Shiba Muffins
-a girl and her dog
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Koji vs the Mighty Boar!
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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Prints for Relief
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
Monday, April 11, 2011
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/
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A tale of tails
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.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
4/52
4/52
Originally uploaded by thepaisleyfox
Look how smug that little snot is. So proud he even posed for the camera. ;)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Should You Breed Your Dog?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sushi
sharing bed 2
Originally uploaded by thepaisleyfox
Our foster Mushi (now Sushi) back in August has come back to us for the Christmas holiday while his new family went out of town. Him being here is making me wonder why we ever let him go, this week has just further proven how perfect he and Koji are for each other. I've just got to tell myself there will be other Mushis out there and enjoy his company while we can (as well as volunteer to watch the little guy whenever they want!)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Rescue: Volunteers, Shelters, and the dreaded Armchair!
Second, anyone actively in rescue, volunteers at a shelter, does it individually or is interested in it is encouraged to go to this most recent post and post your insight or opinions on the matter! Even questions you'd like answered is highly welcomed. You can post on Jenna's blog, comment on here, or find one of us on Facebook. We'll be sure to get the information where it's needed.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
It's Official!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Consistency
Koji's been in boarding before, he's been over at friends' for the weekend, we've had fosters and guests come and go and both Jeff and I have left for a few days while the other stays at home with the dog. Apparently this last time completely threw our dog off his mojo.
I was invited to join my mom out at DisneyWorld for 4 fun filled days, and of course I jumped at the chance. Jeff had to stay home, on account of him student teaching, so nothing else out of the ordinary would have to happen except dropping me off and picking me up from the airport.
I guess with me being gone, his whole world flipped upside down this time. As reported by my husband, he'd race out of the bedroom in the mornings to look for me at the front door or living room, then sulk back off to bed when I wasn't there. And when I did get home, not only did I get the lovely parting gift of food poisoning, but I had to go right back into work for the next four days. My dog turned into a shaking, unsure, almost neurotic mess. Every time it looked as though we were going to leave, he'd get up, hide behind the chair in the living room, and shake. If i was home, he'd shake. If the ice maker was dispensing ice, if the rice cooker was making noise, if someone walked up the stairs on the other side of the living room wall, he'd shake. Of course I couldn't coddle him, pet him, or tell him things were gong to be okay. He's a dog. He'd think that shaking would keep me here and give him lovin's.
So we went about our normal routine, continuing to feed, walk and play with him as normal, and as he was getting even when I was gone. After about a week back into the normal swing of things with everyone home, he's finally starting to settle down, his leg will barely tremor and he's back on track to being the dog that "doesn't give a f**k". I suppose some good that has come out of it was the tactic I used on my days off to distract him from his neuroses of training. I was able to get his nails dremmeled with less panic and we're on our way to a new trick (though so far only if I have treats. Of course.) Also, he is continuing to be my velcro dog and has to be in the same room as me more than ever. I must admit I do enjoy the attention, but only if he continues to be confident. I don't need him to be a broken mess every time I have to step out to do something.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Downside to Rescue
Inu Baka
Besides the obvious restrictions of our apartment complex, I feel the same way and confusion of why I haven't just been jumping in to volunteer more readily. My home is always open to those in need, people and animals alike, but I've felt off, and Sentaro wasn't ever my foster, though the poor guy did spend hours in my car. Perhaps whats getting to me is that I've never had to make the decision or be there to put down any of my own animals before, my mom taking our cat herself, my rat dying of natural (tumor) causes, and my husband's dog being taken care of by his parents. I still didn't have to make the decision, it was made for me, I just had to be there with him. Sentaro wasn't my dog, or as I mentioned even my foster, but I felt for him, I loved for him and I cried for him, even for the short time I knew him. I don't believe I'm burnt out from rescue, as I haven't done it for long enough, but I do know I will be aprehensive about the slightest signs of Parvo from now on.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sad news
We didn't get a chance to really know you yet, but you will be sorely missed and you were greatly loved, little buddy.
Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Zip, Zap and Sentaro vs Parvo
Parvovirus, for those that aren't familiar, is a particularly nasty disease that has an 80% fatality rate and causes gastrointestinal tract damage as well as a few other things. In laymans terms, these poor dogs get the worst intestine destroying flu, to say the least. All three of them right now are fighting for their lives at two different vets, and we, the Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas, need your help.
Our rescue has gotten by in the past with privately donated funds, but these guys need a fighting chance and unfortunately, our pockets are not endless. Even you can only spare $5, it would mean the world to us and to these puppies. Our PayPal email is texasshibarescue@aol.com and every little bit helps.
If you decide not to donate, that is also okay. Please only support responsible breeders and keep your animals up to date on all of their vaccinations.
(Next up are those pictures and cookie recipes I promised. Stay tuned!)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
ALMOST there
Goodness, it was a lot of work and full of legal jargon. I don't think we would have come close to have comprehended it and finshed so fast without the help of Paula from the Tri State Shiba Inu Rescue. You are awesome, Paula.
Next step is to curb Koji's allergies that recently started up and to make another tin of cookies this weekend for a Shiba in need. I'll be sure to get pictures and recipes up, as well as more info about Keido. Feel better, buddy.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Mm cookies
For those who want to make some of these treats at home, I will post recipes as soon as the apartment has been thoroughly de-furred. Aah, coat blowing time.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Koji Cookies
Pictured left is a grain-free peanut butter and carob cookie that literally makes Koji drool.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Winner Announced!
Random.org has chosen comment #6. Congrats, Carina!
Also, Random.org chose comment #7 for a runner up prize of a tin full of Koji Cookies! Congrats, Taro!
Shoot me an email at thepaisleyfox [at] gmail.com and let me know about your pups' food concerns, if any.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Happy Gotcha Day, Koji
Koji has taught us so many things over the last year, including why he's the best dog in the world, and why we still really want to wring his little neck sometimes. He's kept us honest and has also given us excuses to duck out early. I love the way his feet smell like Fritos, a corn chip I absolutely hate, how he screams for sweet potatoes, and the way he smiles and wags his swishy tail when we come home, whether we were gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. I love that he talks to us, annoys us till we play, and that he wants to be everyone's best friend, even to the point of making other dogs annoyed with his persistant rudeness. He makes us burst out laughing every single day and we miss him dearly if we don't come home to his anxious face.
I love this dog. He was definitely the best decision we've made so far.
To celebrate, Koji, Jeff and I would like to give away another Field Point Shiba key cover, as well as a tin full of custom Koji Cookies, tailored to fit your pup's tastes and needs. Just leave a comment telling me about your first dog, your first Shiba, or the day you picked up your current dog. A winner for the double prize will be announced 1 week from today, (8/24).
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
*hearts*
The only problem now is that I miss my family terribly as they've all gone back to California.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Family!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Key Fob Giveaway Winners!
#14 - Peter and Edgar
#6 - Kimberly and Bella
Please email me at thepaisleyfox at gmail dot com to claim your prize!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Adorable keys!
So after several emails, taking time to try and trust my rusty Japanese, and about a month to convert pay and get addresses straight, this little guy finally found itself in my mailbox. I could not be happier, either. It has upped the cuteness factor of my keychain tenfold, and it's slightly relevant, seeing it's on a spare copy of an apartment key to good friends of ours, who we refer to other friends as "the Shiba friends." (BONUS - they, TOO have a cute key!)
Also, I felt like it would be an awful waste of time and resources to only get one, so I got a whole bunch. But seeing that my husband doesn't like things on his keys (or keychains for that matter), and I only needed the one, I decided that I'd share the cuteness and offer them up!
So, right now, I'm giving away TWO (2) of these Field Point Shiba key covers! Keeping in the recent summer spirit, post a comment that tells what is a favorite aspect of summer for you and/or your dog. For example, I think Koji loves summer because that means I share my watermelon with him.
Two winners will be chosen at random 8pm central on Saturday the 19th!
Friday, May 21, 2010
I love my vacuum.
