tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64758851833683828062024-02-07T01:07:29.959-05:00Niko - Our Shiba InuMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-15535359610960318972012-01-29T23:48:00.000-05:002012-01-30T09:35:54.311-05:00'Bye lil Bud Bud<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow will mark the one month anniversary of the day Ed, I, and many others said good bye to Niko. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have thought long and hard of whether I would write this post and how I would go about it. It pains me to write about it but I want to do it in honor of our beloved best friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were spending the week between Christmas and New Year's at Ed's parents. As I've mentioned in other posts, it truly was Niko's favorite getaway spot. He was familiar with the endless acres of land, the house, and family. In the car rides up, when we said "Grandma and Grandpa's!" his head would pop up and eyes would be alert to look out the window. His tail would wag with excitement as he jumps out of the car to greet everyone and go explore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "come when called" command was always a challenge for Niko. Although we had him leashed when we were in urban areas, we made a conscious decision to allow him off leash opportunities in what we believed were safe conditions. Ed's parents house was one of the places because of the open land of fields and woods. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko had spent a week full of play, treats, and time with family, including Ed's nephews who adored Niko. In fact, the day before his last, Niko was tired out from spending hours playing with nephew Peter who is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 years old</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On December 30, 2011, while Ed and I were still asleep, Niko was let outside to go to the bathroom. When called to come inside, he insisted on staying out. It was surreal to be woken up and told Niko was hit by a car and needed to be taken to the vet ASAP. We learned afterward that a lady was driving to work that morning. She caught sight of Niko and slowed down her car. When she saw that he was standing in the lawn by the flagpole, she accelerated, thinking Niko wouldn't move. For whatever reason, Niko darted out at the wrong moment and was hit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After he was hit, Niko walked around the yard, probably in shock. The driver who was very upset, rang the doorbell to let us know. Ed's father picked Niko up and brought him inside. There were no visible injuries aside from a little blood on his hind leg. Niko walked into a bedroom to lay down. This was something he used to do when he wasn't feeling well and wanted to be alone. Once we found out which animal hospital was open at that time (before 8am), Ed wrapped Niko up in a blanket and brought him to the car. Up to this point, all of us thought he would survive due to the fact that he was able to walk and he wasn't visibly hurt. However, Ed was not optimistic when Niko didn't squirm when he was picked up. I sat with Niko in the backseat. I was silent most of the ride from shock and disbelief. I petted him, held him, and we looked at each other, communicating silently. The ride to the hospital was less than 10 minutes, but I could feel Niko slipping away. He moved his head towards the front of the car where Ed was. Ed petted his head; Niko was reaching out for one last contact with his Dad. Moments later, Niko took his last breath. It happened right before we reached the hospital. I say it was Niko's rebellious way of telling us he had always hated going to the vet. When we arrived, I asked for Niko to be taken inside just to make sure he was gone and the technician confirmed it. <span style="text-align: center;">We brought Niko back to the house and there was no question that we would bury him in his favorite place. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Niko is buried by the tree pictured here that overlooks the fields he used to run in and the woods in the distance is where we used to go hiking with him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko was two and half years old. I feel very sad he was taken from us so quickly. We can't help but wonder if we did the right thing. I will say that Niko lived a very full life, had many experiences, and was loved by all. If we hadn't given him off-leash time, he wouldn't have done and seen half the things he wanted to. My friend Mona captured it well<b>: </b>"Niko was an adventurer and his parents accepted his free spirit." If I had to choose a favorite off-leash experience, it would be the time we went on the <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2011/08/long-anticipated-canoe-trip.html">canoe/backpacking</a> trip in the Adirondacks a few months ago. The trip was not possible if we did not trust him off the leash. I smile when I think back to how he sat next to me when we had to take a break from transporting the canoe. Off leash, Niko had free reigns to run off, but he chose to stay close to us and wait until we were ready to move again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had taken the following picture two weeks before NIko's fateful day and had planned on writing a post about this sleeping position. I like how he intricately crosses all four of his paws like that. I'd like to think that he's resting peacefully like so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even after a month had passed, we miss Niko every single day. Life is just different without him. We both have dreams of him now, when we did not when he was alive. I especially miss his soft fur and how he cheers me up on bad days. Writing this blog was more fulfilling than I had imagined when I started it and I'm happy it is there for us to reflect on our days with Niko. Through the blog, I found other Shiba Inu bloggers from around the world. You can bet I'll continue reading up on you guys and living vicariously through you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am concluding this blog with a few pictures from when Niko was a puppy to his last Christmas. And a list of the multiple nicknames we had for him: Niko Peeko, Bud Bud, Bum Bum, Bumblebutt, Pup Pup, and Foxy. Niko lives in our hearts forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-18640653931164707432011-12-22T07:42:00.001-05:002011-12-22T07:43:13.262-05:00"Merry Christmas!" says the Elf<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko has been very busy this Christmas season. Because....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas to all our readers. Thanks for keeping up with our blog and reading this year.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Does this shirt make my butt look big?"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-36686138606024966452011-12-14T23:41:00.000-05:002011-12-20T00:16:05.739-05:00Naughty or Nice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't believe it is Niko's third Christmas this year. The Santa hat comes back out again and I put it on Niko as often as I can remember to. Compared to his first Christmas, he doesn't even notice the thing is on him now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Niko is on the "nice" list this year. He is maturing more and more now and hardly causes us any trouble. We love him.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-4688288189994387202011-12-04T23:45:00.001-05:002011-12-05T00:14:48.217-05:00Thanksgiving Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thanksgiving morning, Niko was chillin in Times Square, in a crosswalk. This was made possible because of road closures for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.We were on 40th street and off the parade route. We stood in an area that was less crowded and viewed the floats from a distance. As expected, Niko the country dog was a nervous dog in a big city. He stayed close to us, cowering from noises, manhole covers, and subway grates. When we stayed put to watch the parade, he sat quietly and looked around. We received many comments, questions, and requests to take picture of him. We even caught a lady videotaping Niko. Imagine that.