind Belle-chan moving into the house. She amuses me. Together, we make a great hunting team and I like looking out the window, watching the neighbors with her.

7. My favorite cheeses are Parmesan and Sticks of Mozzarella.

8. I don't wag my tail unless I am hunting something. People say that my tail muscles have atrophied to a point of being useless but I know that this is not true. I am just waiting for something important enough that requires tail wagging, and it has not yet happened.

9. I like the fact that The People are homebodies. I worry if The Woman is gone too long or if The People leave unexpectedly without me. Change bothers me unless they bring home leftovers.

10. If I could be any character from a television series, I would be Mr. Spock from Star Trek, the original series.

I Am Shiba. I Bear My Soul To Each of You.

loldog Shiba Strikes Again!

2009-09-24T12:04:00.001-07:00

I Am Shiba. A Shiba Smile is the Best Smile.

MDoG Kersplash

2009-09-20T04:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had the honor of representing my dog therapy group, Allen's Angel's from Bolton Vet, at the Manchester Dog Association, Doggie Kerplunk. (Note: also present were Roscoe and Ruby, Zoe, and Max a Cavalier King Spaniel whose picture is not on the site). Not that I would ever "kerplunk" into anything, but there were plenty of Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels of all sorts, Border Collies, and a variety of other canines who shared in their joy of diving into a large lake, swimming, and just cavorting around like dogs should. The smell of wet happy dogs permeated the entire event.

(Happy Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog- will take these two quite a while to dry out!)

(A Bored Scottish Terrier)

I, of course, allowed everyone else to engage in these frivolities while demonstrating that there is some dignity to the title of "Dog." (For those in the know, Belle-chan was left at home for this event as The Woman thought that it might be a tad traumatic for the participants to have to deal with Her).

The interesting thing is that four Shibas were present. In our small town, it is seldom that we see each other in such a large number. There was myself.

This is Zoey, who we often see about town, riding shotgun in her People's truck.

This is Chin-Chin who lives in a house with two other Shibas: a cream and a red.

There is a new addition to the Manchester Shiba Collection, Nefertiti, who is a happy-go-lucky- omg- I LOVE everyone 5 1/2 month old Shiba.

Cody, a red Shiba that I know from Squirrel Park, was not present at the event but there are at least seven shibas now guarding the delicate image of dignity among the hooliganism represented at an event such as this.

What was also nice was the presence of two very important organizations, Fidelco- the Service Dog training program that we support every spring with their sponsored walk,

and Greyhound Rescue, which became an important part of the New England Rescue Movement as racing tracks started to close and these dogs had no place to go.

Overall, even I must admit it was an fun two hours in the sun. There were many happy dogs. There were a number of dogs and owners who came and talked about becoming part of the therapy program. I was adored by the masses and allowed even the lesser minions to approach and engage in conversation. It was nice to see such a great turnout for a event that met on a rain date rather than the actual scheduled event, and yet still people came, all in support of getting a dog park here in My Town so that everyone has a place to run and play safely.

I Am Shiba. I Give My Blessing To This Event.

9/17/09- My Day

2009-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

I spent the night in my crate because The Feline was allowed upstairs to share quality time with The Woman. Unamused.

I was fed late this morning by 67 minutes because The Woman slept in. Not a good start. Still unamused.

No early morning constitutional except some time in the backyard. The Woman claims she had to get to school asap. Exponentially unamused.

She comes home.

She gives out pets and treats. Okay, maybe I am a little bit interested in what she is doing.

The Woman puts Belle-chan in her crate. Oh, now, this is interesting! And gets my leash and collar. Car ride! I almost allow my interest to pique.

First we go to the bank. I pee on their shrubberies.

Then we go to Pet Smart. I pee on their shrubberies.

Then we go to a store that I can not enter. The Woman is losing points again; boredom rapidly sets in.

Then, we go to the Place Where People Adore Me, and they notice how calm and regal I am while stroking my fur and speaking fabulous things about me. This is always good.

Then home, and for one of the few times ever, Belle-chan actually allowed me to chase her around the kitchen table- a modified Shiba 500 but still, actual play. This is very good!

Then, another treat.

Now, if The Woman will feed and walk us on time, this day might balance equally for unamusement and subtle contentment.

I Am Shiba. I Am Waiting . . .

