This is the latest crime scene of our paper-fetish boy.

We were organizing photos from our recent trip to Tuscany. The travel books & maps were conveniently located on the side table. Mango got a hold of the map of Siena, torn it to pieces.

This photo was taken by ktula. The description for this photo post on flickr:

“I didn’t do it. It was the other dog. I think his name was Tango? Dango? Kango?”

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.

This morning Mango spent a long time at this puddle of water – tapping on the water surface and starring at the ripples. I had to call him so we can continue with our walk. I wish my life is full of intriguing moments like his.

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May 29th was Mango’s birthday. We’ve been treating him with his most favorite food Chicken breasts mixed with rice the entire week. It was no exception on his birthday. He knew what’s coming and waited patiently for his meal.

Mango is now 1 year old. How time flies!

First 3 minutes he was ahead of me as if it’s a race to the death. Then he slowed down to my pace. After half mile or so, he started dragging, just barely keeping up with me. At least we were on the move most of the time.

Whenever there’s an upcoming dog, Mango would come to a complete halt, put on his play face, waited until the upcoming dog gets closer. This time was no exception. We had to stop every time when there’s a dog walk by. And there were lots of dog at Sculpture Park.

On the account this was his first run, I shouldn’t be too hard on him. We had a good time being out in the sun. With some practice, I think Mango will become a good running partner.

Mango and I were returning home from his noon walk as we approached the elevator. The elevator door opened and 2 unleashed dogs ran out, charging straight at Mango. We were advised until Mango receives all his vaccines, to keep Mango away from public grassy area and other dogs. I tried to put myself between Mango and the other dogs to prevent them from having any contact.

The owner called her dogs in her half-ass attempt to get them back to her. One retrieved but the other dog continued to circle around us, completely ignoring her calls. The dogs’ owner didn’t seem to realize how obnoxious her dog was acting. Out of frustration and also because she was so far away from the scene, I yelled at her “my dog doesn’t have all the shots yet!”

It felt like eternity until the unleashed dog left us alone. The entire incident happened so fast, I hardly had time to think. Afterward, I emailed Diane Rich of Spokes Dog for advice. She replied: “…if situation allows, try to get in front of the other dog and tell it to go home and try to back away without alarming my dog.”

I was right to get between the other dog and Mango. But in the midst of chaos, I think I was tugging Mangos’ leash pretty hard to get him away from the harasser. That might have alarmed Mango that something was wrong.

All these could have being avoided if the 2 dogs were on leash.

Have your dogs on leash you irresponsible pet owners out there! It’s the law so obey it. I was not surprised to find others that share the same bitterness toward irresponsible dog owners.

Unleashed dogs are disasters waiting to happen, not only to other people and animal, but also to the safety of the unleashed dogs themselves. After reading an online article “Path of leash resistance”, I’m considering getting a pepper spray or something equivalent to protect Mango and myself from unwelcome off-leash dogs and their owners if it comes down to that.

Sunday lunch was a wakening call that our lives have changed with the addition of Mr. Mango. It was Mango’s second day with us. We didn’t feel comfortable leaving him alone. When Sunday lunchtime was upon us, instead of “what are we craving for”, we were brainstorming pet friendly restaurants.

I suggested Baguette Box in Fremont as I remembered seeing dog photos wanted sign and several oversize dog paintings on the wall. Baguette Box must love dogs there right? Not exactly. It was entirely my own assumption. Still I felt rather deceived when I was told by the staff dogs are not welcomed there.

I mentioned this incident to my coworker Jonathan. Also a Shiba Inu owner, Jonathan told me Norm’s Eatery & Ale House in Fremont is dog friendly, so are many restaurants’ outdoor seating.

Encouraged by his suggestion, I searched online and found both Pet Friendly Travel and Google pet friendly restaurant search have very comprehensive lists of dog friendly restaurants.

Not having to give up dining in restaurants for Mango is no doubt a huge relief for us food lovers.

Our breeder Leslie of San Jo Shibas didn’t like the name Mango very much, nor did she approve the name Firefox (that’s my pick). She believes only dignify, respectful names are worthy of her dogs. That’s how much pride and passion Leslie put into raising Shiba Inu. We respect her very much as she’s a well of knowledge on everything about this breed.

It just felt right to get the puppy from Leslie when we first met her back in March. She promised us a puppy in 3 months. In the process she educated us everything from the breed’s characteristics and setbacks to how to raise a healthy Shiba pup.

This Saturday was the day to pick up Mango. We’ve been visiting the litter prior to the pickup. So we were not total strangers to them. Leslie provided a list of puppy things to get. We had everything ready for Mango and even scheduled a private trainer upon his arrival. Even though everything was well prepared ahead, the trip home was still rough for the little guy. He threw up in the crate when we were half way there.

Private coaching started as soon as Mango got home. Our trainer Diane and us met in the backyard while Mango hid in rosemary bushes or oddly squeezed behind the lion statue. Poor Mango was exhausted and scared of the unfamiliar surrounding.

Eventually he came out of his hiding place and just quietly crashed next to us. He’s been very attach to us but still unsure of the surrounding.