I used to have a little Eureka Optima when I had my first apartment. Good enough to pick up the leftover chip and popcorn crumbs and the occasional hair of mine. When we moved, we noticed it didn't really pick up as much as it used to, and finding the replacement filters for it was a pain.
Then came the dog.
I heard stories about the fur, the blowing coat plus the intermittent shedding throughout the year. What I wasn't prepared for at all was having fur around my things 24/7 again. I mean, I had be without pets for a few years, so I had forgotten how it sticks to everything, especially things you don't want it to, such as your blankets or food. Needless to say, my little Optima just wasn't up to the task of making my carpets Koji free in the slightest, but it didn't leave dust in my carpets at least. With my quest for fur-free burber, I broke down, gathered a coupon or two, scoured sales, then hopped on over to my local electroincs store and purchased my monstrosity, the Dyson DC25 ball. They had all three there, the regular yellow, the Stormtrooper-esque Blueprint, and the purple Animal edition. I opted for the Star Wars-y one, since it was the cheaper of the three at the time (as well as the prettiest.) Why not the Animal if I was getting it for the sole purpose of pet hair? Because the only difference was, besides the price point, a scrubby pet hair hose attachment that didn't seem to make a difference, according to reviews. I had also decided to settle on the 25 rather than the 24 since it was a) bigger and b) had almost TWICE as much suction, and my carpet needed all the help it could get.
Needless to say, I don't regret that almost $500 purchase, even if it did take me a bit to pay off. This baby picks up anything I ask it to and more, it's easy to clean, easy to empty, I never have to buy a filter again, and works on several different floor surfaces. Not to mention it looks down right space-agey and cool.
I mean, just look at what it picked up from my supposedly clean carpet (I had vacuumed with the old one just before, and this is only from my small living room.) That's a full canister of hair and dust my other vacuum had left behind.
So in case I didn't make it clear, I love my vacuum. <3
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Something exciting on the horizon...!
Meanwhile, a hike is coming up this weekend and some Texas Shiba pictures (like the one on the left) are currently in "post production." Needless to say, there will be pics a plenty.
In other news, my temporary foster Umi found herself her new home! I wish her many years of happiness, warm beds, and belly scratches with her new family.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Happy Birthday, Koji!
Today we will celebrate with an egg all to himself and a baked sweet potato. Maybe a trip to the dog park while we're at it. Because he's just not smelly enough from the last time we went a few days ago.
Happy birthday, pup pup. I'm sorry about the hat.
...okay, I'm not that sorry.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Stylish Sunday
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
OMG it's foster time!
She's what I think is a Shiba/Shepherd mix and a temporary foster dog for us until she can go to a foster home that can take care of her a little more long term than we can (especially since technically, she's not allowed in our apartment since we never told the office, shhh!)
Umi was our first pull by ourselves for the rescue and our first temporary foster, which has been a bit of a learning experience. One of the first things Jeff and I realized is that while we definitely want more dogs, and we will miss Umi (and I know Koji will carry on a sad song for a while) but we're looking forward to just having the one dog again. Not saying we won't do this again any time soon, or that we didn't like it, but it's nice to know it's temporary. Fostering is pretty cool like that, I guess, since we're able to experience and help different dogs.
Could also have to do with the fact that this little lady is currently in heat, which means she's bleeding randomly in the apartment. Luckily, she's sticking to the floor under the dining room table (as pictured) and Nature's Miracle takes care of any spots in the carpet right quick, but we're looking forward to not having to clean up after her so much. Also, she's a licker, though I'm proud to report she's starting to pick up the word 'stop' and usually moves on her merry way, which is letting me appreciate her more with dry appendages. She also rudely woke me up yesterday from a nap by licking my forehead, which I was not very happy about. Umi just happens to be a much needier and dog-like dog than Koji, which makes me realize how much I like the non-dog-like dogs. Jeff and I will never not have a primitive breed.
But she's sweet in her own way, and I know she will make some family extremely happy, but she's just not the girl for us, which is just fine. We'll give her love and encourragement for as long as she's here.
Some videos!
Koji and Umi
Trying to get Umi to play
Umi Plays!