Koji vs the Mighty Boar!

Or, how Koji cracked his tooth.

Yesterday was Koji's yearly checkup, and all went very well, doctor said he was perfect, gave him his three year vaccinations that were due and aside from being really nervous, he did very well.

Then I pointed out that I noticed he had a broken tooth about two weeks ago (but I had already made an appointment so it could wait.) The vet looked at it, checked the other side, which was fine, then went back to it and wiggled it. In pieces.

Way to go, bubs. You cracked your tooth and it now has to come out soon. I hope you'll be turning tricks in order to pay for this, mister.

As to how he cracked his tooth? We were thinking it over, trying to figure it out. He doesn't pick up rocks, his antler and nylabone he doesn't even touch, and the hardest treat he eats are bully sticks, which is easy enough to cut with a serrated knife (I've done it before to fit in the jar). While putting on his new rabies tag, my mom joked about his tags, and that's when it hit me. Koji used to chew on his tags all the time, and I'd make him spit them right back out. In that picture, you will notice a purple tag silencer, which he chewed right off. Once that was gone, he'd continue to chew on them, on his left side. I haven't realized it until now, but he hasn't been chewing his tags anymore. Probably because numbnuts cracked his tooth.

Way to go, dog. That's why I said don't chew on your tags.

Prints for Relief

I've decided to sell prints to help more with Japan's relief effort. Even though it's been a month since their 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami, Japan has still been getting aftershocks that are earthquakes in their own right, power outtages due to their offline power plants (Fukushima #1 still being dire), a shortage of supplies, and a continuing loss of property, home, and loved ones.

Prices for the prints start at $10 for an 8x10 or smaller on photo paper, but larger sizes and other materials are offered if you are so inclined. 50% of all print proceeds will be donated per print order to the chairty of your choosing;

Red Cross
Doctors Without Borders
ARK

You can look at available prints here; Prints for Relief

One Month

15/52
Originally uploaded by thepaisleyfox

It's been a whole month since Japan's awful earthquake and resulting tsunami. There are so many in Japan that are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives, including their much loved animals.

To find out how to help Japan's pets, go to http://www.arkbark.net/?q=en/

A tale of tails

I apologize for the lack of updates. Between a lull of rescues and the amount of full and part-time jobs for Jeff and me equaling a whopping 5, there's not a lot of time left for things we want to do, like stay home with our dog. But we're working on it.

In the meantime, I have been trying to take a picture of Koji every week for the 52 Weeks for Dogs group on flickr (and I've already missed one week!) which is what I post on here from time to time.

Before I leave, though, DID YOU KNOW that Shibas actually are allowed to have three different types of curl? Most people are only used to two of them. The types of tail allowed in the breed are the Sickle, the Single Curl, and the Double Curl.

 

Japanese Dogs - Chiba Michiko

 

The first two types of tail on the left are known as a sickle tail and the top one is most desired, as the tail should be carried over the back, but either is acceptable. The next two on the right are a single curl, while the final tail is, you guessed it, a double curl.

"Tail is thick and powerful and is carried over the back in a sickle or curled position. A loose single curl or sickle tail pointing vigorously toward the neck and nearly parallel to the back is preferred. A double curl or sickle tail pointing upward is acceptable. In length the tail reaches nearly to the hock joint when extended. Tail is set high."

Some real-life examples of each of the tails;

 

Koji - Sickle Tail

 

 Yuki-san - Single Curl

 

 Jiro - Double Curl

 

While all three types of tail are accepted and do not indicate a mix of the breed, the double and single curl seem to be the most popular and the types of tail that are most commonly seen. I've had so many people think Koji was some sort of mix or not sure what kind of breed he was, even those familiar with Shibas, all because of his tail. Most of these people have never even realized that types other than a tight curl are in fact acceptable in the breed. The more you know! 

Freckletongue

week13_1
Originally uploaded by thepaisleyfox

4/52

4/52
Originally uploaded by thepaisleyfox

Look how smug that little snot is. So proud he even posed for the camera. ;)

Should You Breed Your Dog?

This awesome flow chart was found by one of my fellow goons off of reddit.com. I think this pretty much accurately sums up my feelings on the situation.