We arrived at the park and walked up to the Great Hill.

He looked to his right.

He looked to his left.

Back to the right for another looky-loo.

And stood around some more.

Then went to his favorite protest position when I tried to get him to walk around.

Driving in the fact that he refuses to budge by being dead weight.

It’s true. Our Shiba is a diva. A royal diva pain the the… well, you know.

Has the wind been so strong that the trees have been blown over?

Shio engaged in some chasing with new-found friends…

Photos taken with Lumix GF1, G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6.

It’s THAT time of the year… the time to gorge ourselves on booze, food and presents galore. It’s also time for the “best of” countdowns!

Counting down our favorite moments on this blog from 2010:

10. The size of Shio’s ego vs. reality

9. Bath time!

8. Any video of Shibas frolicking in knee deep snow is a winner. This one is our personal favorite.

7. Remember when Shio resisted walking here? And here. And here. The list could go on and on…

6. …Oh wait – the list does go on! More of Shio’s leash walking protests here, here and here. Last one here. Phew! That was a lot.

5. He loves us! Proof that Shio really really loves us!

4. The day that Shio became a real city slicker with his first subway ride.

3. Crimped fur-do.

2. Who’z in da house? Jersey Shore in da house. *paw pump*

1. A Sephora experience unlike any other you’ve witnessed before.

First, his Lakers and favorite player Kobe Bryant won another championship. Shio was very happy that his efforts in cheering the team on had paid off.

Then, after a night of celebration, we took him to Central Park. This time, because it was just us, we took the subway.

The weather in NYC today could not have been better; sunny and bright, but not too hot — just the way Lord Shio likes it.

Shio, of course, explored the park and ran around until he exhausted himself.

That’s all folks!

Photos taken with Nikon D700, 24-70mm f/2.8G.

Photos taken with Nikon D700, 24-70 f/2.8G.

Photos taken with Nikon D700, 24-70 f/2.8G.

Lately, when Josh or I take Shio out for walks, he willingly goes in one of few directions:

1. If it is early in the a.m., he knows that the only reason why mommy wakes up so early is to take him to Central Park.

2. West towards the Hudson River to play.

3. North towards the dog run.

If we head East or South in the afternoon/evening, he starts throwing fits by laying down on his side and refusing to walk. We don’t pick him up when he does this. Instead, we reach towards his belly to flip him over so we can continue walking but he has learned to roll on his back when we do this… which causes a scene for pedestrians passing by. Most women will “awwwwwwwwwww” as they walk by and give you puppy eyes as if it were oh-so-cute while men ask you if the dog is “okay.”

As cute as it is, it’s been frustrating. Shio is basically saying that if we are not taking him on a play date with his buds, he will throw a temper tantrum.

Arrrrrghhh!