Saturday, August 13, 2011

Deshi Dishes With Jujube!


Original Interview Date: 9/8/09

My interview with Jujube - 951723:

Tell me a bit about your name and how you got it.

My full name is Kari-on’s Essence of Tenju. In my old home, they called me Essie. My new mommy picked out Jujube because it sounded fun. My daddy agreed because a Jujube is a red Chinese date. Red and sweet. Yep! That’s me!

Mostly, my pawrents call me Juju… doubling the last syllable of Tenju.

I read on your profile that you moved to your forever home when you were three years old. What was it like when you first moved in? Did you and Loki get along right away?

It was kind of scary when I first moved here. My new mommy and daddy were nice, but everything else was scary. The car ride was scary. Loki was a big mean bully, who didn’t want me touching any of his stuff. It took awhile before Loki and I got along. He still doesn’t like to share.

Do you have a favorite toy? If so, what is it?

My ultimate, favorite chew toy was Mommy’s underwear, but she was a meanie pie and took that away from me. Boo! Now my favorite toy sits on a high shelf. One of these days I’ll figure out how to get to it.

Tell me a bit about the place where you live. Your profile doesn't mention it all all. What is the scenery like and is the weather nice there?

I live in a nice three-story townhouse. There are lots of stairs, which is so much fun. I get to zoom past everyone on the stairs – Mommy, Daddy, and Loki are all slow-pokes. The weather here changes all the time; I don’t mind. Sometimes it’s hot and humid. Sometimes it’s rainy. And sometimes we even get a little bit of snow. Loki balks at the rain, but it’s all good to me. And I love the snow! So much fun to prance around in.

Have you ever been on a long road trip? If so, what did you think about it and where did you go?

Long road trips used to really stress me out. But after going to New Jersey a few times now, I learned that it’s not so bad. Once we get there, Loki and I get to bark at the cat and eat its food. That’s kind of fun.

Do you have any allergies?

Nope. Luckily, none for me.

What kind of food do you eat? Do you always eat all of your food or are you a picky eater?

I get California Natural. Sometimes I get chicken. Sometimes I get lamb. And sometimes I get fish. My pawrents like to switch it up. I inhale all of my food in thirty seconds flat. Better eat fast lest Loki steals my food. What’s there to be picky about? I’ll eat anything and everything. And no delicate chewing for me either. I could beat all the boys in an eating contest.

What is your favorite place to go for walks? Tell me a bit about it and what makes it so great.

I love being FREE. My favorite walk is any walk where I’m FREE. I try to get FREE as often as possible. Sometimes I escape out of the smallest crack in the front door, and sometimes I’ll gnaw on my leash to chew my way to freedom. If I’m really, really lucky Mommy will let me off-leash in a secluded, wooded area. That’s the best.

Do you like getting baths? What kind of shampoo are you bathed with?

Who likes getting baths? Of course I hate baths! I try to jump out of the bathtub as often as possible. Unfortunately, I get slathered in Oatmeal Shampoo. It smells yucky. I much prefer the smell of mud and dead animals.

Are you a very talkative shiba or are you a quiet girl?

I wouldn’t say that I’m a talkative shiba, but I do gently remind my Mommy with incessant whining when it’s time to feed me, and when it’s time to walk me, and when it’s time for me to pee, and when it’s time for her to wake up, and when it’s time for her to pet me. Sheesh, she’s so lazy!

Oh, and I’m the loudest belcher in my family. I bet I could win a burping contest among both humans and dogs.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the dogs on the shiba forum?

It’s been lots of fun getting to know all of you pups on this forum. Smiles and tail wags to everyone!

Deshi Dishes With Henry!


Original Interview Date: 8/24/09

Here is my interview with Henry (603949). Enjoy!

Your name, Henry, was that your original name when you were adopted or a new name. If it was new, what was the inspiration for your name?

My original name was Hines - I was named after some football player. When it came time for me to come home with Mom, she decided that Hines was just a bad name so I needed a new one. Her friend T. said "He's a cool dog. He needs a cool dog name." The choices were Henry and Charlie, and she chose Henry b/c it had the same first letter as my original name. Where she got Henry and Charlie, I don't know. She's just smart like that.


I read on your profile that your favorite place to walk is Independence Mall. Tell me a bit about it. What are the sights you see and the smells you smell there?

Well, Independence Mall is full of exciting things. First of all, there's a LOT of grass. I like to run around on it (while on leash, of course!) and get my toesies all wet and green. There's a cafe that has a lot of yummy smells. There's always at least one other dog (besides Chad) to sniff, and lots of tourists to try and pet me. Naturally, I duck out of the way just in time. Mom is so funny when she's embarrassed! HA!


Since you are a creamie are you subjected to baths more because dirt shows up on you easier or do you manage to stay pretty clean?

