• March 30, 2009
    by shibashake
    Three Legged Dog Story
    Siberian Shania can receive most of the human affection when Sephy is in aloof Shiba mode.

    This is a lovely story from Nicole, about her very special friend Alex … 

     

    I have never looked for others with tripods until today and find myself doing so because I believe we are coming to the end of a wonderful 11 year odyssey.

    Alex lost her left foreleg for reasons unknown to us. She was reportedly a 3 yo American Rottweiler, with a fresh surgical wound when we adopted her from a shelter. She has touched many with her jaunty little walk. Often people would assume at first that she was limping, but woould then stop when they noted a missing limb. After hearing her story, many would then continue on with their day with a little more “can-doedness.”

    Arthritis has taken the grace from her step and cataracts have clouded her vision, but her nubby tail always greets us with a rapid wag and makes us feel loved. The shelter staff still keep in touch with us and often remark at how lucky Alex was to find a home with us. However, it is clear that it is us that should be giving thanks for the blessings that she has brought to us.

    For those of you just beginning with a “tripod wonder” and wondering how it will impact your family. Both of our daughters were yong when Alex came and both learned about tolerance and acceptance in the procee. One is finishing her doctorate in physical therapy and the other is in her first year of premed, as tribute to what they have learned.

    Sorry for the windedness, but just wanted to share what we have gotten in exchange for our little bit of effort. We will certainly miss our Alex when her years are done. God Bless to all of you just taking up this uncertain and sometimes painful path…it is worth it!

    Thank you for the story Nicole. Shania and I enjoyed it very much. We would love to see Alex, so please post us some pictures when you can. Below are some pictures of Shania giving licky licks :)

    March 24, 2009
    by shibashake
    Do You Have a Mischievous Dog?

    My Shiba Inu is the most mischievous dog I have ever met.

    His favorite activity seems to be figuring out how to push the “right” or in this case “wrong” buttons, and getting a reaction from everyone around him, preferably a negative one.

    If you ignore him and are not affected by his “test”; he will stop and move on to the next thing. But he is very clever, so if you only pretend to ignore him, but are inwardly annoyed, he will sense it, and continue being mischievous.

    I hate to apply too much intent to his actions, but it really seems like he is always trying to figure out new ways to be mischievous.

    In many ways, my Shiba reminds me of Brain in the t.v. series Pinky and the Brain.

    In contrast, my Siberian is independent and clever, but when you tell her to stop doing something she will usually comply and go find something else to do.

    Mischievous Shiba lives for those moments when you tell him he can’t do something. No means a very interesting challenge, and he will devise all sorts of strategies to subvert you.

    In a way, this is somewhat admirable.

    After all, don’t we always tell ourselves not to give up even if someone tells us that we can’t do it?  

    Still, I wish my Shiba would direct his gumption towards more positive activities!

    March 16, 2009
    by shibashake
    Why Dogs Attack Children

    Health officials say dogs bite or attack more than 4.5 million people each year, killing an average of 20 people.

    Young children are often the most vulnerable to these attacks.

    ~~ [Excerpt from CNN.com Health]


    Dogs, Kids - Preventing Dog Attacks

    Dogs, Kids - Preventing Dog Attacks

    Why are kids more vulnerable to dog attacks?

    1. Kids are smaller, and tend to move faster and more erratically than adults. This may trigger a dog’s prey drive.
    2. Kids are usually excited or fearful when meeting dogs. This is picked up by the dog and causes him to get excited and/or fearful as well. Extreme excitement and fearfulness can lead to accidents and aggression.

    Always supervise when children and dogs are at play.


    A busy dog is a good dog.

    A busy dog is a good dog.

    It is the responsibility of all dog owners to make sure that their dogs are safe and not out roaming by themselves. Make sure that your backyard is secure. Exercise your dog well every day so that he does not feel the need to escape.

    What kids should know about dogs to prevent attacks …

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