Sinjin The Shiba Wanderer

We are Moving on Up

2011-10-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Shiba luvers! New Addy: http://sinjintheshibawanderer.wordpress.com
Mom doesn't like the new interface of blogger so we have moved to wordpress. Hopefully, she'll figure out some of the kinks since she's technically challenged.

Crap! I got stuck again. Help! Not funny Dad to let me hang for a few minutes to teach me a lesson. I will always try to get any treat that Sienna hides under the bed.

Little Sistah Wins

2011-09-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I let Sienna get the upper hand. I'm nice that way. :) Besides, it's much more fun playing lying on my back.

Sienna playing dentist

Sienna makes a lot of noise when we are playing.

Good Golly Miss Molly

2011-09-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

I have lots of buddies at the park and Sienna has finally found a friend. Molly is a 14-month old Beagle and smaller than Sienna which is ideal for her. Molly is sweet and friendly. This is their second meeting. Molly was not interested in playing in the beginning even though Sienna tried her best to entice her. But after awhile, they finally ran around and I joined in the fun at one point. I was busy with the squirrel who kept jumping from one tree to another. Just glad Sienna's got a buddy.

Stuck. This was me yesterday. Sienna hid my bone underneath the bed. I was able to squeeze in but cannot get out. Mom had to lift the mattress to let me out.

What a Gentleman

2011-09-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

That's what Sparky's mom told my Mom. I was such a gentleman during my stay with them for a couple of days. I got along with their dogs and I didn't pick a fight with Sienna. We slept in our own room and we were not crated, unlike the first time we got boarded back in July. Thank goodness! Sienna was a nice little doggie too but on the 2nd night, she started 'crying' for Mom and Dad. She kept scratching the backyard door (since they didn't have a doggie doorbell) throughout the night and barely ate her breakfast and dinner. She only liked her treats. She kept Sparky's dad awake with her door scratching and whining. Then during the day, she kept staring out the window. Maybe because she's still a pup or just spoiled rotten. She gets what she wants at home. She rings the doorbell for the front or back yard and either Mom or Dad lets her out right away. I missed Mom and Dad but I kept my cool and tried to enjoy my stay away from home. What can I do but go with the flow? But boy, was I glad to see them when they picked us up! We gave them tons of kisses. It was chaos, a happy chaos with all the dogs greeting them. Sienna couldn't wait to get out and go home. We slept like a baby that night, no nocturnal comings and goings. There's no place like home.

Clawing my way to Mommy to give her a kiss but was doggie blocked!

Happy Girl!

Happily Ever After

2011-09-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Mom's shiba radar was in full force today as she said excitedly "yay, another shiba!" Yet the owner was going to the big area cos she said her shiba was 35 lbs. But after Mom's coaxing, she changed her mind. Besides the lady seemed eager to tell Mom her story. Kato was abandoned in February. He was left alone near this dog park in the pouring rain. They took him in for fear that he might get run over by a car. They put up posters and reported it to the SPCA. He had no tag. He is about 4 years old. They named him Kato and he responded well to his new name. His microchip was traced back to a puppy mill in the east coast. They adopted him after a few weeks when no one claimed him. They had already fallen in love with him. :)

Handsome Lad

It was a hot day. I greeted him but did not play with him. I just wanted to sit by the shade. Besides, he wasn't interested either. He told his mom he wanted to go walking instead.

