We have never explored that far uptown -- and in fact when we got up there it did feel like a different world. The crowd was much older and family-oriented, and it was much more quiet than our neighborhood... In addition, we knew there were many dog runs (PDF download) there, and we visited two.

In the first dog run, Shio found a new friend and engaged in a game of tag. The sand that the dogs kicked up is pretty cool...

After that, he hung out at the picnic table with us, and drew a crowd...

The second dog run was less fun, and by then Shio was a little tired from all the walking.

From there, we all went to pick up Shake Shack. Shio got a Pooch-ini (yes this is really a special dish made for dogs at Shake Shack), which he of course loved.

All in all, Shio had a great weekend.

Hopefully y'all did too!

Photos taken with Nikon D700 + 24-70mm f/2.8G, except last photo, which is with iPhone 4 and processed in-phone using Camera Bag. The quality of photos coming out of the iPhone is truly amazing...

First, he went to Prospect Park Saturday morning, as usual.

On Sunday, we took Shio to Fort Tryon Park Dog Run. Shio is a pro at riding the subway at this point.

We met 4 other shibas up there... There is no question shiba inus are gaining popularity in NY! It is also always funny and cool to hear that other shibas exhibit the same behaviors as Shio.

One more day before the weekend is over -- wonder what Shio will do tomorrow! Hope everybody is enjoying the weekend!

Photos taken with iPhone 4.

For now, we have our little Shio who likes to sleep like a human baby.

Did someone forget to tell you that I'm a Shiba?

I always get my way.

Loves,

Shio

And who are we to kick him off his new comfy sleeping spot? :)

Let's start with the "Ouches" part of this post.

We know a crazy little terrier that lives near us who has been picking on Shio since he was 4 months old. When they see each other, things will go great for about 5 seconds and then the little terrier will lunge for Shio and a fight will break out. The terrier is virtually unavoidable since we all live in such close proximity to each other and when we do see each other, Shio will run away to try and hide from him. This is something that Shio never does with any other dog.

On Monday night, another fight broke out after Shio was cornered and couldn't run away. Shio fought back and I went to push the both of them away from each other. In the process, I was bitten several times on my right arm and went to the ER for antibiotics and shots.

Josh and I always make the active effort to correct Shio when he does wrong and expose him to as many dogs as possible so he learns the proper doggy etiquette. As a result, we have a great Shiba who we can allow to be around other dogs and behave the way that he should. Unfortunately, you can do all the right things in the world for your pup but it won't mean a thing if the other dog was not socialized properly. This is just a sad reminder of the reality of dog ownership.

Now, onto the "Loves" portion of this post.

After my little red knight in shining armor rescued me (and himself) from the fight he was aloof and stayed in the living room. He didn't have any wounds so we went off to the ER to get me cleaned up. When we returned home, he followed me around everywhere and wouldn't let me out of his sight. Then, for the first time ever, he hopped on the bed and slept with us the whole night. Next day, he defended me against our maintenance guys that were vacuuming the hallway carpeting. He's been protecting me ever since Monday night. This just goes to show how truly amazing our canine companions are if you treat them right!

Everyone go over to your pup and give them a big hug right now!

I was making the cooking up some chicken stock using a recipe from the Barefoot Contessa's website and Shio insisted on being omgrightnexttome as I was cutting up the chicken.

And yes, of course I gave him a piece! Don't you see the "suckaaaa" written across my forehead?!