Yesterday It Rained, Part Two

2009-09-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

So the question arose yesterday as to whether or not Belle-chan and myself could push The Woman over that subtle line of controlled normalcy to insane hysteria.

It turns out that the answer is yes. Yes we can.

The rain continued to fall as we were forced out of the warm dry house to do our constitutionals in the back yard. Usually, when it is raining like this, there is a rather dry part of a wooded area that The Woman takes us so that we do not complain that much. And she maintained consistent as we walked to this particular spot.

Where, upon our arrival, Belle-chan and I both immediately spy a chipmunk.

Many will remember that we have been hunting chipmunks for most of the summer and this one obviously had not gotten the memo that our yard was off-limits to striped rodents. But, there it was, looking around casually in our very definitely well marked spot, and We Immediately Strike.

Think two cheetahs on leashes attempting to chase a gazelle.

Now, when it rains, several factors come into play:

1. The leaves are wet and slippery.
2. The grass is wet and slippery.
3. The rock steps are wet and slippery.

and so it goes that as Belle-chan and I started our chase, The Woman was unable to keep her footing and finds herself sliding behind us.

The chipmunk runs and assumes that hiding under The Woman's car is an intelligent decision, and for a few moments, we were stymied. That is, until Belle-chan realizes that she could crawl underneath the car while I stood guard elsewhere (I Knew this Girl was Good for Something).

That striped thing (realizing that his decision was a poor one) takes off from underneath the car, heading back toward the woods. Belle-chan is still under the car but I am free to give chase. Remember, however, the three points regarding slippery footing and the two leashed cheetahs.

The Woman refuses to let go of the leashes but Belle-chan is unable to get out from underneath the car as fast as I am able to pursue the quarry. This time, The Woman is literally stuck between two Shibas, being pulled in opposite directions while lying flat on the ground.

By the time Belle-chan gets out from underneath the car, I have been pulled back and restrained. The two of us are promptly marched back into the house despite our attempts at pulling back toward the woods because We Know Where It Is!!

Neither Belle-chan nor I were allowed into the backyard for the rest of the day. We had to walk later that day on wet sidewalks in order to meet our daily obligations.

The Chipmunk lived to see another day. That is, unless The Cat next door finds him.

I Am Shiba. The Hunt Shall Resume.

Yesterday It Rained

2009-09-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

And because of this, it took both Belle-chan and I almost an hour to complete our business because the following occured:

1. The grass was wet
2. The grass was dry but the leaves above the dry grass was wet
3. The sidewalks had puddles
4. The sewer grates were making funny noises that required investigation
5. Wet squirrels are slower than normal squirrels
6. Our paws got wet and require immediate attention
7. Our paws continued to get wet while we searched for an appropriate area
8. Things smell different when wet and require complete examination
9. Lifting my leg resulted in my privates getting wet
10. And finally, we just did not feel like doing it in the spots The Woman took us- we wanted to go on the other side of the neighborhood.

Today, it is suppose to rain again.

I wonder if we can push her over the edge of sanity.

I Am Shiba. Always Keep Them Guessing.

Paging Dr. Cortez! Paging Nurse Belle!

2009-09-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, The Woman had to wear her school uniform for Nursing for the first time so pictures were mandatory.

I Am Shiba. Every Picture is Worth 1000 Words. Or Laughs. Or Requires Shiba Presence.

Dog Man

2009-08-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Woman has gone back to school as her full-time job. She is no longer working full-time for a school but rather is a student herself. Her schooling requires considerable reading that She does at the kitchen table with two Shibas lying close by. A glass of wine, some cheese, and her highlighter, She elegantly addresses her books with class and style.

However, recently, The Woman took a break from the huge textbooks on the couch, desk, and table, and read the book: Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain by Martha Sherrill.

If you have any interest in the ancient breeds, in Japan during WWII and beyond, in transitioning cultures and family values, this is a must read book. The author successfully cements these themes and more as it focuses on the history of the Akita and its post-war development in Japan. One can not examine a breed as proud as the Akita (or the Shiba) without examining The People Who Stand Behind Them. These are not breeds that Society wants to morph into something else, or design into a different dog. Both breeds are cherished for what exactly they represent; their history, their integrity, their individualism, something that so many other breeds lack. And between the Shiba and the Akita, there are four others, each with their own story that needs to be written and cherished. However, this book focuses only on the one- the Akita and how it came to be.

