BlaringSmelly

*Gasp!* I can’t believe I haven’t post our engagement photos yet. Recently I uploaded some on flickr. My photostream view counts went nuts. One of my favorites was Mango peeking into the camera. It is also many people’s favorite! Maybe it’s the curious little eyes, or the button nose, something about this photo melts my heart every time I look at it.

Yvonne Wong was the photographer, she did an amazing job capturing us in our home. I love both ktula and I look very comfortable in the shots, as if these are our day to day family photos. It makes me look forward to the future days to come. That to me is happiness.

This year’s Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk was held under weather less than ideal. But look how high spirit Mango is!

This is our 2nd year in a row participating the event. It was great to be part of it – dogs big and small walking side by side with their human companions. The walk was surprisingly calm and relaxing considering the cheer amount of people and dogs gathered at one place.

Mango was a walking machine once his state of mind is set on the walk mode. Other than stopping for a short pee break after the 1 mile mark, he finished the walk without stopping or sniffing at other dogs.

Our Eastlake home is just minutes from Burke Gilman Trail. With weather being so miserable most the time, we managed to ride out with Mango twice since late spring.

The first ride was a short trip to Fremont. During our lunch break at Fremont Farmer’s Market, half dozen market goers approached us to ask about Mango. We noticed Mango is more comfortable with strangers this time around. Instead of backing away or avoiding the hands, he let almost anyone pat him.

The second ride was just this Sunday. We rode a total of 39.5 miles to Woodenvill then back. There was sun, no clouds, and high in the low 70s. The traffic on the trail was surprisingly light. It was a great ride. The only thing I wish could be different is if we knew a dog-friendly restaurant in Woodenvill we can go to. We’ve being going to Redhook Brewery as our rest point before riding back to Seattle. Sadly Redhook does not allow dogs, not even at the outdoor seating area.

There were lots of double takes, laughter, and kids cheering in excitement when Mango was spotted in his little trailer. I have a feeling the sight of Mango-mobile will be spotted a lot more often as summer approaching.

Mango turned 2 years old yesterday. For his special day, we bought some organic chicken breasts. We got lazy making rice to go with the chicken. Thanks to our laziness, Mango scored a meal of pure chicken goodness.

It took about 20 minutes to boil the chicken, cool it, then cut it into bite sizes. Mango waited patiently but never left the kitchen area the entire time. I went through the normal seat and watch routines before Mango gets his meal. Poor Mango, at this point he was giving me the Oliver Twist’s “Please sir can i have some more” look.

As soon as I gave him the okay to approach his food, Mango went for it and didn’t make another sound for the next few minutes.

The birthday boy enjoyed his meal so much he didn’t leave the kitchen after he was done. Instead, he was hanging around the empty bowl, expecting perhaps a 2nd or 3rd courses. My boy is just like me. We turn into bottomless pit when we are eating something we like.

We ran into Diane at this month’s Shiba Meetup. It was so great to see her again. It was also a sad time. Mango’s mentor, Diane’s beloved Doberman Fraser left us recently. We remembered the times spent with Fraser during trainings as if it was just yesterday. The gentle giant Fraser will be remembered.

Mango spent about half hour in the off-leash area, then we joined Diane’s group for a bit of trial hike around the park. We stop at a shady area for a group shot. These guys were like human kids, can’t seemed to get them all sit still at the same time. This picture was made possible by 6 very patient human.

Ktula offered the thirsty group of pups some fresh water. Mango was very happy to share his water with his sister Hana, but was growling when the other dogs approaching. It’s official, Mango has possessive issues with balls and water.