My first Shiba Inu Encounter

Once upon a time in Japan...

I met my first Shiba Inu at the age of five and fell in love.

We met in Hokkaido, Japan. 

I lived in a small apartment with my family. The Shiba Inu lived in a beautiful traditional Japanese house.   

We first met one morning when my family and I set out for our first adventure of the day. I remember dashing through snow. My little brother not far behind me. My brother and I laughed as we made "dragon fire" with our breath. The white smoke of our breath created dramatic swirls against the bright blue sky. 

We followed our dad out the front gates onto the narrow winding streets of Hokkaido. The tops of garbage bags and metal garbage lids peeked out under the mounds of snow. Many people dotted the street in front of us. Cars puttered by on the main road. However, the snow softened the frantic noises of the city.

We dashed past small coffee shops squeezed between modern business buildings. Around the corner we found ourselves in a small neighborhood. Shops, apartment complexes, vending machines, and traditional Japanese houses intermingled.

Mom and Dad led us down an alleyway to avoid the street traffic. My brother and I dashed past a mix of cluttered backyards and immaculate gardens. 

As we approached one yard, we noticed a small house rested against the fence. 

As we drew near, a cream colored dog with perky ears and a curly tail leaped up onto the top of the doghouse. The cream Shiba Inu flopped its curly tail back and forth. A bright Shiba smile greeted us from above. The cream dipped its head down just low enough for our small gloved hands to reach. I reached up and lightly stroked the Shiba's head. I looked up at the Shiba and knew we were friends.

Everyday after our first meeting, our cream Shiba friend loyally awaited us atop its home. I would race ahead. My short legs churning through the snow to go meet up with my friend.

The Shiba always waited regally atop its house. Greeted our family with the air of an emperor. Then smartly jumped down and trotted up to its human's back deck. 

The Shiba's humans often would part the shoji screen doors and wave to us as they let their Shiba inside.

I loved that cream Shiba with all its regal airs and eyes that sparkled with intelligence. I especially loved those perky ears and curly tail. 

Before we left Japan. I made sure to ask my mom to teach me how to read the words Shiba and Inu. 

To be continued...