Bartering for Raw

A friend who fishes for crab and salmon had some really interesting goodies for us. I guess it's more like "byproducts" of fishing, and we all know how bad byproducts are...except if you're a dog, then byproducts are just what you need.

We got an entire bowl of raw Salmon Roe, fresh from the source. It's is mostly sold here as fishing bait, but is a delicacy elsewhere. Called "Red Caviar" and eaten raw, salmon eggs contain tons of Omegas and essential fatty acids that can be lacking in raw diets. In Japan, I believe they make dishes with Red Caviar called Sujiko and Ikura. It's cured with salt, which this stuff wasn't, and given the risk of Salmon poisoning that is prevalent in Pacific Northwest fish, I gently steamed the eggs for our consumption.

A little brown rice, some Nori, the bright red eggs all topped with some homegrown quail eggs and it was a veritable byproduc feast. The dogs were huge fans.

The Allure of a Rare Breed

In discussing the rarest of the Nihon Ken, the 6 native Japanese spitz breeds of which the Shiba is the most popular (and least rare), I see them all to be alluring, beautiful, intelligent and powerful dogs. Yes, even the Shiba Inu has a lot of power in that small body. I love their tails, I love their smarts, I love their natural grace and the prick ears. It is soooo easy to get swept up in the mystique and natural beauty when seeing these dogs. It's tempting to go, "I want one. It's unique, I'm unique, a unique dog would make me look good and people will certainly want one for themselves." I will be the first to admit that I want all of them. However...

Personally, I can't condone the sacrifices in ethical breeding it would require to produce the beautiful rarest Nihonken, just because they are rare and wonderful to look at. Good breeding practices must still apply, otherwise it's just another repeat of what happened to Shiba and Akita when they first were brought to the states.

It's ok to ask questions!

So, as a dog lover, Shiba Inu friend, ethical human being, etc, what would you do if you ran across an ad, like this one?

"Shiba pups for sale:
We have a red and a black and tan pups for sale.They have first and second round of shots and are ready to go to good homes.We are asking $800. They are ACA registrable and come with a 3 generation pedigree.If you are interested call (x) and (y). You can email as well with any question at (their email). "

Also, there is a picture of a Shiba puppy being held with a cage bank in the background that has other puppies in it, the type that is found in pet store windows.

Am I blind, or does this ad scream "foul play!" regarding bad breeding. There are signs that a) money is most important, b) the parents were from petstores, and c) they know very little about the breed in general.

This was my query:

"Parents are Champions? I also assume they are perfect breed representatives and have undergone health testing (OFA, CERF, PennHip)? They'll also come with a lifetime health guarantee? And I'm sure the parents are not from petstores and that you have spent years working to improve the breed and keep them out of shelters."

Was I too critcal, cynical and unfair in asking these basic, basic questions to a total stranger who is advertising as a breeder? It was brought up to me that this may be the case by some members of my meetup group. Should I have instead written, "OMG, what a cute puppy! Can I have one? Are they all taken yet? Are they good with cats? It's so awesome that you have all those puppies! I just love puppies. Here's $800 cash. Welcome to the meetup group."

I frequently find myself questioning people's intentions and ethics more and more the longer that I have the privaledge of working with this breed (and dogs in general). I suppose I am starting to sound a little jaded, a little tired of repeating myself over and over, and possibly I'm sounding downright nasty.

But dang it! I'm super frustrated dealing with stupid, stupid owners and their lack of basic knowledge about their dogs, their personal unwillingness to learn, and the resulting high number of dogs in shelters and rescues because of dip shits like this seller perpetuating it all!

My, what a rant that was. I feel better for the moment. Happy Holidays, everyone, give your dogs a big hug, a good walk, and a nice healthy treat, they deserve it!

The origional post: http://www.meetup.com/www-seattleshibainu-com/messages/boards/thread/8072879/0

Flyball Shiba Duo!

Just look at that focus. Here they are during a practice. Ike is posing, Beebe is working. I wonder if this foretelling for our future together in Flyball?

The origional post is here at http://seattleflydogs.blogspot.com/

pictures: Beebe http://seattleflydogs.blogspot.com/2009/11/congrats-to-beebe-for-her-hot-dog.html

Ike http://seattleflydogs.blogspot.com/2009/11/welcome-ike-and-pia-to-seattle-flydogs.html

Beebe is a Hot Dog

"Give me my ducky!"

Success! Beebe has completed the first 8 weeks of Flyball training and has advanced to a Hot Dog. Soon, with paws and fingers crossed, she may become a Flyball Dog if all the training goes well. She is taking the ball without hesitation from the launch box and returning it to me making all her hurdles. Well, most of them anyway. The instructors commented on her good recall and responsiveness to commands while off lead.

Ike was also evaluated today for proper drive and willingness to work under pressure. He LOVES the hurdles and jumping. He has a wonderful recall and seemed eager to bring the ball all the way back to me. He is very social with women, aloof still with men, but loves to play and hates being left out of the fun. In contrast to Beebe, who has a rather large snarky space bubble that she feels compelled to protect, Ike is just wonderful with all dogs and has so much grace, elegance and good manners when he plays. He is now an official Flyball student.