Fright Night

2011-09-13T00:45:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, it was still light outside by 7:45pm. After playing at a nearby public park, Dad and I continued walking. All of the sudden, we turn to a corner and a black lab dog jumped out of the backseat of a parked car and attacked me. Everything happened so fast. He bit me on my side and Dad yanked the black dog away from me. As I was yelping and crying from the shock and pain, Dad was trying to assure me that it was ok. He checked me briefly for cuts and bruises. Then another dog came around the corner, a white lab, and was heading towards us. Dad blocked his path and shooed the dog away. We left before the 2 dogs came back. Dad saw an elderly man called his dogs. I got home and Sienna was sniffing my side. Luckily, Mom did not allow Sienna to tag along because she is on quarantine for having giardia, an intestinal parasite, She's acting normal though and not showing any symptoms. Anyhow, back to me--- Mom wanted to check me out after Dad told her what occurred but I wouldn't let her. I did not want to be touched. She asked Dad all kinds of questions: Did you tell the owner that his dog attacked our dog? Did you get his license? Why was the backdoor of his car wide open while he was still at the front? Dad said it happened too fast and he just wanted to get me out of there after he checked me over. He did not want to fight off 2 big dogs. I went to the bedroom and lied down on the floor. Mom knew something was wrong because I was not acting myself. She followed me to the room and closed the door. I tried to go under the bed but I was too big. She got the flashlight and tried to see any punctured wound. She finally saw a small one on my right side and on my left back leg. Dad held me down while she cleaned the wound and put the antibiotic ointment. Of course, I proceeded to lick it off. Dad nixed the idea of putting on the cone because he doesn't want to make me sad. Mom agreed. They felt I was traumatized by the event. The next day, Dad drove Mom to the scene of the crime. I think she wanted Dad to reenact the attack. :) Anyhow, the same car was still there and she got the license plate. Then we went to a dog park to see if I can handle it. Plus, Sienna is going batty as she hasn't been out in 4 days. I did not care for the big dog area. I saw Sienna having fun with the little dogs. After 5 minutes, Dad lifted me up and put me over the fence. I like the small dog area. Both Sienna and I met lots of new cute dogs. I was the biggest one there. Unless someone complains, I am not suppose to be there. Most dog parks do not allow dogs over 25 lbs. or 30 lbs. in the small area. I have to lose a few pounds to be legit. Mom is now browsing online for a pepper spray to protect us from dog and human thugs. (^_^)

Licking my wound

Lots of sniffing going around. It's been awhile since we visited this park. Did not see any familiar dogs.

Met a teacup

Duchess wanted to play but too bad we were leaving.

At Vet's

2011-09-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

After a bordatella shot, a fecal exam and a nail trimmed, I zoomed out of the vet's office. I even passed by Mom at the reception area. Everyone started laughing as I ran towards the entrance door. I guess it was amusing for the humans to see me run like hell. I couldn't wait to get out. I hate this place! Going to the vet is worst than getting a bath. Sienna was less anxious than me but she started screaming when they started probing her. She hates it too. She got the same treatment and an additional heartworm test. The doctor said we both have nice teeth and that our coats are so smooth. However, she noticed that I have a couple of scrapes here and there while Sienna is perfect. I wanted to tell her that my cuts and bruises are a badge of honor, it gives me street creds. :)

I'm anxious

We got some dog park action to alleviate our pain from visiting the vet.

Sunning after a quick nap

Mud Bath

2011-09-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

I was surprised to see Mom let Sienna play in the mud. Of course Mom was yelling at Sienna not to drink the puddle water. Since it was early in the morning, there were only 3 other dogs at the park. We met Aussies Blue and Chance. Blue started rolling around the puddle as Sienna watched. Then we continued playing tag. When Mom and I were playing fetch, Sienna found another water hole and started digging. She had a jolly good time. I stayed away from it because I know what's in store for me when we get home. Sienna and Blue continued playing in the mud but luckily, she did not imitate Blue by rolling around it. I got a wipe down and Sienna got a bath. At 9 mos old, this is only her 5th bath and I did not hear her scream. She tried to escape but she was on lock down. I tried to groom her afterwards but she kept growling at me as she wants to be left alone.

Dirty girl

Thanks Mom, I had a great time!

Nice and clean and napping after her bath.

Bring Gloves

2011-08-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sienna oftentimes would go to the bathroom and unroll the toilet paper. Sometimes, she eats it. I used to do that. Sienna likes to eat dirt. I occasionally dabble on it. Sienna likes to eat shit too, not her own. I'm so over that unless it's a good cat poo. I have seen Mom knocked dried poo out of Sienna's mouth. She always says "Yuck". She carries a hand sanitizer. One time she forgot it while on a walk and Sienna picked up a dried dead mouse. Mom noticed the tail and she had to use a poop bag to cover her hands after she touched the mouse. We then had to walk really fast and head back home. She's overreacting as usual. A little germ won't kill you.