The Japanese have the right idea on how to make the perfect dog. It's Society that just needs to recognize us as that.

If you have a rainy afternoon or a few night time hours, this book should be on top of your list. Outside of the fact that it is exceptional well written, it tells a story of a country rebuilding not only its new self, but addressing tradition- as in what is a dog that stood by a Samurai's side or hunted to feed the family it cherished.

It is the story of Japanese Mountain Dogs.

I Am Shiba. I Was Born To The Mountains and To Smell The Melting Waters of Spring.

I Have A New Game!

2009-08-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

I have discovered that when I do the Shiba 500 through the Living room, down the Hallway and into the Bedroom, I can grab and pull clothes off the shelves.

The People keep their clothes in these very modern style cubicles. They are within easy reach of a fast moving Shiba.

I have discovered that if you grab the one at the bottom, the whole shelf comes out and you can drag everything everywhere, adding to the fun!!

I Am Shiba. Who Says An Old Dog Can't Learn New Tricks?

My Fans

2009-08-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

They exist, both local and afar.

Recently, this post was made in the comment section of my blog:

"So glad Belle is feeling better - we actually saw you at the vet's on Sat. morning (we were with Comet, the other Shiba) and commented on how lovely Belle was...and we couldn't resist sneaking a peak at the regal Cortez patiently waiting in the car."

The paparazzi is everywhere! (By the way, Comet is a cool name for a Shiba).

The Woman and the family discussed Belle's health and myself being a therapy dog with no mention of the blog, and yet, there are reader's lurking behind their keyboards evervigilant of my local and international activities, and we cross paths with them without ever knowing of their Bookmarked Webpages.

A friend of the woman called the other day, stating that she was so embarrassed. Why? Because she approached a young man walking a Shiba in Squirrel Park and asked, "is this the infamous Cortez?" No, the young man responded, this is different Shiba, Cody. He is not the one with the Blog.

How primitive that a Shiba would not have a blog.

(We have known Cody since he was a small puppy lad and he has now grown into a magnificent example of what a Shiba should be. His person survived the puppyhood and now is ready to enjoy the magnificence of all that is Shiba with a dog who absolutely adores him. Plus, Cody has a longer nose than me. It's easy to tell us apart).

Of course, not a day goes by without Shiba adoration from the general public or the greeting of one Shiba person to another. We were in Chester, Connecticut when a Porsche SUV pulled up. A very well dressed lady came out and went "omg, a Shiba! I have one also!" and immediately a conversation ensued, much to the boredom of her male companion. I wonder if she is a blog reader.

Course, a Porsche SUV is a much better vehicle for a Shiba to ride in than a barely air conditioned Chevy Aveo.

Dogster is an awesome place to post about Shiba tips and antics, and I know on Winnie's blog, she discusses meet and greets with other people from Dogster who read her blog and follow her advice regarding training and health (Winnie having recently had health UTI health issues and her person was kinda enough to post options for her readership). And I don't know how Tierce deals with his large fan base on the Misanthropic Shiba, a site that single-handedly convinced many to indulge in the craziness of enjoying the Shiba psychosis.

It feels strange to realize that people actually read and follow my postings and thoughts. I have been posting them for three years now. It started when The People came back from Belgium, after abandoning me for two weeks at a wonderful kennel that knew and understood the Shiba mentality, but while there, I discovered my muse, and the blog was born.

So to my readers both near and far, I thank you for your three years of readership whether you own a Shiba or not. I thank the people who told us of their daughter in Japan and the Shibas that they saw there. I am sorry that the same restaurant did not have outside tables this year because we were hoping to see you again, and maybe meet your daughter. I thank the lady who insisted that I was a Yorkshire Terrier for giving me something to write about. (The Woman even asked, don't you mean a Corgi? and the lady responded, no, he looks just like a Yorkshire!)

That was a first and only.

But most of all, I am just content to say that the adventures will only continue. For the first time in five days, The Woman decided to take us *somewhere* to get us out of the house since it has been 90+ degrees every day, and eventhough it will be 90+ today, at least we got to play in the park and visit some of our local establishments.

But for now, I lie in front of the fan, shedding more fur, and basking in the joy of knowing that The Woman spends more hours cleaning up after me than she does talking to That Guy.