</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather was exceptionally nice for this time of the year. On Friday, we headed to Coney Island. I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to Coney Island in the decade that I lived in Brooklyn. Although a lot of shops and attractions were closed that day, there were many people on the boardwalk enjoying the weather. We walked on the beach as well and ventured onto a pier to watch people fish.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the pier, Niko met a poodle in a sexy poncho. The caption for the "No Swimming" picture should be "Pffft, you don't have to tell me twice!" says Niko. Also pictured is Niko in front of Nathan's. We had an excellent time in NYC. After a short 36 hour period, we left town (to Niko's delight) to go to the country and visited with other family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-73956257274032477952011-11-30T00:01:00.001-05:002011-11-30T00:06:37.922-05:00Shiba Shot Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So much for not finding the Shiba Inu represented at specialty stores! My cousin Tracey was on vacation in Smithville, NJ and found a shot glass. Coincidentally, my last post was about how difficult it was to find anything Shiba related. This will come in handy when I take my cough medicine. Let the Shiba find continue...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hope everyone out there had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I will be posting about Niko's Thanksgiving adventures shortly.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-83333634105053604992011-11-20T23:29:00.001-05:002011-11-21T00:12:41.501-05:00Shiba Socks & Shar Pei Niko<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to go to Seattle for a few days last week for work. As excited as I was to see Seattle, I also missed home. Niko was in good hands with Ed and I received periodic updates. On the first two days, after Ed returned from work, Niko went up on his chair to look out the window anticipating me as well. Not exactly a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachi:_A_Dog's_Story">Hachi</a> story of a dog who looked for his owner everyday for ten years, but I'll take it anyway!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On my last day of the trip, we went to Pike Place. I found a store called Merry Tails that stocked all sorts of pets stuff. Normally, I don't hold out much hope at these stores in finding anything "Shiba Inu." To my surprise, I found a few items representing the breed. I couldn't resist and purchased a pair of socks. In case anyone's interested, they were made by Wheel House Designs. Next time I have to be away from home, I'll be packing this pair of socks to cope with missing Niko.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I came home, Niko went wild with excitement. Instead of his usual tame self where I instruct him to sit before I greet him, he tackled me and gave me non stop licks and sniffs. It was great to see him again and let him sniff me out to figure out where I was. Last night, he joined me on the couch for an extended amount of time. Of course, I lured him with treats first, but the cool thing was that he stayed after the treats were gone. He laid on top of my fleece throw. Niko's face in the wrinkly throw reminded me of a Shar Pei:</span></div>
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</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-31141283778566575162011-11-03T22:33:00.001-04:002011-11-03T22:33:31.150-04:00What's in Niko's Bowl?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer to that question is Blue Buffalo dry dog food. Occasionally, he finds surprises in his bowl. A great way to spice up his usual meal is to sprinkle on some cheese. Niko's food bowl is in the kitchen. Whenever a recipe calls for cheese, I sneak some of it into Niko's bowl before putting it back in the fridge. I had some freshly grated Parmesan cheese left in a container in the fridge that I've been slowly depleting by way of Niko's bowl. This cheese is especially aromatic and he LOVES it. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko oftens peeks into the kitchen when we're in there cooking. He stares me down to see if I share anything. His nose picks up scents of meat and cheese very well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We noticed Niko's been munching down more food than usual. We attribute it to the colder weather and his survival instincts kicking in. </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-4798207890369943842011-10-30T23:59:00.000-04:002011-10-31T00:01:09.440-04:00Snow Already?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much to Niko's delight, snow came super early this season. We headed up to Ed's parents this weekend (one of Niko's favorite get-aways). He loves it there because of the vast openness of country exploring and of course, being spoiled rotten by grandma!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We woke up to a very beautiful scene- snow covered fields and trees. We took a walk into the woods where Niko reunited with his passion for snow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We allow Niko off the leash when we're here. He still needs work in the "time to go inside the house" department. Although we get nervous about it, we have learned to allow him this freedom. It helps that he does not go very far without us. He stays by the perimeter of the house and remains within eyesight <i>most</i> of the time. I'm happy to report that during this weekend, he came inside on command more times than not. Progress is being made.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-37160653506966304202011-10-20T22:24:00.000-04:002011-10-20T22:24:21.225-04:00A Day in Ithaca<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a post about an excursion from this summer that I never got around to writing about until now. My family came up for a visit one weekend and we played host. Niko welcomed them with open paws. The only other times they have seen Niko is when we go to <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2010/06/country-dog-meets-big-city.html">Brooklyn</a>, where he is not really himself. My brother Matt warmed up to Niko and got to experience the real deal during his visit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took a 45 minute drive to Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca for a hike. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ithaca has many beautiful waterfalls and gorges, formed by glaciers. I often see bumper stickers and t-shirts that read "Ithaca is Gorges" and this picture Matt took on the hike proves it:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hike was uphill most of the way and got a bit intricate in some areas. Niko was on his leash. The park was busy that day with plenty of visitors. He cooled off by slurping on the water from the falls along the hike. We saw other dogs going knee deep and sticking their entire head in the water.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a lovely day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko enjoyed the ride and having Matt accompany him in the backseat. I get a kick whenever I capture a picture of Niko with his eyes closed, as pictured here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterwards, we had lunch at the Commons and Niko fell upon some dog statues. He was confused and scared about them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The weekend after our last hoorah of summer, we had our first hoorah of the Autumn season. The location was the Adirondacks, where the beautiful fall foliage was already starting to show. We were attending Ed's best friend's wedding at Inlet, NY. Ed had best man duties but we had plenty of free time to explore. We opted to stay at a "guided tent" at the inn the wedding took place instead of a regular room. Unlike our usual camping routine, we were "glamping" it on this trip. I borrowed that term from a show on I caught on the Travel Channel; it is a portmanteau for "glamorous camping". The tent was equipped with a comfy bed, basic furniture, heaters, a furnace, and it even had electricity. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had a private bathroom a few feet from the tent that was luxurious for normal standards (double shower heads?!). The inn did not allow pets, but the groom got special permission for his dog, Cabela. We were asked to keep her in our tent the night before the wedding. Niko stayed at a pet friendly motel with Ed's brother.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiEjaBVSGaR0wHJTX52xXiMIRYvR-kLFoNS8SyeT6YaDVRJtUV5zDSq3aARCy6sEtucRHI7IVKE0KWcCyF7E0Q6Ubid-7GZxJfXKmg5wzgEJ44BkKL3alq-2Sk4GvYR-uIet_pdGLYuoZ/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiEjaBVSGaR0wHJTX52xXiMIRYvR-kLFoNS8SyeT6YaDVRJtUV5zDSq3aARCy6sEtucRHI7IVKE0KWcCyF7E0Q6Ubid-7GZxJfXKmg5wzgEJ44BkKL3alq-2Sk4GvYR-uIet_pdGLYuoZ/s320/DSC_0457.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coincidentally, on the day of the wedding, there was a special event going on in the small town of Inlet (population of 400). The town was hosting an event called <a href="http://www.onesquaremileofhope.org/">One Square Mile of Hope</a>, an attempt to beat the Guinness Book of World Records for the most boats floating </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on a lake. It was
also an event to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, for the
Cure for breast cancer research. We almost brought our kayaks
to partake in the event, but didn't for various reasons. Fourth Lake
was right in front of the inn and we watched from the shore. It sure was a lot
of people, a reported 1,925 canoes and kayaks. Congratulations,
Inlet, for beating the world record! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A group of us decided to go on a hike that would take us to the top of a peak, in hopes of getting a birds eye view of the kayak and canoe laden lake. Niko and Cabela went along on their leashes. It was quite a challenging hike up the mountain. There was a light mist and the trail was muddy and slippery. When we reached the top, we were highly disappointed. There was a heavy fog and we couldn't see two feet in front of us, let alone the lake. We needed a rest, so we loitered there for a bit. Not too long into our break, the fog started to break. It was amazing to see the view in front of us slowly appear. To our surprise, most of the boats had dispersed by this time. We enjoyed the scenery anyway <i>and </i>I caught Niko sneaking a kiss with Cabela:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the hike, we separated Niko from his pal Cabela. Cabela had some important tasks ahead of her at her parents' wedding. She is an exceptionally well trained dog. She performed her ring bearer task right on cue and melted guests' hearts. At the reception, she held the basket during the dollar dance and didn't drop a penny. Cabela truly surpassed her title as Best Pet in the wedding party.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although Niko didn't get our fullest attention this weekend, it still beat being home. Here he is sniffing the air and saying good bye to the good old Adirondacks. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">See you next summer. We can't wait to return.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-88470979813433750552011-09-25T23:13:00.000-04:002011-09-25T23:13:15.531-04:00The Last Hoorah of the Summer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weekends after Labor Day, we went on our last camping trip of the summer. It was bittersweet, as the months passed before our eyes too quickly. We returned to The Thousand Islands where we spent our first camping trip of the year (on <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2011/06/he-licks-us-for-us.html">Memorial day</a>). The park was less crowded at this time of the year and the nights were cooler, with temperatures dropping to the 40s. However, with multiple layers of clothing, an insulated sleeping bag, and a nice fire, we couldn't complain. The weather was clear and sunny and we were happy about that. We brought our kayaks but spared Niko the misery and kept him from the water.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We noticed Niko being more interested in the campfire than previously. On past trips, he would sit a far distance from the fire. He would curl up in a ball and rest on fallen leaves or soft grass. This time, he approached the campfire when he was hungry. He finally discovered the business we call campfire cooking. Samplings of our food included roasted corn, hot dogs, burgers, pizza paninis, and s'mores. It might have been the colder temperatures too that drew Niko closer to the fire.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took the same hike as we did last time and Niko found some living and not so living things. He was on the leash the whole time but his nose was sniffing things out. As soon as he smells something interesting, he would pick it up with his mouth. He finds things that we would never have noticed with our eyes. One particular specimen he did not want to let go of was a dead fish head, identified by Ed as a northern pike that was killed and feasted on by another animal.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to the fact that there were fewer campers this late in the season, we secured a prime campsite. Back in May, we drove around the park to look for the perfect location and took notes. Luckily this one was open when we made reservations. We were on a point that was surrounded by water on three sides. We were also high off the shore, on a big rock platform. Check out our view:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also glad to report that I got zero bug bites on this time which is a big win. What a big difference from the typical camping trip I would return with swollen bites all over my limbs. We said goodbye to the summer, our kayaks, and equipment. Until next year...</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-30550982918325461032011-09-19T23:26:00.000-04:002011-09-19T23:26:48.577-04:00A Pupcake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko comes from humble roots (literally, an Amish breeder). He is not accustomed to fancy treats. Sure, I've made him treats before, but I presentation is not my forte. So, when my good friend Mona bought her dogs doggie cupcakes and shared one with Niko, it was special. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing had edible glitter! Glamorous, right? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poor Niko, not being used to his very own cupcake, he didn't know what to do. He sniffed it but left it alone. I took the wrapper off and he licked the wrapper, as he is accustomed to eating crumbs and leftovers. It was only when i placed the cupcake in his food bowl that the light bulb went off. I might have to start instilling some culture in this hobo dog. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mona is a talented cupcake baker herself. Check her creations out: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cupcakes-Love-Mona/124097940962872">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cupcakes-Love-Mona/124097940962872</a><br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-10891755685009375642011-09-18T23:09:00.000-04:002011-09-18T23:09:34.859-04:00Perfect Pose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I decided to post this picture because of the way Niko's paws are positioned. It reminded me of a pose for a studio picture. Getting Niko to pose for pictures is a difficult task. He looks away too quick or I don't have my camera ready. He has an aloof personality. Unless....you have something he wants. In this particular instance, Niko was very interested in what I was eating. He held the pose long enough for me to grab my phone to snap the picture. This is his "I'll pose for food" pose.