I love sleeping.

The gate barrier goes up and Sienna goes to her room when it comes to bones because I will take what is mine.

Grass is Good

2011-08-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sienna turned 9 months old yesterday and we celebrated by going shopping and going to the park. We had fun scavenging for kibbles on the floor as we go from aisle to aisle. At the park, I chased a few tiny dogs and rolled around on the grass. Sienna preferred to play fetch than play with other dogs. We met this Boston Terrier pup and he was very friendly. He wanted to play with Sienna but she was not interested.

Hello there little boy! Just to let you know that I will snap at you if you try smelling my butt without my permission.

You may now smell me.

No fish around, so we got to roll on the grass without being interrupted. Why do I do this? Because it's fun, it makes me happy, and I'm honoring an inherited trait from my wolf ancestors.

I chased this chihuahua and tried to steal his toy but his Mom came over to reprimand me.

Tied to the Hips

2011-08-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

Being tethered to Sienna is a pain. I need more leg room and freedom. She's always going somewhere when it's time to sit and rest. Don't get me wrong, I love her dearly but 24/7? I need some space. I prefer a one on one walk. We had a routine for awhile, Mom takes her early in the morning (which is perfect since I like to sleep late) and Dad takes me out at night. Then we go to the dog park together 4 times a week. Yet lately, we have been walking together which is a drag. I have to think of ways to get out from this scenario.

Am not having a good time

Hard to chase a duck with my ball and chain next to me :)

I won't budge, time to rest and smell the grass.

Sienna, sit down.

No Sienna, I won't go. Sit down!

For the upteenth time, I'm serious little sis, sit your shiba arse down!

See Sienna, isn't the shaded area nice?

We saw some Canadian geese but could not chase it. Mom won't let go of the 40 ft. leash cos' it's not allowed. She needs a longer leash. :-p

Short time at the beach. Mom can't handle the both of us. We were getting tangled up. The seaweed attacked our leash. :-)

No more Kisses

2011-08-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

I smell like oatmeal. Aside from the obvious reason, I hate baths because Mom likes to pick me up, hug me, and give me kisses. Waah, I'm too old for this baby stuff. It's bad enough she talks in baby talk but kissing me in public is embarrassing. Too much PDA, I'm a shiba after all. But what can I do but give a big 'sigh' and give in. It seems to make her happy. I'm lucky I don't get the blow dry treatment after a bath cos' I really really really hate that. And how come Sienna didn't get a bath? She's stinkier than me.

Cleaning myself after a towel dry

Snack Time

False Alarm

2011-08-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

We met another black and tan shiba at the park as we were leaving. Thank goodness my parents didn't take him home. Mom just talked to the owners. We have no room for a third shiba or any other dogs for that matter. No more dogs allowed. The only thing Sienna and I agree upon on was a cat, preferably, a kitten that we can train, play with, or pick on.

Old pal Morgan and I had so much fun playing. It's been over 2 wks since I've seen her.

Shyla, my ex. ;-)

Kaia, Shyla's 'new' brother

Once in awhile, I like to go inside my crate to get some peace from Sienna.

I let Sienna sleep in my bed. It's a good thing I prefer the couch.

Back to the Park

2011-08-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Not being able to go to the park for several days was maddening. I miss my friends. But after 20 minutes at the dog park the other day, I wanted to leave. Harlow and Lola were the only dogs at the park. My usual buddies were not there. I rather go for a walk and sit on the grass and watch the kids playing soccer. Sienna and I rolled around the grass. My only interest right now is to run free on the baseball field. Mom won't allow it though. She's a killjoy. However, she tied us to a tree instead of dragging and tugging the leash when I decided to flop down on the grass. I did not want to budge. It wasn't time to go home. Sienna still wanted to walk but I finally convinced her to sit for awhile and enjoy the sun and take a little nap.

The squirrel was too fast for Lola despite her valiant effort.

Rumbling with Sienna. God bless her for keeping me entertained during my temporary break from our local dog park.