I Am Shiba. I Know Who Is The Important One Around Here.

Dear Philadelphia Eagles:

2009-08-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

FAQ catagory: Why did you sign on Michael Vicks?

It's a question that myself and many other dog owners, rescuers, bloggers, caregivers, etc. are all asking. The excuse that he served his time hasn't stopped us from setting up websites for pedophiles nor has it given others who commit crimes the opportunity to return to their previous line of work. Individuals who commit fraud don't go back to working in financial management. Michael Vicks was given the opportunity to earn millions playing football. He chose to invest part of his millions into a dogfighting kennel that engaged in the practice of abusing the very investment he was funding. The Eagles need to reconsider their decision. If the only thing that Michael Vicks can do is fight dogs and play football, then maybe he needs to go back to school and learn a new skill but allowing him to enjoy his high salary high profile life once more is tantamount to saying Dogfighting Is Okay.

I Am Shiba, and I Approve This Message.

Contact: Philadelphia Eagles

Spread the Word

2009-08-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

Old news? Maybe.

People tell me that Vicks served his time and received his punishment. But animal cruelty is considered to be one of the warning signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder according the the DSM-IV, and the things that Michael Vicks did (and now says that he regrets) are beyond cruelty.

He promoted sadistic behavior toward animals. He is the NFL's poster child for How to Use and Abuse Dogs.

Michael Vicks will now be playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. How sad. A noble bird, the symbol of our nation, adding to their team a man who enjoyed the image of machismo and needed a fighting dog to complete his bling. It's a disgrace to all the dogs who have served our country, work side by side with police officers, assist the disabled, help the blind to see, provide comfort to the infirmed, and complete a family. He saw dogs as a blood sport, a weapon, an accessory. And he did not engage in fair play. Intentionally fighting weaker dogs against stronger, he knew what the outcome would be, hoping that the strong would become stronger and that the weak would be killed.

Imagine if we executed our football players if they failed at performing to optimum standards.

The NFL needs to reconsider this decision, and let Michael Vicks do something other than play football. But alas, the Man has only two skills: using a pigskin, and watching dogs kill each other. Like many of us during this time of recession and unemployment, he needs to seek new employment skills.

Like maybe gardening.

Except that his idea of mowing the lawn is probably tossing gasoline on the grass and lighting it on fire.

I Am Shiba. And I have spoken.

Vick laughed as dogs were injured

By Micah Warren

Nov. 22, 2008

According to a USDA report released on Friday, Michael Vick placed family pet dogs into the ring with his trained pit bulls and laughed as the dogs “caused major injury” to the pets at Bad Newz Kennels.

The report provides new insight into the sadistic and vicious happenings at 1915 Moonlight Rd., where Vick operated the kennel along with his friends Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips.

According to the report, “Vick, Peace and Phillips thought it was funny to watch the pit bull dogs belonging to Bad Newz Kennels injure or kill the other dogs.”

The report states that in mid-April of 2007, Vick, Peace and Phillips hung approximately three dogs who did poorly in a “rolling session,” which lets you know if a dog is ready to be in combat. According to the report, the three men hung the dogs “by placing a nylon cord over a 2 X 4 that was nailed to two trees located next to the big shed. They also drowned approximately three dogs by putting the dogs’ heads in a five gallon bucket of water.”

I would love to know why there is even speculation that this man could receive the pleasure and privilege of playing in the National Football League again. Please, someone tell me, and don’t give me this “everyone gets a second chance” crap.

He funded and ran an illegal dog-fighting operation. I’m no PETA person, but that is reprehensible. He killed dogs that couldn’t fight and derived extreme pleasure in watching dogs get injured and/or killed. This isn’t a “mistake.” This isn’t something you say “sorry” for. You say you are sorry when you bump into someone, not when you exhibit a pattern of behavior like this.

He did all these things, and on top of it, he lied to Roger Goodell’s face about it. Michael Vick should never set foot on an NFL football field again. Period.

Is he sorry? Of course he is. He’s sorry he thoroughly pissed away the high life. He didn’t all of a sudden see why torturing animals is despicable. You don’t really believe that, do you? He’ll say and do all the right things to try to get his life back, but in the end, he’ll always be the same scum bag.

