Awhile back, I decided to help out our local Shiba rescue by fostering a cute male Shiba mix puppy. Quite the rambunctious fellow, and quite nippy - he proved to be a handful for everyone in the house including Winnie. She was a trooper and did her best to be a consummate hostess, but if he got near the bedrooms she would snarl at him and if he decided to jump up on the sofa - she would also voice her anger at him. (And really, I couldn't fault her for that at all - she was making training easy!)
Well, the pup (aka "Foster Boy", "Koji", "Drama King") went to his first forever home about a month ago with all the warnings that could accompany a Shiba puppy. The nipping, the rough-housing, the jumping, the Shiba scream, using a firm hand, escape artist... etc. All of the warnings were countered with "just like a puppy", "it's going to take some training", "we know all about raising a puppy", and "sounds just like our daughter"! Well, after a month, poor Koji didn't work out for this family and he pretty much extended his stay there. They were desperate to be rid of him and returned him back to the rescue. We'll never know what happened while he was there, but he came back with a terrible rash-like, hair loss condition and a ton of flea bites.
It just so happened that it was time for him to be neutered. (The neuter appointment at the low cost clinic was approximately one month and a half long wait, but well worth the wait. After paying a total of $61.00 for the neuter, ecollar, pain meds and a micro-chip - who can hardly complain?!?) So, this past weekend, "Drama King" was with us for his neuter appointment and also met his new family. We are hoping that he finally has found his perfect home.
ps- his nickname "Drama King" comes from his behavior while at the vet's office. He probably made his Shiba ancestors proud with the bloodcurdling screams he produced.