No - if it weren't for my nails needing to be trimmed and Chad needing a bath (he's oily), I would probably only be groomed twice a year. My Mom likes to tell the story about one time at the dog park when I got really dirty and muddy, and as she put me in the car, she resigned herself to giving me a bath when we got home. By the time we got home (15 minute drive), I was clean!!


I imagine you get a lot of snow up in PA in the winter. Have you become an expert at camouflaging yourself in the snow?

It's easy to camouflage myself in the snow - everyone is distracted by how ridiculously silly Chad is acting in it, and I just quietly blend into the background. Until I make yellow snow! That gives me away every time.


Do you like to go to the dog park? If so, is there a particular park you like the best?

I do like to go to the dog park, but I get in lots of fights, so Mom doesn't take me as often as she used to. It stresses her out. We like the Schuykill River Dog Run - it has an all dog side and a little dog side. Chad likes the all dog side, but we mostly hang in the little side b/c I'm less likely to get in trouble on that side.


Where is your favorite napping spot?

When Mom is home, I like to nap next to wherever she is - usually we sit on the couch together, and put my head on her lap while she does "work" on the computer. If she's gone to work, then I sleep on her pillow on her bed. I love my Mom.


So, Henry, tell me about that frog costume you are dressed up in. Have you found a way to destroy it or do you fear you may be forced to wear it again?

The frog costume! My nemesis. It taunts me! Mom put it in the closet for safe keeping. I keep talking Chad into peeing on the closet door, so that when she opens it to clean, the costume will fall on the floor. But, she's too quick. She catches it midair and it never even gets close to my teeth!


Cats, what do you think about them?

Taste like chicken. Ha ha! Just kidding. I actually really like cats. Our dogwalker/dogsitter has a cat that is one of my bestest buds. Whenever I'm at their house, we play and play. Someone needs to get rid of those sharp things at the ends of his toes, though!


Tell me a bit about the dog food you eat. How much are you fed a day and what kind of food is it? Are you a picky eater?

I eat Solid Gold Barking at the Moon. I'm not really a picky eater, unless that means I eat anything I can pick up! But, I'm super super allergic to chicken, so Mom is a picky feeder! Sometimes we get some canned Wellness CORE Ocean formula, too!


Do you ever get table scraps? If so, do you have a favorite thing you like to get or will any scrap do?

Not very often. Not as often as I did before Chad moved in. Now I have to share. Harumph. My favorite thing is shrimp tails, or, no wait, cheese, or pepperoni, or peanut butter Cap'n Crunch, or ice cream, or... what were we talking about again?


Is there anything else you'd like to share with the dogs on the shiba forum?

Just thanks for keeping Mom sane! She really likes reading about the rest of your antics - makes her feel less alone, she says. I don't get this - she has me and Chad. She's not alone. Ever.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Deshi Dishes With Izzi!

Original Interview Date: 8/4/09

Here is my interview with Izzi (Dogster ID 582857)... Thank you Izzi!

I ask this to every pup I interview... please tell me the story about how you got your name.

I was actually named after dad’s favorite cologne, Issey Miyaki. Being Japanese myself, it just sorta fit. My full registered name is actually San Jo’s Izzi Miyaki. But, most days my dads just get really lazy and call me “Iz.”


Tell me a bit about your min pin sister. Are you the one in charge?

Ugh. Murphy can be sooooo annoying! I usually just hang out on the deck until she calms down enough for me to be able to stand her. Sometimes I’ll wrassle with her though if I’m feeling nice. She sure does like to play dirty though. So sometimes I have to take away her toys.


It rains a lot in Seattle. Do you have your own shiba sized rain coat? Do you like the rain?

It can rain here a lot in the fall and winter, so I have a few hoodies to keep things fashionable, but it rarely rains hard enough for me to wear a rain coat. I don’t much care for the rain anyway. Maybe I should convince my dads to move to Texas to be closer to you.


It sure looks like you have a lot of fun going camping. Have you ever captured any wildlife on your camping trips?

Do spiders count? Or how about Murphy? I got her good on the last camping trip!



What is your favorite toy and why?

I like anything that Murphy’s playing with. I think taking her toys away from her is my favorite game.


The picture of you wearing shades in the car is pawsome. Do you go for drives in the car a lot? What is the longest road trip you've been on?

Why thank you Deshi! As you know, shibas are all about style! *Muah* As far as the longest trip, my dads take me to Portland sometimes, and I love that cuz they usually call ahead so the hotel sets up our room with lots of treats and toys for me to play with! But I’m not spoiled though.


Do you get your nails trimmed at home or do you go to a groomer?

Dad trims my nails, and I don’t mind so much, cause I always get a kiss and a treat after. The kiss I could live without, but the treats aren’t bad.



The Seattle Shiba Meetup Group is huge! Do you go to meetups often to play with all those other shibas?

