W124 and Morningside - Man with the Shiba

My girlfriend and I were walking through the projects to get to the A-train this morning. We were talking about work when her eyes opened wide and she squealed "Shiba Inu!" as she always does whenever she saw one coming towards us. Years ago we decided, if we would ever get a dog, it would be a Shiba Inu. I personally prefer a Siberian Husky but it would be cruel to keep such a large and energetic animal confined to our small apartment in Manhattan. Besides, Shibas are so damn cute.

The strawberry blonde dog was playfully curious but regal, swaying from one end of the walk to the other. We were fascinated by the Shiba as he approached. I looked up and made eye contact with his owner and flashed a nod of approval just as they passed by.

"You like the Shibas?" I hear in the background. We turn around to see the owner had stopped to peer at us through his purple tinted sunglasses. "I got him in Japan." The dog turned around and stood proudly before us.

"I used to work in government services," the Man continued. "I had a friend in Japan whos Shiba was about to have a litter." The dog, realizing he's already heard this story, took interest in a nearby fencepost. The Man explained how he had recently put down his last dog. When his friend found out, he offered one of his unborn puppies as long as the Man would fly to Japan and pick it up. The Man and his wife were amused with the idea but never took it seriously. Later that week, he was walking around 57th Street in Midtown when, just like us, he was mesmerized by this breed of dog. Curious, he asked the owner what it was. "Shiba Inu," the owner replied. The Man went home that day to call his friend in Japan. A few weeks later, he and his wife were on the opposite side of the world playing with their new dog.

The Shiba suddenly looked up as he realized his owner's iPhone was incessantly ringing. The Man seemed disappointed his story was cut short. We bade quick farewells as the Man answered the call. The Shiba resumed his playful sway from side to side as they continued on their morning walk.