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-13909255901153213282011-08-31T23:12:00.001-04:002011-08-31T23:12:36.052-04:00Dog Show<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our local Kennel Club hosted an AKC sanctioned dog show and it was open to the public. It was a three day event and we were able to drop in on the last day. It was held outdoors and of course we brought Niko along...you know...to show him what obedience really means. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB46kLv7qtOo_9aBYixkoW8LLXbqAWv5-bn6G3VLcxk12X4jTGsw0eSFFNIjrK_N5VNDivsGSfxw6RYVydTBDErzRlGN2JsQQBOtE6G1JLB6b4Hks81LvNK8PQVm0o3mLlIYJ6qBH04eW/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB46kLv7qtOo_9aBYixkoW8LLXbqAWv5-bn6G3VLcxk12X4jTGsw0eSFFNIjrK_N5VNDivsGSfxw6RYVydTBDErzRlGN2JsQQBOtE6G1JLB6b4Hks81LvNK8PQVm0o3mLlIYJ6qBH04eW/s400/DSC_0438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were hit with an air of silence and seriousness when we approached a prep area where the handlers and dogs line up to "show." We soon learned it was no joke and that people traveled far distances to compete in this show. There were dogs of different sizes, colors, and shapes. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C12ZaKeB05dn2lUly2X2_LUMZ90VAe0YCYPAoPfrpzmXuwGSYx9k6wjLe0N_DK47lhsALhrc-8Pk2m5OkVofDNZvew8a8cFP3eWvryWeJ-kOud4OYJMAFSdLY24LHgkxu1azmurNsekF/s1600/08_August2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C12ZaKeB05dn2lUly2X2_LUMZ90VAe0YCYPAoPfrpzmXuwGSYx9k6wjLe0N_DK47lhsALhrc-8Pk2m5OkVofDNZvew8a8cFP3eWvryWeJ-kOud4OYJMAFSdLY24LHgkxu1azmurNsekF/s640/08_August2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were dog show newbies and did not know what the judges look for. The competitions we watched were by breed size. The dogs pranced around in a circle with their handler one pair at a time, the judge gets a close look at the dog, lifts a leg or two, and they go back in a line. After all the pairs have taken their turns, the entire group jogs in the circle together one more time and lines up for the judge to look at the dogs side by side. Ribbons are awarded and the winners pose for pictures on a stoop. Like this beautiful Akita named Trader:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismta5Za3IhuCSgc7YSsmDQhm-jxgMuBEMKNX3HxGQxlcInxY6pBuFs7ltx9YJ-PbzqeUBZomHp88m2wZ8XuOAyKqXwFIppKyE3o_3BbFRODsbo6jPv3CkbxGV1kx-gDSwFMGGMwMGOZXY/s1600/DSC_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismta5Za3IhuCSgc7YSsmDQhm-jxgMuBEMKNX3HxGQxlcInxY6pBuFs7ltx9YJ-PbzqeUBZomHp88m2wZ8XuOAyKqXwFIppKyE3o_3BbFRODsbo6jPv3CkbxGV1kx-gDSwFMGGMwMGOZXY/s320/DSC_0417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjLyR_6DeZMAgkoxZrSPCZIIwG9a-UuhWsSKTCvXtU89-A_TK7Z_wyw7a53rW8kpUx4xgVHPLOd_IFxHP-Ul7Hzncpfx9CbTFQ3_YOOLVmS9aWyiqE4-GN0MtDIji9UnXXMMyivyLopvb/s1600/DSC_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjLyR_6DeZMAgkoxZrSPCZIIwG9a-UuhWsSKTCvXtU89-A_TK7Z_wyw7a53rW8kpUx4xgVHPLOd_IFxHP-Ul7Hzncpfx9CbTFQ3_YOOLVmS9aWyiqE4-GN0MtDIji9UnXXMMyivyLopvb/s320/DSC_0422.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"where are the treats?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you see any resemblances between Niko and Trader? Akitas and Shiba Inus are related breeds. When people see Niko, aside from the common "he looks like a fox" comment, people also guess if he's an Akita. Look at who was backstage checking things out:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, it was an interesting first dog show. We do wish we caught some agility competitions. Maybe next year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were reminded of how much work goes into training a dog in general, but to train for dog shows is a whole other level. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One last note, we caught Niko checking this broad out:</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwQAMOLhObR4EWpEFq602AAd8VNQ7Acr07QQ51LK-rRA8ozhTYOK8-InCkpEf3mbHslJnjBvGrACWxNQvIbB-kcVZhAr6QvYp5gr-qyguef_NnHiIfbmQig_IIKvQQS5WpGsFNsYMHZ2C/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwQAMOLhObR4EWpEFq602AAd8VNQ7Acr07QQ51LK-rRA8ozhTYOK8-InCkpEf3mbHslJnjBvGrACWxNQvIbB-kcVZhAr6QvYp5gr-qyguef_NnHiIfbmQig_IIKvQQS5WpGsFNsYMHZ2C/s640/DSC_0425.JPG" width="424" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry Niko, she is way out of your league and may be too high maintenance. You need to look for someone that likes to roll around in mud like yourself.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-53063911329650670912011-08-28T23:01:00.001-04:002011-08-28T23:04:22.731-04:00Fundraising Fun<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Niko went to his first fundraising event as part of last weekend's activities. We changed vets over a year ago to SPEAK Animal Hospital, which is a non-profit animal hospital. The staff is super friendly, prices are more affordable, and they had just renovated the entire facility. We attended the grand re-opening event to help their cause, let Niko meet new people and dogs. It was a well organized event with a live band, food, vendors, exhibits, facility tours, and raffle prizes. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFwwnHkg-MsVgrgR05PPXMZILXl0nH9I9OyVqPhZlMok2VrVK0rNZKDmMNYcLJDjDVSh9F-MJS3L_esVXzDK35RNrgJBnmjXf7EGr-xZf0-CyTYbY48vAhIO7MQaGzmTI2LVcGzpj8bpa/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFwwnHkg-MsVgrgR05PPXMZILXl0nH9I9OyVqPhZlMok2VrVK0rNZKDmMNYcLJDjDVSh9F-MJS3L_esVXzDK35RNrgJBnmjXf7EGr-xZf0-CyTYbY48vAhIO7MQaGzmTI2LVcGzpj8bpa/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On display were two beautiful alpacas. Niko didn't care much for them. In the last several years, alpacas have grown in popularity. I was educated by a coworker that breeding alpacas is a serious business. Not only are they cute and loving animals, they are making a name for themselves in the textile industry.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The best part of the event was watching the New York State Police demonstration. A police dog named Wheeler (a German Shepard) and his handler educated the audience about NY's <a href="http://troopers.ny.gov/specialized_services/Canine_Unit/">K-9 Unit</a>. We learned some interesting facts:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All NY State police dogs are named after fallen officers to honor them</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Canine Unit training facility is located in Cooperstown, NY</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wheeler and his handler were part of a team that searched for survivors and bodies at Ground Zero after September 11</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dogs can smell their handler's emotions change regardless of visual and verbal cues</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We watched Wheeler search for hidden narcotics and "attack" a culprit. The obedience and intelligence of Wheeler impressed us very much.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuRmgN4bwV4NefCQJYA36Y9JkwtSMuQDSNhbGuG33jaxXOyEIszswFyMt3U7W0gCJfRChrp44DBkzJBSzuNO8GWfQbwYvb6Vm_yDohXjInBtdouo1WbL8HafpQiMhMpRSi31261Seo4zK/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuRmgN4bwV4NefCQJYA36Y9JkwtSMuQDSNhbGuG33jaxXOyEIszswFyMt3U7W0gCJfRChrp44DBkzJBSzuNO8GWfQbwYvb6Vm_yDohXjInBtdouo1WbL8HafpQiMhMpRSi31261Seo4zK/s320/IMG_0798.JPG" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"hmm...that dog's got some neat tricks up his paws"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were glad we attended the event. I bought Niko his latest fashion accessory - a bandana that threads through his collar. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4k2UYH5rsVkaTN_-WHycyyqtjduZJido5_8vM9ls5GxN3xvpC14lGY3iejLt-9vxOSwVCojJzFd_2BUtttdQD-v78ZJCYmQq1FhvRxcI_Z9IfJtD5i17cDmDJer0jGeQ0My5HKo0_TNC/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4k2UYH5rsVkaTN_-WHycyyqtjduZJido5_8vM9ls5GxN3xvpC14lGY3iejLt-9vxOSwVCojJzFd_2BUtttdQD-v78ZJCYmQq1FhvRxcI_Z9IfJtD5i17cDmDJer0jGeQ0My5HKo0_TNC/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is not very often I dress Niko up. He is more of a ruff and tuff dog, but this was for charity =)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">A few days later, I received a phone call that I won a raffle basket. Even sweeter.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-32242109207581714812011-08-21T18:38:00.003-04:002011-08-22T12:28:21.545-04:00The Dog Park & Raised Fur<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the area we live in, dog parks didn't exist....until now! A few months ago, we were at our local Petco and we saw a display table with volunteers raising money for a community dog park. We gave a monetary donation and forgot about it. The other day, I decided to do a search online on the dog park progress. What a nice coincidence, they had just finished putting up the fence this week and have the gates yet to put up tomorrow. We couldn't wait so we decided to take a drive and check the place out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The fenced in park is very open with lots of space for dogs to run around and do their thing. They have 2 divided areas for big breeds and smaller breeds. We let Niko off the leash and he barely moved, giving us a confused look. We threw his tennis ball and he got the hint. He darted around playing fetch, enjoying the free space.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not long after that, a few other dogs who were offleash came into the small breed section. Although they were larger dogs, they noticed Niko and came in our area anyway. Niko was outnumbered and smaller in size. One dog chased him and Niko chased back. We noticed Niko's fur patterns change very quickly and fur was raised like nothing we've seen before. My limited knowledge of reading a dog's body language is: tail up and wagging means happy and confident; tail down means scared.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was able to snap a few pictures and review the transition from happy/confident/playful to scared/nervous.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5FPUIvGrkFWHUDveBP-623vkPMSQiPYpn6LTTrhumqgj66K6k2o7h3mXk2iBRZuXkv2TeR7T1ya1Da1E4h3OP09M_CjPMzU-fNvqjat66_ncNA_ICLKqIBsF3qlDsTo9Cg7f7_GxMfUS/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5FPUIvGrkFWHUDveBP-623vkPMSQiPYpn6LTTrhumqgj66K6k2o7h3mXk2iBRZuXkv2TeR7T1ya1Da1E4h3OP09M_CjPMzU-fNvqjat66_ncNA_ICLKqIBsF3qlDsTo9Cg7f7_GxMfUS/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" width="225" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Niko was alone at this time. Tail up and fur on his shoulders raised. He is alert and chasing the ball.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then came the larger dog who chased Niko. Notice Niko's tail is curved way down and his back looks like we shaved him and gave him a mohawk. This was only minutes after the other picture:</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_mqtqnXcW8T8u_LK85V0oGSHwD_W3Pt8foDj9XuwQAvQ7YbpNLdERmSEq7A2CCxaL5fYBFYAmziSajfxpn2Vv-kTvXp6GWvJ1Z74Yehk2aEbftHbHoFbYs5yfNNmRko6iBZIVBO3dWSe/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_mqtqnXcW8T8u_LK85V0oGSHwD_W3Pt8foDj9XuwQAvQ7YbpNLdERmSEq7A2CCxaL5fYBFYAmziSajfxpn2Vv-kTvXp6GWvJ1Z74Yehk2aEbftHbHoFbYs5yfNNmRko6iBZIVBO3dWSe/s640/DSC_0366.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L0rN3GeSO5rDby9_Vspwu9Cq9tI-Ok2YG5c1lPnImXprjFcKRWNcW1nmmOrcvgs_78bR8uqETi8IECGbPB8h4_g-9yM5_39hP_bL15iGZpofLyINsnMKzrN2cVaUWHki82RZ0VBcksdU/s1600/08_August1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L0rN3GeSO5rDby9_Vspwu9Cq9tI-Ok2YG5c1lPnImXprjFcKRWNcW1nmmOrcvgs_78bR8uqETi8IECGbPB8h4_g-9yM5_39hP_bL15iGZpofLyINsnMKzrN2cVaUWHki82RZ0VBcksdU/s640/08_August1.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The owners of that dog tried to call her name but to no avail. She just wanted to play with Niko and was not a threat. But Niko was very timid when 4 dogs came in all at once. He growled and the other dog did back away. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We were on hand to stop a fight if needed, but it didn't come to that. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c8UBvNbG9oA82kHG4jphToyCyAveGHNnKc24WX9BI7ENPdoM-BDEtSwR63wG3DwlwP5Spvjho5XoegzB4NT7Y5wSrQuYJklpngzwDyvu-IYorWgmgSL_I3aV1OJUwmGm6ajfisrAUPyG/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c8UBvNbG9oA82kHG4jphToyCyAveGHNnKc24WX9BI7ENPdoM-BDEtSwR63wG3DwlwP5Spvjho5XoegzB4NT7Y5wSrQuYJklpngzwDyvu-IYorWgmgSL_I3aV1OJUwmGm6ajfisrAUPyG/s400/DSC_0371.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy as a clam again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We give the dog park 2 paws and 2 thumbs up all the way. We are happy the community approved the project and it is something a lot of people and pets have been waiting for. There is even a creek by the park for dogs to swim in and cool off. We took Niko there as well and he was about 2 inches deep in the water. Not bad, Niko.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCBStlP1DonGqxxIkJ5jQBtHbsvmjO4QrK4NlB1wkbj0zgPA6crISmzoFLq5rgUlf_bFSjwUS6HMEAicRJqrZoFzhbAYFi9QiBifwUqmkafy_YWuNU6vjbcfLJPNg9JJG2zxi8pPxGNpT/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCBStlP1DonGqxxIkJ5jQBtHbsvmjO4QrK4NlB1wkbj0zgPA6crISmzoFLq5rgUlf_bFSjwUS6HMEAicRJqrZoFzhbAYFi9QiBifwUqmkafy_YWuNU6vjbcfLJPNg9JJG2zxi8pPxGNpT/s640/DSC_0381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-3850135464167909692011-08-17T23:26:00.000-04:002011-08-17T23:26:27.456-04:00The Lonely Sunflower<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giant sunflower stalking Shiba Inu:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0eY8KHXpmuctq2Mxewwoea0Y8UBq0fSO4eKLl7t6Qhr49QL3_QrwlVw7BhuWeE17fEgvGLVHxTd3ZhfP9_C38fBW3a89A6aZM_15UwHW_5PIkB-iqK67MnPLKgjjHbjzGIIPY8INN3Zc/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0eY8KHXpmuctq2Mxewwoea0Y8UBq0fSO4eKLl7t6Qhr49QL3_QrwlVw7BhuWeE17fEgvGLVHxTd3ZhfP9_C38fBW3a89A6aZM_15UwHW_5PIkB-iqK67MnPLKgjjHbjzGIIPY8INN3Zc/s400/IMG_0783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At last year's state fair, I picked up a free packet of sunflower seeds (for growing, not snacking purposes). I planted the seeds by the stairs to the deck in the spring. Patiently, we waited for the stalks to come up and the plant is taller than us, towering over the deck. So far one flower is open and it is bigger than my face. Niko doesn't seem to notice this behemoth of a flower because it is not within his eyesight.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTzNxP7OjIY8amPUWFAjtTs9uI-kQi1utfAgeS4Ixjw190WbZBESwdP-FPOHVsvboTT1m1B5RQl54yr3lXZHR9oCXX-B74Gib7oMthtj4ZPY_CZv1pZyd6l1mujEWjS7itP69zW75zUvp/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTzNxP7OjIY8amPUWFAjtTs9uI-kQi1utfAgeS4Ixjw190WbZBESwdP-FPOHVsvboTT1m1B5RQl54yr3lXZHR9oCXX-B74Gib7oMthtj4ZPY_CZv1pZyd6l1mujEWjS7itP69zW75zUvp/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-14338250883267577702011-08-14T23:56:00.001-04:002011-08-15T22:39:16.471-04:00Swimsuit Season<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although life jackets aren't exactly the same as bathing suits, Niko seems to have shed some pounds for the summer. When we first put the suit on him in May, we felt how snug it was. There were rolls around his neck. Last week, when we put it on him, not so snug. He has shed a ton of fur earlier this summer. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't think Niko was a image conscious pup, but maybe he knows about pictures of him ending up on the internet and <a href="http://fuckyeahshibainu.tumblr.com/">shiba tabloids</a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3jBo2p2gNOEPSqDEx6LPkKfBI3DPil8grIoVNmXYFNxq18ThSNHI947_fz_WCAmFXEwwGyUw7M5_vu6Ynr7hLcWMYTJssXDvhymhAGHXe0ysqsOGLkUJldmhW430JTHbMfjtIEOgdkFx/s1600/The+Adirondacks5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3jBo2p2gNOEPSqDEx6LPkKfBI3DPil8grIoVNmXYFNxq18ThSNHI947_fz_WCAmFXEwwGyUw7M5_vu6Ynr7hLcWMYTJssXDvhymhAGHXe0ysqsOGLkUJldmhW430JTHbMfjtIEOgdkFx/s640/The+Adirondacks5.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When he was at the vet in July, Niko weighed in at 29lbs, which, according to the vet, is a healthy weight for him. She even said he was muscular which we found funny. She called him a "G.I. Joe" dog after we described some of the activities we do with him. We feed him Innova dog food and today, switched to Blue Buffalo to try out. Niko doesn't clean his food bowl out when we fill it in the mornings. He tends to eat and finish his food at night. We give him scraps sparingly and conscientiously. He definitely longs for scraps by quietly staring cutely at us, but we only give him pieces of meat and cheese. For treats, we give him beef jerky made for dogs and sometimes doggie biscuits.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-31770374146926835302011-08-10T00:38:00.001-04:002011-08-10T00:41:15.419-04:00The Long Anticipated Canoe Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX5vUxd_qd02XzBZKT2TLkaXpg5EyHBvejomaNiP7qIIwDNZ0VYQhcahw-mixR8oh-fvXOXAlKL54k1EgNIk5J7oKb48DvOfWQkajk6O8K7-8HlsN_c2_34aZDlK-L2VJjzIyrRstTBMq/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX5vUxd_qd02XzBZKT2TLkaXpg5EyHBvejomaNiP7qIIwDNZ0VYQhcahw-mixR8oh-fvXOXAlKL54k1EgNIk5J7oKb48DvOfWQkajk6O8K7-8HlsN_c2_34aZDlK-L2VJjzIyrRstTBMq/s640/DSC_0245.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After months of contemplating, planning, and worrying about the canoe/backpacking trip to the Adirondacks, we did it. This was different from the other camping trips we have done in that we were miles from the car and had to use a canoe and our legs as the mode of transportation. Our biggest worries: bears.......and..........Niko jumping out of the canoe and flipping us and all our stuff into the lake or river. The second worry was more plausible and risky (in our minds). We started getting Niko acclimated with his <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2011/03/water-safety-sink-or-swim.html">life jacket</a> months ago.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQnbCEUEsGju_pwUscwltOTqPEzpwWKxbDDD_drsXlrMZfio4QbQhLjacUDKdqICRRF9GpeJ8_cdwOnAU0oKrYvImWgnZPoo_xt-ByXemKv3jv8qguZ9WenGEZ7O4a10OmKUHVOAz7BTP/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQnbCEUEsGju_pwUscwltOTqPEzpwWKxbDDD_drsXlrMZfio4QbQhLjacUDKdqICRRF9GpeJ8_cdwOnAU0oKrYvImWgnZPoo_xt-ByXemKv3jv8qguZ9WenGEZ7O4a10OmKUHVOAz7BTP/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapshot of what we brought</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had to be very selective in what we packed to limit space and weight. Kibble, leash, life jacket, and a tennis ball was Niko's allowance. For ourselves, we packed dried food, tablets to treat water for drink-ability, warm clothes, sleeping bags, fishing poles, and a canoe carrier.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We launched at Long Lake and had an 8 mile paddle to our first night's humble abode: a lean-to. Lean-to's are wooden shelters provided by the park and is on a first come first serve basis. It was an alternative to bringing a tent. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKdrGSAdpuUmGQUL_Qh0Dr0i9tU5cAZOYYpd3sr3c-m4H_poxh6GGvWpZnzm0Y9zzPGQrbf65-glD4hY0eD3Ptwzuuxf4s56hjW1a7rDSxYrKnuZCfCuytls5rvAZXKmPTlhVVJcSTn4d/s1600/The+Adirondacks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKdrGSAdpuUmGQUL_Qh0Dr0i9tU5cAZOYYpd3sr3c-m4H_poxh6GGvWpZnzm0Y9zzPGQrbf65-glD4hY0eD3Ptwzuuxf4s56hjW1a7rDSxYrKnuZCfCuytls5rvAZXKmPTlhVVJcSTn4d/s400/The+Adirondacks1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko was in the middle of the canoe on his own. I was anxious during the first 30 minutes, fearing he would jump out. With some coaxing and readjustment of his front paws, we avoided mayhem. He quickly got the routine down. He was alert and looking from side to side a lot. There were lots for Niko to see: biplanes that took off and landed in the lake, ducks, loons, turtles, and even fighter jets that were doing some test flights.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Niko did make noises at times when we were near land. We took breaks and got out to stretch and check out different areas. To our amazement, there were times when he knew we were getting ready to go back into the canoe. He would come to us and willingly let us place him back inside it. The second morning, I picked up his life jacket and he automatically sat down to let me put it on him. It was as if he was ready to check out the next place on the route.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a waterfront site to ourselves the first night. Niko was off leash and discovered every corner. Ed caught fish and cooked it up with a fuel burner and mess kit. It complemented our instant noodles very well. Of course we shared the fish with Niko. He likes fish very much. Before I can stop him, he gobbled up a raw minnow that was laying on the ground (gross, Niko!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Fho5DrvvwPX_5CxLBRflzfe7ULnP4hL15zctf5yNtAnsL6Xm55mnzh84bUQc48_Zsy7Vvt8f5WP58ElxWbKJsAQUaYGEUNSTxASk4tIkIC_fszXoZ9OvTK5Y8t5ChJeUS7QT8WlvugB/s1600/The+Adirondacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Fho5DrvvwPX_5CxLBRflzfe7ULnP4hL15zctf5yNtAnsL6Xm55mnzh84bUQc48_Zsy7Vvt8f5WP58ElxWbKJsAQUaYGEUNSTxASk4tIkIC_fszXoZ9OvTK5Y8t5ChJeUS7QT8WlvugB/s640/The+Adirondacks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the first night, we packed up and went back into the lake to head toward Racquette River. Here, the scenery changed from the vast openness of a lake to a woodsy, enclosed, and curvy river. The current helped us move along easier which was nice because we were tired from the first day. We approached a waterfall area where we had to get out and go on foot to our next lean-to.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took the sign and broken canoe hanging on the sign very seriously!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR99uD5YH2IcHq6sBLk4HlPhTbi_Bg5GR-ezhXxeJp0fqMtwIm9654KCW9o5Y4aNRpp3IK5SvVm7TEKDu7bcCcycXLTFA3u4NdHJl1j4L70rS1xn68bE4f1bVV8gKFhsbJzSzayXg1D-TY/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR99uD5YH2IcHq6sBLk4HlPhTbi_Bg5GR-ezhXxeJp0fqMtwIm9654KCW9o5Y4aNRpp3IK5SvVm7TEKDu7bcCcycXLTFA3u4NdHJl1j4L70rS1xn68bE4f1bVV8gKFhsbJzSzayXg1D-TY/s640/DSC_0276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The portage (canoe carry between take out from river and relaunch) proved to be challenging. Although we had a carrier to wheel the canoe with gear inside it, there were steep inclines and rocky areas. We met others in the path and commiserated on how tiring it was. At this point, Niko uncharacteristically barked at people. It was probably due to being in a new surrounding and the need to protect us. During the portage, Ed and I were slowed down by the weight of the canoe. Niko ran ahead to "scout" the path and would circle back. At this point, I think he knew the canoe was part of the "pack." He stopped whenever he heard the canoe on wheels stop. We ran into trouble about 3/4 into the portage. We had a flat! We had to stop for Ed to patch the tire. Niko was very good, considering we had other things to worry about. He never ventured out of eyesight and sat near us most of the time. After the mishap, we continued on and found a lean-to for our final night's stay. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the trip went smoothly. Some random final remarks:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) We saw some amazing scenery.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Niko may not be a water dog, but he is a canoe friendly dog.