You all should come to Seattle sometime for a Shiba meet up. There are usually at least 30 or 40 shibas there, and sometimes there are as many as 80. Rain or shine! And I looooooooooooove it! So many curly tails to chase!



Do you have any food allergies? If so, what are you allergic to?

No real food allergies here. I must say, I’m happy to be a pretty healthy pup!


Where is your favorite napping spot? Do you have your own doggie bed?

I USED to have my own doggie bed – until that brat Murphy ripped it to bits. Can you even believe? Now most days I just find a sunny spot on the deck to lay in. That’s niiiice.


Is there anything else you'd like to share with the dogs on the shiba forum?

Yea. Dad's making me say "thank you" to all the other pups and their owners on the forum. He says something about me being a handful sometimes, and how wonderful it is to have a place to get answers to the tough questions. I have NO idea what he's talking about though. I happen to be an angel.


Deshi Dishes With Dakota!

Original Interview Date: 6/25/09



It was great interviewing you Dakota - 558930! Thanks...


What was the inspiration for your name? Does your human really love North and/or South Dakota?


My name started as somewhat of a joke. My mommy had a friend named Montana and the name Dakota was suggested to follow with the state theme. Mommy really liked the suggestion though so it stuck! I rarely get called Dakota though, usually it's just Kota!


Tell me a bit about the area where you live. What is it like? Your profile doesn't mention it at all.


I live with my mommy in Central New Jersey just outside of Princeton. We recently moved to a new house and I love my new development! I have tons of walking paths and open spaces to play in and even my own fenced in yard! The area itself isn't too dog friendly though, my mommy has yet to find any pet friendly shops or cafe's (other than petsmart of course!).


I see you have sheltie siblings. Do you all get along? Are you the boss?


When I was a pup mommy and I lived with her parents for a while. The shelties are actually their dogs but I definitely ran the house. I got along with Nittany from the start but always had issues with Chad sorting out who was the boss. Sometimes when I go visit him we still fight, but we get along the majority of the time. Unfortunately Nittany passed away a few months ago but my grandpawrents adopted a new SHIBA puppy named Otis. He's now one of my best friends!


There is a great picture on your profile of you hiking. Do you do that a lot? Was that picture from one of your favorite hiking spots?




I love to hike and mommy tries to take me at least a few times a year. The picture was taken at a place called Watchung Reservation and it is one of my favorite places to hike! There's lots of great hiking paths and tons of little creeks for me to play in!


What is your favorite kind of chew treat?


I absolutely LOVE flossies and bully sticks. Mommy hates how they smell but I use my shiba mind control to make sure I almost always have a supply on hand.


Are you allowed up on the bed?


Mommy tries to get me to sleep on the bed all the time. She would love it if I slept up there every night, but I never sleep there for more than five minutes. I actually hate being on furniture and will jump off the sofas and beds immediately when mommy puts me up there.




I read in your diary that you don't like the dog park. Is that still the case?


For some reason dogs I do not know make me very nervous. Going to the dog park is a very stressful experience for me so mommy tries to take me only when not a lot of other dogs re there. Now that I take walks in my development everyday and meet new dogs a lot I'm getting much better and I'm not as scared of other pups as I used to be.




Do you have any dog friends in your neighborhood?


I don't have any dog friends in my neighborhood right now frown. There are some dogs we see out on walks a lot and I let them sniff me but that's all. My best friends are my cousin Nestor and my grandpawrents dogs.




Tell me a bit about the dog food you eat. How much are you fed a day and what kind of food is it? Are you a picky eater?




I am fed Eukanuba Naturally Wild dog food. It's an all natural product and I love the Salmon and rice flavor. There is kibble in my bowl at all times so I can pick whenever I want a snack. At supper time my mommy gives me a few table scraps or a product called Moist and Meaty by purina on top of my dry kibble. I have no issues with food and will eat anything you put in front of me. I love food!


Where do you sit when you go for car rides? Do you enjoy going for drives?


I hate going in the car but will willingly jump into my seat when mommy tells me we are going to see Daddy (her dad). I always sit in the passengers seat because my mommy only has a two seater car. I have a really cool seatbelt harness though and am always buckled in when we go for a ride. I especailly like when mommy puts the roof down on her convertible!




Is there anything else you'd like to share with the dogs on the shiba forum?


According to mommy us shibas can be very difficult pups to manage sometimes so...Mommy just wants to thank everyone on this forum for always sharing their shiba stories, problems, and solutions. Even though we don't post that much, we read the threads almost daily and have solved many problems with the advice given!





Deshi Dishes With Nismo!

Original Interview Date: 6/8/09                                                                                                      


Here is my interview with Nismo (Dogster ID 131547). Enjoy!

Deshi: You have an interesting name. What does it mean?

