BlaringSmelly

Today started like any weekday. Little did I know today would turn out to be one of those days that things just don’t go the right way.

I came back around 2pm to take Mango to his afternoon walk. Mango chose a nice grassy area to poop. After he was done, I reached into the bag only to find I used up the last poo bag this morning. Realizing I had nothing to scoop Mango’s poo, I felt like one of those dog owners I hated so much for not picking up after their pets. Walking away from the crime scene, I was embarrassed as hell. After quickly taking Mango home, I returned to clean up. Picking up cold poo is so much worse than picking up fresh warm ones.

After work, I took Mango to Seattle Center. Maybe it was the evening traffic noise or the stormy weather, Mango was quite jumpy and nervous to follow me. Half dragging and half pulling, I managed to get close to Seattle Center before Mango’s collar suddenly snapped open. Mango was loose and he took off running away from me.

Holding on the other end of the leash, I couldn’t believe what just happened. Horrible thoughts flashed through my mind of Mango being lost for good, Mango being hit by car, or Mango becoming a stray dog. My first reaction was to chase after him. Then I remembered there’s no way I could out run him. Out of desperation, I squatted down and made a cheerful call. At this point, Mango was already half a block away. Amazingly, he heard my call and stopped running. I yelled out “Mango come!” and started cheering like I was having so much fun with him. To my relief, Mango put on his smiley face and started running back to me like he would do during our recall exercises.

After securing his collar, I was kissing and hugging Mango regardless of passerby’s strange looks. Holy cow, that was too close a call. I was so thankful he responded to my call. I recalled Diane stressed the importance of recall exercise. Diane was right. I can not imagine what’s going to happen if it wasn’t for the training. I’m so proud of my little guy.

Mango’s last training session took place at Everest Park in Kirkland.

We arrived early and as far as we could tell, nobody was around. Ktula and I started monkey around in the parking lot while waiting for Diane and Hana’s parents to show up.

It was a typical fall weather, the air is crisp and a bit chilly with plenty of sun. The leaves on the parking lot trees turned into flaming red. Against the clear blue sky, the sight was quite mesmerizing. I snapped some awesome fall tree shots. When I had enough fun taking pictures, I realized I’ve lost rack of ktula and Mango.

Turned out they found Diane and Hana’s parents at the other end of the park. Mango and Hana had a bit of sibling rivalry fun. Diane brought alone a 6-month old golden retriever Navi. Mango and Navi played hard. They worn each other out nicely and had a great time.

Mango has officially graduated from Diane’s second puppy training. Thanks to Diane, we had a great start. Ktula and I will carry on with his training.

Mango attended his first Shiba Inu Meetup this past Saturday at Robinswood Park in Bellevue. Before going to the Meetup, we consulted our trainer Diane of Spokes Dog. Diane scheduled our training session at Robinswood Park so we can be at the Meetup right after the puppy training.

The nice thing about being at the park early is Mango get to be there before everybody else. Upon arrival, there was one black puddle playing alone in the corral. Mango and the puddle became fast friends and started chasing and playing in no time.

Slowly and steady, more shibas showed up. At one point there were probably more than 20 shibas at the Meetup. I was quite nervous as Mango being a young pup and this is his first time meeting so many strange dogs. To my relief he wasn’t getting picked or bullied by other dogs.

We left about 30 minutes into the Meetup. Mango had a great time being off leash and surrounded by its own kind. One of the meetup attendees took this great shot of Mango. Little Mango is starting to look like a grown up shiba.

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.