Owning a Shiba Inu: Sunbathing and Assumptions

Let me tell you a funny story about "Teddy" (aka Mr. Shibins) that defies all conventional wisdom on dog care. It was a scorching 45°C (113°F) day, and while most dogs would sensibly seek shade, Teddy decided it was the perfect time to sunbathe. There he was, sprawled out on the patio, soaking up the sun like a seasoned beachgoer. Despite all the advice about keeping dogs cool in the heat, Teddy seemed to thrive, proving that sometimes our preconceived notions can be completely wrong.

Owning a Shiba Inu is a journey full of surprises and delight, not unlike the adventure of discovering new facets of yourself. They say dogs often mirror their owners, or perhaps it’s the other way around. In my experience I've come to see just how true this can be. Whether it’s the way Teddy and I both perk up at the rustle of a treat bag or how we both enjoy a good nap in the afternoon sun, I’ve noticed our similarities become more pronounced over time. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but I've learned that dogs and humans alike can adapt and change in ways you’d never expect.

This behavior got me thinking about assumptions we make, not just about dogs, but about people too. We often hold preconceived views that "they" tell us, but reality can be quite different. Just like Teddy enjoying the sun, people often adapt to their surroundings in unexpected ways. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t make assumptions based on appearances or stereotypes.

Making assumptions can lead us astray, but knowing our limits helps us stay true to ourselves. So here is some wisdom from a five-year-old Japanese canine.

• Shiba Inus prefer a tight circle, enjoying the company of a few rather than many. They pick up their food from the bowl and take it away to eat alone, savoring their meal in solitude.?
• While not easily trained, they listen more than you might think, quickly figuring you out and always remembering those who offer value over those who don’t.?
• Their perseverance and resilience are unmatched once they know what they want.
• Teddy, like many Shibas, can charm you with little gestures, like bringing his favorite toy, that he also wants to play with himself. His excitement over simple things is infectious.
• He is relentless in his pursuits. For example, most dogs are adept with a ball from birth, but Teddy’s ball-handling skills are akin to an Olympic break-dancer, perhaps from Australia, full of flair and selfless enthusiasm.

As we navigate our environments, it's important to retain our sense of identity and self-worth. Even if it is emulating a pet's innate qualities!

As Teddy was unavailable for comment, here is an alternative TED talker and Podcaster who can, for the purpose of this article, act as a highly qualified substitute:

Brené Brown , a well-known for her insights on vulnerability and self-worth, she emphasizes the importance of embracing our uniqueness and maintaining a strong sense of identity. She says, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” Then doubles down with “Daring leaders work to make sure people can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.”

My personal favorite from the GOAT of wit and epigrams: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." It's a reminder that embracing our quirks and differences is what makes life interesting and meaningful.

Teddy's antics remind me that life is full of surprises, and embracing the unexpected can reveal beauty in individuality. Whether it's a Shiba Inu sunbathing in extreme heat or someone defying stereotypes, let's celebrate unique traits rather than lose ourselves in assumptions. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, "What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing." Next time you encounter something or someone out of the ordinary, take a moment to appreciate their uniqueness. After all, it's the unexpected that makes life truly interesting.