Oh, and in a few days, he’s going to plead guilty to two more charges relating to dog fighting on the state level, but won’t do any more time due to the terms of his plea deal. Explain that one to me.

Micah Warren is a sports writer from New York and the founder of Blast's sports section and the Off the Record sports blog.

The Complete Belle-chan

2009-08-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

It has been basically one week since our incident took to its crisis point, and I am pleased to announce that my house mate of three months (and now 4 vet trips) is in good health and appearance.

She has resumed all her previously normal activities, her playful spirit has returned, and she has assumed her normal assertive attitude regarding anything out of the ordinary in the neighborhood. This includes investigating a tree branch in the middle of the road, completing the chipmunk count assessment, and all constitutionals are being completed with success.

The Girl is Back In Action.

I Am Shiba. Now, Let's Get Those Chipmunks!

The Mysterious Case of Bug-Chasing Belle-chan

2009-08-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Belle-chan recently spent the night at the Vet's. She had to sleep in the cat section because the Vet did not want the other dog's bothering her.

A few days ago, The People noticed that Belle-chan was having some diarrhea. Nothing out of the ordinary; Belle-chan grazes and likes her greens so The People merely kept their eyes open, and made sure all was well.

It was not.

Belle-chan started to have accidents in The House. And on Saturday Morning, The Woman woke up That Guy and said, "There is blood in her stool. I am leaving now." I came with them to keep Belle company.

At the Vet's, Belle-chan was feeling so sick that she did not bark at the Rottweiler or the other dogs. She was not wagging her tail.

She was uninterested.

The Vet said she was still in good shape, and sent us home with some medications for her, stating that she would either get better or worse.

She got worse.

More blood and now she was throwing up, The People returned to the vet first thing Sunday morning, and it was decided that she would spend the night there. She was not wagging her tail. She was not barking at other dogs. She just laid on her blanket and did nothing.

The People came home without her.

But I waited for her, thinking that maybe they just left her in the car or something.

Belle came home Monday evening, tired. She slept most of the night on her chair, on her blanket.

This morning, The Woman took both of us out early for our constitutionals. As We were walking, We saw JD, a Shepherd/Lab mix getting his constitutional. He lives several blocks over.

Belle broke out into a howl and barks, pulling on her leash toward JD.

The Woman picked her up and hugged her.

Belle is feeling better.

Today Belle has been sleeping but The Woman has some errands to run and will be taking us with her. Belle has been wagging her tail, eating some food, and resting in her favorite spots. We will have a car ride, and then some dinner of boiled chicken.

I Am Shiba. Welcome Home, My Friend.

Shiba Inu Tops List of Dogs for Ryan

2009-07-27T07:25:00.001-07:00

Shiba Inu Tops List of Dogs for Ryan

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Eleven Reasons to Get a Shiba.

1. You will get plenty of exercise chasing your dog through the neighborhood.

2. You will save money on landscaping because the Shiba will do it for you.

3. You will get lots of attention from the public because everyone thinks that your dog is a mutt, a husky, an Akita, or a Corgi.

4. They are easy to housebreak, but often refuse to eliminate in their own territory, resulting in walks a mile away from home before they decide its okay to "deposit" here.

5. You need to know your place in society. The Shiba will teach you that it is to serve him, not vice versa.

6. The Shiba will question everything that you do. Like, why did you throw that perfectly good ball away? No, I will not go get it. You threw it. You get it.

7. You will learn that variety is important to your diet. This means that the dog food you fed yesterday is not adequate for today. If you think that you can wait it out, be prepared that your Shiba can wait longer.

8. Shibas believe that they are rulers supreme. After all, they are a National Treasure of Japan. Hence all dogs need to bow in their presence. That includes Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds and that poor innocent happy Labrador that lives down the street. They may not start the fight, but they will finish it.

9. Shibas are hunters, and hunt they do. Its deeply bred into their blood. Squirrels, chipmunks, birds, the neighbor's cat; nothing is off limits.

10. Shibas shed more fur than most dog breeds combined. No one will doubt that you own a dog when you come to work wearing your Shiba's fur.

11. Shiba owners are a very proud people of their breed. If you disappoint us by any perceived maltreatment of our favorite dog, we will mail you all the fur that our dogs have shed between your Idol showings, just to prove that we will be keeping our eyes on you.