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) No bear encounters. Boy scout Ed craft-fully sealed our food in a bag and tied it high up to a tree far from our campsite.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Niko enjoyed being off leash in the wilderness, but the poor toads that he chased did not</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Niko learned how to find drinking water by going to the shore. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Niko is very dexterous when hopping across big rocks in the river.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) We all did some soul searching on this trip and bonded.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Niko went into a coma </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for 2 days after he arrived home.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB_taRsijjWhx7EVbB2Tqol_hkTUV1voBHJQrPeT9eJ0eiSjnoACiHYZeK7uYDUxw6t9WFHm5aZobH8Ka8KEre8Ul6k_VRBbmiLulgWTKJitn3RwFOTgFfJrz9QJoyKfRC9IY9xqWzaru/s1600/The+Adirondacks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB_taRsijjWhx7EVbB2Tqol_hkTUV1voBHJQrPeT9eJ0eiSjnoACiHYZeK7uYDUxw6t9WFHm5aZobH8Ka8KEre8Ul6k_VRBbmiLulgWTKJitn3RwFOTgFfJrz9QJoyKfRC9IY9xqWzaru/s640/The+Adirondacks3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-8845363614188005632011-07-24T23:33:00.000-04:002011-07-24T23:33:32.435-04:00Heat Wave<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For the entire month of July thus far, we have been sweating through a heat wave. Niko's feeling the humidity and high temps because he is extra sluggish and borderline depressed. He plops down in front of the fan. He lays in what Ed calls "dead deer" position very often. We give him an ice cube once in a while to lick, chew, and ultimately to cool off. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">To help us all deal with this heat, I offer this piece of advice: think back to cooler days and place yourself in that picture. Feel the cold and crisp winter air. It's the power of mind over body. For Niko, imagine the cold snow under your paws, buddy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmEKDPLL5uKsw4wkwVeK8oALs_myx0okQ9Bbq-FnEAaqNpyOonMUfsBNnTF_OzLVhhNwDpLSrZpG984AcpYXZ0o_dedNo0JeNXDQBEuCa-HsvvbPG0VauOrvoD52q1k767c2-4WgWYLtA/s1600/01_January1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmEKDPLL5uKsw4wkwVeK8oALs_myx0okQ9Bbq-FnEAaqNpyOonMUfsBNnTF_OzLVhhNwDpLSrZpG984AcpYXZ0o_dedNo0JeNXDQBEuCa-HsvvbPG0VauOrvoD52q1k767c2-4WgWYLtA/s400/01_January1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toys aren't interesting when it's super hot outside : (</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-29597684022034149782011-07-12T23:52:00.000-04:002011-07-12T23:52:18.594-04:00This Little Piggy Went to a Roast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ed's brother and wife threw a pig roast party last weekend. We helped, attended, and enjoyed it. Niko was a guest as well. He wouldn't have missed it for the world (Uncle Rob had promised him some pig knuckles prior to that day). We slept outside in a tent the night before. The day started at 4am when the guys got up to prepare the 100 lb pig. I kept Niko in the tent and we snoozed until sunrise. As soon as the sun broke, Niko was up and I let him out of the tent. I continued to snooze and was awaken by the sound of Niko being put back into the tent. He was being punished for getting caught with a baby <a href="http://animal.discovery.com/guides/wild-birds/a-c/black-capped-chickadee.html">chickadee</a> in his mouth and violently shaking it. Ed caught him in time and set the bird free (it survived). I wasn't around to see this, but Ed said the bird sounded just like his squeaky toys. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later that morning, Niko also chased the host's cat up a pine tree. Niko was definitely mischievous that morning. The cat also survived Niko.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Niko was kept off leash the whole day. I gave him breaks from the outside by letting him in the house to cool off. There were times he even approached the door voluntarily. When the pig was ready, Niko was given an ear to chow down on:</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqchAzNpuTxKSXiM8Mb4ECKwjeflOdj91YErmkuq_SfV_9djXegh3Rqq_GrKk9OEYNCO1VYg6JPRyGutVG2MjUsYNQGSC8eCt-bWc8o7ryzL3sD4FLEb1o4wXqvFdk7a0KMxWaLYf3_N/s1600/07_July1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqchAzNpuTxKSXiM8Mb4ECKwjeflOdj91YErmkuq_SfV_9djXegh3Rqq_GrKk9OEYNCO1VYg6JPRyGutVG2MjUsYNQGSC8eCt-bWc8o7ryzL3sD4FLEb1o4wXqvFdk7a0KMxWaLYf3_N/s400/07_July1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He lingered by the table where they cut the cooked meat. He picked up scraps that dropped to the ground. There were children at the party who were drawn to Niko as well. One kid spent 30 mins trying to loop a glow stick necklace around Niko and succeeded. It was helpful to spot him out in the dark since he was on the loose.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLiMNY23MzJqAFYELCMX5753qAPDQ3EEUSS6tsOQTeZWdQ123JBNDZI1Lz0GDC2yM7wvB_vOWobqRKleXz6F7Q3Q2ISmS0Kx1j2mFXydcOjBS4INM5HwpRorMt2e1uL7hWmZ1-_Pbte4F/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLiMNY23MzJqAFYELCMX5753qAPDQ3EEUSS6tsOQTeZWdQ123JBNDZI1Lz0GDC2yM7wvB_vOWobqRKleXz6F7Q3Q2ISmS0Kx1j2mFXydcOjBS4INM5HwpRorMt2e1uL7hWmZ1-_Pbte4F/s320/IMG_0715.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking pretty fly for a Shiba</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a fantastic day and Niko is still exhausted from all the excitement and yummy piggy goodness.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-4193528643542553882011-07-06T23:11:00.000-04:002011-07-06T23:11:48.113-04:00Japanese Maple Tree<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the dog days of summer, Niko slows down his usual active self quite a bit. He makes every effort to find shade when he's outside. He has some common sense. On this very sunny and hot day, he found shade under our Japanese Maple Tree, which I never see him do. Japanese dog, under a Japanese tree.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RNmetZ00UZuGCukIIUowHl2f2_sRhECF78RP9XYs_ko06r9FDFxr6Nx3ngY0pHpVu_Zo1UMM2CrE_lk5gpopEQo3TlHncKYdc2YwjCadhVYuAnK9znocagGcY348AbUwkoFK4M4ebu9E/s1600/DSC_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RNmetZ00UZuGCukIIUowHl2f2_sRhECF78RP9XYs_ko06r9FDFxr6Nx3ngY0pHpVu_Zo1UMM2CrE_lk5gpopEQo3TlHncKYdc2YwjCadhVYuAnK9znocagGcY348AbUwkoFK4M4ebu9E/s640/DSC_3386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep in mind shibas wear </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a fur coat all year round and they feel the heat much more than tank top and shorts wearing humans. Make sure your dog has shelter and water.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-42209964425627116642011-06-29T22:26:00.003-04:002011-06-29T22:27:05.705-04:00The Gulpy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Gulpy or a similar water bottle for dogs is a great thing to have when we're out and about with Niko. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f8OG7QxBkNNItvq5FodTQu4H65kFKbf6uFAxbVxIb0yEJh-ee_ABEsbE3rOhDNbM3CSHdBfsuUm2E1ZRKtDTxNBZ8u5Ek0O1U9x_fB0hkmA26H_PP4_ps-2B7UJtXdiHpft9enKkN6LS/s1600/06_June1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f8OG7QxBkNNItvq5FodTQu4H65kFKbf6uFAxbVxIb0yEJh-ee_ABEsbE3rOhDNbM3CSHdBfsuUm2E1ZRKtDTxNBZ8u5Ek0O1U9x_fB0hkmA26H_PP4_ps-2B7UJtXdiHpft9enKkN6LS/s400/06_June1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We spotted a fellow camper last summer with one and was quite impressed. Then we saw it at TJ Maxx and picked one up. It is a water bottle with a trough that flips open for water to be dispensed in. When Niko is done drinking, I flip the tray back and there's even a clip to attach the bottle to your pants. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Gulpy is very helpful on longer walks, hikes, and also car rides. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before getting it, we had to pour water into our palms for Niko to drink from, which got messy and was a hassle. And he doesn't always drink when we offer him water. If he is thirsty, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Niko slurps the water right up and whatever he doesn't drink, we discard. In hot weather, Niko gets hot and thirsty way faster so we have to make water available more often.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've seen them sold at most pet stores and amazon: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Star-Kyjen-Gulpy-Dispenser/dp/B001SL42R2">http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Star-Kyjen-Gulpy-Dispenser/dp/B001SL42R2</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-7432632819842457452011-06-26T23:37:00.000-04:002011-06-26T23:37:50.147-04:00Serenity Area<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMfoBQryfL_Bw9BkacCsJ6q21-VjLgfKU6E535LzKSz61SJbUpSLlRoBucQ5Onu0gnv_G-LQoEgKLJGwXc1cN7Cd_J_J04RF8ZTXHqi_QhHtGhgGRn8SU90gb4Q1VMiSX6TTZwXsi7aqB/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMfoBQryfL_Bw9BkacCsJ6q21-VjLgfKU6E535LzKSz61SJbUpSLlRoBucQ5Onu0gnv_G-LQoEgKLJGwXc1cN7Cd_J_J04RF8ZTXHqi_QhHtGhgGRn8SU90gb4Q1VMiSX6TTZwXsi7aqB/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the backyard, I have a small part that I've converted into my "serenity area." It started off with a pine tree, 2 big smooth rocks, and a barrel flower pot. I found myself enjoying using the big rock as a seat to chill out. I plant colorful flowers in the pot. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last year, I dug out a small area in front of where I sit and placed stepping stones, mulch, and various plants. I put in plants that are supposed to spread and crawl around the stones, and also plants that are nice to touch (silver mound). There is also a bird feeder by the pine tree. It's a nice spot to sit in and throw the ball for Niko to catch. It quickly became my resting spot after doing garden work. When Niko sees me working on my vegetable garden, he usually knows it's not playtime. But as soon as I get a drink and sit down in the serenity area, he runs up with his tennis ball. I can also look over at my vegetable garden to reflect at the hard work I put into it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoJaRVaSy1BMDLodTSI5AHVTz6fltug4cKVWKnXCCcHV1l46okGZdkiI6ShGOYU7grXL9XnQMzBgQR9SY48TNfHlNXJ6u_QnToKtONMFMhUi_knKITyuYW09GE9gDUDjT6s_k73REzyTb/s1600/06_June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoJaRVaSy1BMDLodTSI5AHVTz6fltug4cKVWKnXCCcHV1l46okGZdkiI6ShGOYU7grXL9XnQMzBgQR9SY48TNfHlNXJ6u_QnToKtONMFMhUi_knKITyuYW09GE9gDUDjT6s_k73REzyTb/s640/06_June.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately, when Niko is outside by himself, I would spy him in my serenity area. Thankfully, he does not dig in that area or eat the plants. I've found him quietly resting on the mulch and it makes me feel good that my little project is benefiting Niko as well. I still think he is the reason my plants don't get eaten by rabbits and other animals (<a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2010/08/scarecrow-niko.html">Niko the scarecrow</a>).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are some very nice gardens designed just for pets out there. Niko and I are both envious. If you are thinking of doing an area for your canine friends to hang out in, be sure that all the plants you choose are not toxic to dogs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a photo I found of pet gardens:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVVXbpFiDoIucTA3XK-nJNTA_8CExGy0oh5E1uZLk224DKfEfEBzDxxEu7ja_oSN6rlQ2IpPzKzFRk14ZipHwIVnWIZRAaGa5yUwY5JaxC5Q2Jw3bbuwrDD98vQUXaEgJ-ZS_hCOYNjW5/s1600/DDABFBDD43C858483D8DC2C84312BD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVVXbpFiDoIucTA3XK-nJNTA_8CExGy0oh5E1uZLk224DKfEfEBzDxxEu7ja_oSN6rlQ2IpPzKzFRk14ZipHwIVnWIZRAaGa5yUwY5JaxC5Q2Jw3bbuwrDD98vQUXaEgJ-ZS_hCOYNjW5/s400/DDABFBDD43C858483D8DC2C84312BD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=24141147">http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=24141147</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6475885183368382806.post-49765992045282139602011-06-22T23:23:00.001-04:002011-06-28T22:57:20.703-04:00Murder Mystery<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out in the <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html">backyard</a>, we have a tether system for Niko to spend time outside without running away. It is a zip-line that runs from the deck to the bottom of the hill. A cord that Niko is hooked up to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is attached to it and it runs up and down the hill. I spend a lot of time out there doing gardening stuff and Niko is sure to be out there with me. He enjoys being outside and is well behaved. When we're inside, he oftens stands by the door indicating he wants outside time. We leave him out there 15 mins at a time for him to do his potty business, especially right before bed time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The usual process goes this way:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) We walk out the back door onto the deck</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Attach the cord to Niko's collar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Niko stands in front of the baby gate and stares out earnestly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) We open the gate</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Niko runs down the steps (once after it rained, Niko ran so fast he slipped down the stairs like a wild cartoon animal)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Niko darts to all four possible corners to sniff out his friends (I can only speculate they are bunnies, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) We check on him from the window from time to time and he's usually resting on the grass like a lazy cow (see picture)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaj97-mcyzaw9R_k3WstPbfxtWAeNWC2cKkFwfsJlxnn03wIjuJb93lrxU4CBoBAMKTNc8bY9W9Y8fi-SYujqe6lX9-fO8Oclq78iMI7uvu7zWLGSqVJkgO-Ozed3bgefDkUNDfBX-PWr0/s1600/DSC_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaj97-mcyzaw9R_k3WstPbfxtWAeNWC2cKkFwfsJlxnn03wIjuJb93lrxU4CBoBAMKTNc8bY9W9Y8fi-SYujqe6lX9-fO8Oclq78iMI7uvu7zWLGSqVJkgO-Ozed3bgefDkUNDfBX-PWr0/s400/DSC_3424.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, one morning, we found a dead and mauled up chipmunk on the grass near the deck. It was a fresh kill. We can't conclusively say it was Niko who did it, but the evidence is stacked against him, As seen in the <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2011/03/nikos-prey-killer-instinct.html">Killer Instinct post</a>, Niko has plenty of practice with this crime. I've seen him chase chipmunks around the yard, but they outrun him before Niko runs out of tether line. One final argument is that Niko's breeder told us that Niko's father would kill and bring him back woodchucks. This Shiba Inu might look cute and harmless, but you do the math.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between this occurrence and the <a href="http://niko-shibainu.blogspot.com/2011/06/raccoon-follow-up.html">raccoon encounter</a> (I didn't think to sanitize the food bowl the raccoon ate out of), I was worried that Niko might have been exposed to rabies. He is up to date on his vaccinations, but I was still concerned. I looked up symptoms online and observed him for a few days. The online references I found said the infected animal starts to act erratically. We laughed at that because Niko has his crazy spouts of energy at random times so it'd be hard to tell. It's been over a week now and we think the coast is clear. Niko is healthy. However, the question about the chipmunk remains, "who dunnit?"</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01448565302078819958noreply@blogger.com2