Unlike some breeds that requires regular bath to get rid of the doggy smell, Shiba don’t have that problem. During winter times, we can get away with not bathing Mango for months. At one point, Mango was shedding pretty badly. Since he didn’t smell bad, we simply vacuumed his loose hair away and saved another bath. We are fortunate that Mango doesn’t mind our vacuum machine.

Finally we felt we own Mango a bath. Not because he smelled bad, but we didn’t want him to forget what’s it like to take a bath.

Mango doesn’t like bath, but he put up with it. The only thing we needed to watch for is water splash from his occasional shaking.

One thing we like about going to self-service dog wash place was their industry strength blower. It would take so long to dry all his hair using home hair dryer.

The last step was to clean his ears. It was Mango’s favorite thing of the entire bath. He closed his eyes and let the alcohol-soaked cotton rubbed inside his ear for as long as it takes.

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.

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.

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.

Posted via email from Smelly’s Snapshots

This morning at 8:00 am, Mango succeed in his first grown-up pee. He totally took me by surprise. One second he was bowing and circling around with a puppy, the next second he got on his usual peeing patch and then “woosh”! He lifted his rare left leg and started peeing. If somebody happen to walk by at the moment would surely see an odd woman jaw drooping while staring at her Shiba peeing. That was the most manly pee Mango ever performed!

Wrong leg buddy

Squating like a girl

In the past, Mango experimented and toyed with the idea. Finally, just weeks before his 2-year old birthday, Mango decided it’s time to man up and ditched his former girly squash. Just when I thought I knew everything about him. He showed me how wrong I was. Bravo my little man!

I’m taking votes, which Mango card should I get?

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.

I like this shot. Mango gazes into the camera lens. What a peaceful expression on his face even though looking a little dazed from just waking up.

Mango was such a babe magnet. Girls at the dinner party were taking turns giving him commands then rewarding him with treats. Mango loved the attention, mingling from one girl to the other. His old pal James was completely ignored. Poor James, his fetching service was no longer required when there were treats and constant patting.

At the end, ktula wanted some love too. “Come here bubu, give papa some sugar too.” *kiss!*