Boy Interrupted

2011-08-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

One dog is good. Two dogs is still pretty good. But 3 dogs? That's crazy. Charlie was on a trial run for a week to see if we can get along. It lasted 24 hours. Charlie needed to be re-home. Mom and Dad really liked him but they have no experience fostering dogs. He is 3 years old. After we picked him up, we went to a dog park before our trip home. Neither of us played at the park and Sienna kept barking at him. When we got home, he explored our place and I followed him around. He kept marking spots in the backyard and I would mark it back. Dad took me for a walk. Sienna was still a little leery but played with Charlie for a few minutes and was able to enjoy their bones in peace simultaneously. When I got back, I saw Charlie go into my toy box and I tried to pull the toy out of his mouth but he won't give it up. It escalated into a growling match. That's when Mom took all the toys away. I heard Dad say, ' Sinjin, don't be such a prick ' several times. Hahaha... Then Dad took Charlie for a walk. He said Charlie is strong and he didn't give him a hard time about putting his leash on. After 5 hours, we actually had fun and Charlie even did the Shiba500. Mom and Dad smiled at each other as if to say "Yes, that's a good sign." Throughout the night, we had moments of playfulness but it wasn't enough. There were too many stare downs and competition for playtime with Mom and Dad. We clashed a lot and they had to separate us. Don't even let me go on about food. What a nightmare! Mom kept the spray bottle at all times. What I don't get is why she keeps spraying me and not Charlie? Hmmph!!! Mom even 'jailed' us while she fed Charlie. I don't like being on the other side of the gate! That's Sienna's place. Charlie did not like his new bed. Sienna took over and positioned herself on the bed comfortably. He also did not like to be in his own room. He preferred to sleep in the kitchen or living room floor. Since I like the couch, Dad slept in the living room with us. Charlie kept pacing. He did not get much sleep. He misses his family. Both of us barked a few times when we heard people outside. There were a few more skirmishes throughout the night between the two of us. Dad slept holding the spray bottle with him. :) Mom and Sienna were in the bedroom with the door shut and not a care in the world. I did hear Sienna give a soft bark when Charlie and I were barking. She's funny. By 5 am, Mom took over guard duty while Dad went back to sleep in the bedroom. Charlie was being playful and we played again, just the 2 of us. But when he wanted to play with Mom, I growled at him. Mom took him for a quick walk while Sienna and I have our breakfast. Charlie had his breakfast in the backyard when he got back. Dad woke up and greeted Charlie in that sweet higher pitched voice reserved for me and Sienna which I resented. Dad tossed a toy to play with him and both of us went for it and then we went for each other. Big mistake! This time, Mom sprayed both of us while Dad held us apart. Sienna was barking at Charlie when he and I were butting heads. Mom took me outside. Even though he is bigger than me, there was no way I was going to back down in my house. I had the final approval. There was too much tension and letting him stay here for the rest of the week is not good for my sanity. Remember, it's all about me. Plus, since I still had my flesh wound from last Wednesday, this latest tete-a- tete alarmed Mom. Believe me, you do not want to hear her screaming. ;-p I wish you well Charlie, you are good friendly dog but both of us have strong personalities. It wasn't meant to be. I hope you will find a home where you are the top dog because there can only be one in this household. Next time, ladies only please.

A cutie patootie according to Mom

At the dog park

I was peeking through the gate while Charlie enjoyed his chew. Not cool Mom!

I finally let him play with my toy.

Sienna looks on as I tell Charlie to "respect my authoritah!"

Morning sun

Sienna taking over the new bed. :)

Charlie telling Mom "hurry up, I want to go home"

Danger Stranger

2011-08-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

It's bound to happen. I'm an active dog. It started out as play and it turned into something that scared the bejeebus out of Mom. I was playing with the 2 dogs that just arrived and before too long, they ganged up on me and one of them bit me by the neck. Sad to say that they were pit bulls. No pics. Mom was busy screaming. :) I never had problems with pits before. Usually, I get pick on by Labs. Granted this is the first time I have met these 2 dogs. We never played before. They were only at the park for 5 minutes. It's a good thing that both owners of the dogs were quick to react. They came and pulled their dogs off me while Mom screamed loudly to distract the dogs. She didn't have her spray bottle this time. I yelped of course and continued 'crying' as Mom looked me over. She didn't see any visible wound and I was not bleeding. Mom asked for personal info of the dog owner. The man was genuinely concern for my well being. We were going to leave the park but he said they were going to leave. He didn't want another incident. Sienna was by the gate. She's smart that way as she stayed away from the commotion. She came over later to check on me. Another check and Mom saw a wound and Bishop's human offered his hydrogen peroxide which happened to be in his car. She cleaned my wound when we got home and applied the antibiotic ointment. I guess no dog park action for me for a couple of weeks. Better that than a cone.

