I took all three dogs to the vet today. Sophie’s checkup went well. She gave the vet tech kisses and she wasn’t anxious about anything, even when they microchipped her with that huge needle! The vet says she’s very healthy and in great shape.
He’s not too concerned with the “fly biting” behavior. Since she is so young and it seems to be triggered by anxiety, he thinks there’s a good possibility that it isn’t neurological and it may just go away. I’ve seen some improvement this week, which could be because she’s more used to living with us or because I’ve almost finished switching her from her kibble to our good food, or both. He suggested keeping a log of when she does it so we can determine if there are any specific triggers. The important thing was that he wasn’t really concerned.
Sophie and Snick had a great romp together today before we went to the vet. They started playing in the house and then went tearing out the back door and ran Shiba 500s all over the back yard. It was awesome fun to watch. I want her to go to a home with another dog, so she has someone to play with.
Last night she snuggled with me on the couch. She is like a stuffed puppy when it comes to snuggle time. She definitely needs an owner who will let her on the furniture for snuggle time!
If you’re interested in adopting Sophie, please submit an adoption application! I would prefer to adopt her out locally (or semi-locally) but I will happily drive her to the right home.
Hello! May I have more information on Sophie? Does she have special needs? Medications, medical treatment? We have two males, the elder, Sanvi, is 19 and will be crossing in a few years (Hopefully many years from now!). Kenji will need a companion. We know males will not be tolerated. We’re considering getting him a little sister (FIXED!) My wife and I would like to know how old she is and maybe see if she likes us and our little family. Right now we’re considering.
Sophie is going to be one year old on Tuesday, the 15th! There are a few more details about her in my first post about her. She’s spayed and would love a playful male companion! She doesn’t have any special needs or medical treatment, although I’m still not 100% sure what to think about this “fly snapping” that she does.
It took me a few minutes, but I figured it out. We met at a meetup in Brooklyn a year or so ago, didn’t we? I remember you and Kenji!
Hi Jenna, Bri does that “fly-biting” every now and then. It happens when she wants something and she’s already let me know about what she wants, and I’m taking too long- like when her water bowl is empty and she’s banged on it a few times and I haven’t gotten up to refill it yet. She comes over and sort of wants to bark at me but she sort of bites the air and makes a breathy noise like she’s about to say “come on what’s taking so long?” I think it’s her trying to communicate to me and not wanting to bark and it always gets me to fill the water bowl or hurry up and take her out, or stop talking so much with people and go. It’s interesting that Bri’s not the only one that does it.
ARGH why can’t this be a few months from now? Jeff and I discussed it and since I’m right now working three jobs (about to transition to a new one sometime soon, currently working there my days off) and we’ll be moving soon, we just don’t think it’s the right time. She looks like she plays just like Koji, too. 🙁
I would LOVE for you, Jeff and Koji to adopt her. I really would drive her to Texas for you! I need to find her a home sooner than a few months from now though. (I hate when they get totally attached and then have to go through another adjustment. I like to get them adopted before that happens.)
I totally understand, I’m right there with you. I’m rooting for her to find an awesome home, even if it’s not with us.
But you know where to find me if she’s (god forbid) still with you come June/July. 😉
She sounds like an amazing dog! I wish we lived closer, we are looking to add another shiba to our family.
Have dog, will travel! 😛
I don’t know how great of a playmate our shiba, Sirius, would make for Sophie. 🙁 Though he is very friendly, and loves other dogs, he is 12 years old (though a pretty healthy, lively 12, especially for being in a puppy mill for 7 years!), so his energy level is not as high as it once was. He does play, just not as much as she would probably like to.
She does love to play. Snickers is only 7 and he can’t keep up with her! I stand in as playmate with a good game of fetch every now and then and she runs off energy chasing birds in the yard as well. The interesting thing is how quickly she has learned “we play at THIS time and we chill at THIS time.” When she first arrived, she wanted to play non-stop, no matter what we were doing at the time. I think she will adjust to whatever family she ends up with, but, yes, she does LOVE to play. 🙂
How big of a yard is she used to? Sadly we do not have a fenced in yard, but we do have a nature trail that runs right near our house that we take lots of walks on. Generally, at least 3 a day. I have to keep pretty active due to some spinal surgery that I have had, but Sirius can only handle so much, so I am lacking a buddy on some of the longer walks.
Her previous owner said he had a tiny yard. I’m not sure about mine… to me it seems HUGE (compared to yards in NY/NJ) but it really isn’t that big compared to yards here. 😛
I think Sophie would LOVE walks on a nature trail. She’s an active girl and walks like that keep the body AND the mind active. I think yards get boring for dogs after awhile.
Have you found a home for Sophie yet? I am very interested in providing a great home for her!, but I live pretty far from you…
I live in Austin,TX but am willing to take a nice road trip if I have to. How far can you go to meet?
Hi Phillip,
I haven’t found a home for her yet, although I have recently received a couple applications. Believe it or not, for the right home, I am willing to drive 12 or 13 hours, so Austin is not unthinkable. If you’re truly interested, please complete the adoption application and send it to me.
Thanks!
Jenna
hi Jenna,
I emailed the adoption form to you so I hope you got it. Let me know if there’s anything else you would like to know. I also do not mind driving for a one-of-a-kind dog!
Thanks again,
Phillip
Hi Phillip, I did receive your application. I have received a couple other apps as well. I really just haven’t had time to sit down and think about what she needs and whose home she would fit in best. I will do that soon though!
Hi Jenna-
I live in Indianapolis with my shiba Bodhi.(Bodhisattva) He is 7 months old and plays and plays. I am just beginning to run with him and so far so good. When I adopted Bodhi I intended to also adopt his sister. However, the breeder decided to keep her. It was for the best because it gave us time to really bond through Puppy Kindergarten and now Novice training.’I will submit an application later, just wanted to say hello and introduce ‘us’. 🙂
Hi Linda! It is good that the breeder kept his sister. I’ve always been told it’s best to space your puppies out so you can spend lots of time with each of them during the critical early socialization period. Otherwise, they end up more bonded with each other than with their people.
Sophie is SO playful and would love a little brother to pal around with. She also needs more human attention than I have been able to give her. I’d love to get her into a home with someone who can give her the snuggles and love she deserves!!
I’m Interested in adopting sophie, Its just I live in Texas T__T
If your willing to make the drive i would be more than happy to adopt!!! 🙂
Edgar,
There is a really great Shiba Rescue in Texas. You should check them out!