Keeping in mind that Shiba Inus originate in Japan, I am mindful to share my sushi with Niko.
I have read that seaweed is good for their coat (not sure if it's true). Surprisingly, Niko likes fish. Raw and cooked. In fact, a few months ago, when Ed was fishing, Niko stole a tiny minnow when we weren't looking and chomped it down. He has a wide ranging palette. There isn't much he doesn't like to eat. Food is the key to Niko's heart.
We went to a small festival and parade this past weekend. When we approached a book sale, Niko scoped out the only shady spot--underneath the table of the book sale.
When Niko thinks we are going outside, he quickly follows us to the door. Even when he is tired, he doesn't want to lose any chance of going outside. He blocks the door by laying right in front of it. As an extra measure, in the picture, he laid on top of my flip flops. He'd surely wake up if I have to put them on to go outside.
He would make a good jail-keeper, wouldn't he?
This is a picture from our camping trip at the Adirondacks. On our campsite was a tree stump that Niko climbed up to and rested. It had a good vantage point. He was able to see the lake and keep an eye on the campsite and scope out possible food scraps.
This was a unique camping trip in that it was very secluded and the site was accessible only by boat or by hiking trail. We usually camp at places where you drive your car up to. Since Niko is afraid of the water, transporting him by kayak was not an option. He gets veeeery skiddish when he is near water. So, Ed loaded my kayak with our supplies, tied it to his kayak and rowed to the site. Niko and I walked. It was a half a mile hike, not bad at all. We did that several times to get to different areas of the park for activities.
At the ranger's office, there were signs about bears and precautions on how to avoid bears. We had that in the back of our minds. Niko's very sensitive to his surroundings and barked when he sensed strange movements or noises. If there were any bears around, I think they would have stayed away because of Niko.
When we are in the wilderness like this, Niko is in his element. He absolutely loves camping and has a good time digging holes in the ground, sniffing out bugs, and howling like a coyote at random times.
In the backyard, I have a small vegetable garden that is near and dear to my heart. Lots of time and care have been put into it. The process started in mid March when I started seeds indoors. The garden itself doesn't have protection in terms of fencing.
Earlier this summer, a neighbor who is a very experienced gardener marveled that my green bean plants were unharmed. He said rabbits love green beans and they'd be able to get to mine easily. I took my chances and didn't install a fence. This week, the same neighbor reported of groundhogs eating his cucumbers and traps didn't work and he had to fence them off.
Luckily, it is now August and my garden has been unharmed by any sort of rodents (knock on wood). We think it is mainly due to our unintended scarecrow, Niko. He spends time outside by the garden a lot and chases chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels whenever he sees them. One time, out of no where, I heard him growl quietly. I looked up to find a deer crossing the backyard. The deer didn't think twice about coming near my garden.
Our scarecrow doesn't stay outside 24 hrs/day. The usual suspects probably smell him when they come near and stay away. Thanks to Niko, we are able to enjoy home grown veggies. Thanks, buddy!