Sienna posing

Having a good time before the incident

New friend 10 year old Bishop, an American Staffordshire

She's in good shape for her age. Only grain-free food for her.

Meeting Sparky

2011-07-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Sienna turned 8 month-old a few days ago and we celebrated by introducing her to Sparky, Bebe, and the newly adopted dog Peanut. We visited with them and then we all went for a walk without Bebe who has ear an infection. Peanut was neglected by his former humans and was basically left tied to a tree in their backyard for most of the days while they are at work. The humans finally did the right thing by putting an advert on craigslist for Peanut to be adopted. Sparky was adopted 10 years ago after he accidentally escaped from SPCA and got tarred during a construction as a pup. We had a great time walking freely as everyone got along and most of all, Sienna enjoyed her day going into the water.

a brief dog park action the day before

Mild-mannered Osso

Sparky meeting Sienna for the first time

Peanut holding my leash

My pack

We met a couple of shibas on our way out.

Mocha

Onagi

Beach Time

2011-07-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day at the beach. Dad took us further down for a walk and we saw nude sun bathers. I guess it's legal for humans to be nude at this particular beach cove. I thought only dogs can go au naturel and have their stuff dangling. (^_^)

Hamming it up for the tourist

Smelling people's feet

Avoiding waves

Look Mom, sandy tongue!

Enjoying the view and people watching

Just had a snack

All is Forgiven

2011-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

We got boarded after the picnic. =( I thought we were going to a friend's house but boom! No goodbyes. There were 3 other dogs in the house. When they picked us up the next day, I have never been so happy and glad to see anyone in my whole life. I thought we were abandoned. I ran all over the room. I kept jumping on and off the couch from excitement. I gave Mom and Dad kisses. I kept making these noises of happiness and relief. Sienna ran around the room too. She jumped up on Mom and gave her tons of kisses. We were moving and wiggling so much that our parents cannot put our leash. The sitter told Mom we got along with the other dogs and that for first time boarders, we did really well. There was no crying and we went into our crate when it was time to sleep. Such well behaved dogs she said. However, we did not really eat our dinner. She said that is to be expected for first timers. Then Sienna led Mom to the front door, she can't wait to get out. The first stop was a nearby dog park then lunch at El Pollo Loco. Had fun at the beach for an hour and off to Beverly Hills. Mom just had to get her favorite truffles and she browsed a couple of shops. Passersby were gawking at us. A few people took our pictures. I felt like a celebrity or one of the tourist attractions. Dad obliged everyone who asked about us. He must have said 'shiba inu' a dozen times. A couple of people noted that we were too friendly. I guess we get a bad rap for being aloof. Then we were off for a short hike. Thank goodness Mom was not wearing proper shoes or we would have been hiking for a longer period. I was ready to go back to the hotel. But do we? Nope! Why do we have to see sunset? Who cares? We drove back to Pacific Coast Hwy and all the way to Laguna Beach for dinner. We got to the hotel by 11pm and I slept like a baby. Sienna vacillated between her bed and under our bed and gave a few soft barks when she heard noises. I didn't care this time. I just wanted to sleep.

This giant dog wanted Mom to pet him.

At the hotel room

Hannibal Sinjin
Supposedly to deter me from barking. Hated it! I forgive you.

Dad coaxing me into the water. Oh heck no, he's crazy!

Sienna avoiding the waves

Superstars

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sienna likes to sleep under the bed too.

Sienna woke up early to play, guess she wasn't too tired like I was.