Nismo: I get this a lot. I usually tell people that it means nothing, but here's the truth. Nismo stands for Nissan Motorsports International Limited (wiki Link-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nismo)
My owners are Nissan/Datsun enthusiasts. They wanted a Japanese name, without some of the usual ones we've seen(like Yoshi. Nothing wrong with that name by the way)

Deshi: On your dogster page it says you love going for walks where there is tall grass. Do you have a favorite place you like to walk? If so, tell me a bit about the scenery and cool things you see there.

Nismo: One of my favorite places to visit is Point Isabel in Richmond CA. It's a large regional park located right on the edge of San Francisco Bay. We get picture perfect views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs are allowed off-leash, and there are A LOT of dogs. You can meet and greet almost allbreeds there and occasionally you'll see an off-leash Shiba. GASP!

Deshi: Table scraps... have you ever gotten any? If yes, what is your favorite thing to get? If no, what would you really like to try if given the opportunity?

Nismo: My pawrents are good at not giving in to my mind control tricks, so no scraps for me. However, I've taught the male human to prepare a special dish for me when he BBQ's. It's usually unmarinated chicken, salmon, or beef. No pork, although I'd love to know that taste like.

Deshi: I read that you don't like water. Do you really hate baths then as well? Do you get bathed at home or do you go to a groomer?

Nismo: Like most "normal" Shibas, I never hide my distaste for water. I'll tolerate a bath or two every year, but that's it. I'll usually leave a few claw marks on my pawrents to teach them a lesson on Shiba Hygiene. I have been nice to the groomer the few times that I've gone there.

Deshi: What is your take on dogs wearing clothes? Have you ever played dress up and worn anything besides your collar?

Nismo: I don't mind seeing other pups wearing clothes. As long as they don't look too silly, or inhibit there range of motion.
Unfortunately, I've suffered the indignity of having to wear clothes. I've worn Santa Hats, a Baseball Jersey, and various bandanas. I do like my reversible rain/safety coat though. I think I look rather suave in it.

Deshi: Do you ever dig in the dirt or do you not like to get your paws dirty?

Nismo: Are you kidding? I love digging! Dirt, sand, grass, whatever, I'll tear it up! I feel sorry for the foo-foo purse dogs. They never get to experience the joy of digging. They're denied their Dog-Hood being stuffed in a Gucci bag.

Deshi: What do you think your most distinguishing feature is and why?

Nismo: It's hard to see on my Dogster pics, but I have a thin white stripe that runs vertically between my forehed, to my muzzle. When I was a pup it was very wide. Now it's more like a sliver. When my parents saw me on my breeders website, they knew that they had to get me. Suckers!

Deshi: Do you have a favorite napping spot? If so, tell me about it and what makes it so perfect.

Nismo: I love sleeping on my pawrents bed. Especially after they fix it. I toss the pillows around, and rub my head and body all over them. Then I make a nest out of the comforter, and go to LaLa Land. All that space to spread out makes it too hard to resist.

Deshi: What is your favorite dog toy?

Nismo: My dad has this hand puppet that looks like a pink poodle. It has this disgustingly cute face and a squeaker in the tongue. When he takes it out of the toy box, I just want to tear it off his hand! He has several scars to prove how much I "love" it.

Deshi: When you were a puppy did you chew up a lot of things? If so, what kind of things did you chew up?

Nismo: My pawrents were lucky. I only chewed a couple of slippers, and one remote control. Other than that, I used Kongs, and their hands to satisfy my cravings.

Deshi: Is there anything else you'd like to share with the dogs on the shiba forum?

Nismo: I'd like to thank you for choosing Nismo as your first interview. It is an honor that we appreciate. Also, I'd like to thank the Shiba community here on Dogster. The amount of knowledge and advice is immense, and we can find a tip or solution to almost any issue. The stories, be they dramatic, informational, or humorous, are always a welcome distraction to us too. I hope that everyone enjoys this little insight to Nismo's world and we are eagerly looking forward to the other Shibas on Deshi's list. Thanks again!

Meet Me! Deshi!

Welcome to the best blog ever created in the history of blogs. That is right, I admit it. I am great. My name is Deshi. Just one name like all the greats, Madonna, Bono, Cher, Flea, and now Deshi. I am a shiba inu journalist extraordinaire! I have been reporting on the dogster shiba inu forum for years. I have been interviewing some fascinating shibas there and will continue to do so. However, I thought in addition to interviewing on dogster I should start a blog. It is what all the cool canines are doing these days. I will eventually get around to moving all my previous interviews on to this blog too. If you have been interviewed by me in the past and want to include a picture or two of yourself please send me an email. If you would like to be interviewed by me please send me an email as well and I will add you to my list of future interviewees. Currently I am only interviewing dogs, but I am always willing to interview people as well provided said people don't mind being interviewed by a dog. Bark at you later!