Quick morning walk to do our business

Morning roughhousing

Last look at the pool

Trip To ShibaLand

2011-07-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Am soooooooooooooooo tired. My parents ran us ragged. We got back from SoCal last night. After a 20-minute jaunt at Bark Park in Costa Mesa, we headed back home. We only stopped once unlike the several stops we made coming here. After 7 hours of driving, we stretched our legs at another dog park 45 minutes away from home. Anyway, before I start bitchin' about traveling and other stuff, Sienna and I had the best time at the Shibapalooza Picnic. It seems like there were less shibas this year but we still managed to have a good time.

Before we left for the picnic, I checked the pool to see if there are any hot dogs. :p

Ayumi

Cutie Taro, Mom just wanted to hug him!

Bodie

Zen

Lucky, another cutie with cinnabun

Small, Medium, and Large Shibas. Lucky's mom asked if Cooper was an Akita. Mom cracked up.

Cooper is 60 lbs., biggest shiba we have seen

Aki saying 'hi' to Sienna

Sienna had fun playing with Tokyo

Hollie

Suki

Chiyoko

Lucky and I roughhousing

Also had fun with non shiba Mia ;)

Sienna getting a kiss from Auntie Hollielou

Chloe and I got to play for a bit.

Unlike last year, the toy grab event didn't grab me. I guess both Sienna and I are just tired.

Sienna taking a break from all the fun.

Yippee! We won a gift basket!

Who knew I had a Flickr account? I forgot all about it. Check it out for more picnic pics ----

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47505848@N05/5955553197/

Take a Chill Pill

2011-07-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Every time we go for a walk, Sienna never sits down and take time to soak in the sun and enjoy the view. She just wants to keep walking and sniffing. Not only do I love bird watching but I enjoy people watching as well. I keep telling her to take it easy but she's stubborn.

Finally, I got Sienna to sit down

I'm not ready to leave, sit back down Sienna!

Zoom For A Minute

2011-07-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

Dad's friend forgot to close the gate behind him and zoom I went! It was dark so I didn't go too far. I just went next door to look for my nemesis, a black and white cat who always taunt me by sometimes sitting on top of our car. Dad called for me and his friend told me to climb inside his car in the pretense of going to the park but I knew better. So Dad just left the gate opened because he knew I would come back eventually. This did not sit well with Mom so she dropped whatever she was doing, comes out the front yard, and calls for me. I ran back to the yard and she thanked me for coming back by giving me a piece of raw steak.

Naughty Boy

Cookout

2011-07-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday was another hot day (101 F) but I had the best time. We had people over, some of them I haven't met. We got to eat hot dogs and burgers. I've never had a hot dog before. There is something to be said about human food, that is, processed food, they are so tasty. Mom said I could have one but I managed to get a few more pieces from Dad and other guests. I like hot dogs! It's the greatest invention ever. It's better than cheese. While I was busy socializing with our guests and showing them our yard, Sienna was mostly indoors enjoying the ac. She can't take too much heat. She would come out once in awhile but only to be admired and would quickly go back inside the house. She didn't want to play either even though I invited her a few times. When everyone finished eating and were just talking, I went inside and flopped down by the kitchen tile floor to cool down. After 5 minutes or so, I went back outside, peeked through the fence & barked at our neighbor a few times till I finally settled down under a shaded area at the foot of one of our guests. It seems like forever listening to the humans in the background, feeling the soft breeze as my eyes starts to droop lulling me to sleep. Time stood still. It was a perfect day.

Sienna and I at the park the day before the party.

Mom forgot our ball, a branch will do.

Too Cute

2011-07-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is 4-month old Lobo. What a cutie pie! Sienna enjoyed playing with him. They were a good match.

I played with Piper. I think I scared her off. ;-)

The following day, we met an adult German Shepard who chased Sienna and ran over her. She's ok, just shaken. She needs more practice with the zigzag maneuver.

I was not ready to leave so I flopped down by the shade.

What can Sienna do but relax and join me?

Big Girl

2011-06-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

My parents went to the ballpark Sunday night and I got nothing. Sienna got Lou Seal for her 7-month old birthday and I gave her a noogie. ;)