Toss a squeaky toy and watch Kashi light up. He’ll chase it down, carry it back with pride and ask for one more throw. This young Shiba Inu, about 2 to 3 years old, is 23 pounds of sweetness with a devotion to treats and a nose that has already discovered the joys of a snuffle mat. His growth in one month, from a pup with skin sores from a flea infection, to lovable, happy pup has been so great to see.When the toys are put away, Kashi becomes a champion napper. He rolls up in his bed, claims a spot on the couch and gladly shares a cuddle. He has a gift for winning people over. He has taken a shine to his foster mom, and he’s quick to flop onto his back for his foster dad. Even a trip to the vet doesn’t rattle him. His vets gave him a 1 on their fear, anxiety and stress score and described him as very sweet and cooperative. He’s stayed in another home while his foster was on vacation and got along great with the other dogs there. He’s been to bingo night, softball games, the park, and the vet, and he’s done great in all situations. His a fairly good car passenger too, although he does want to see the world through windows.Kashi has the basics down, too. He’s housebroken, knows his name and comes when called. He’s a willing walking partner in his harness. He’s working on crate training. A treat will lead him right into his crate, and he’ll settle quickly. He does have a little separation anxiety at first, so letting him settle for the night or placing the crate where he can see the owner might help him get over some anxiety. However, his foster has left him outside of the crate during the day, and he hasn’t chewed on anything as long as food isn’t within reach.Kashi has a congenital hip condition, which gives his walk a style all its own: a skip here, a bunny hop there, and sometimes a leg held up while he stands still. None of it slows him down. And if he ever does need a surgery called a femoral head ostectomy (FHO), Paws will cover it at the hospital that diagnosed him.His skin has improved a lot as well. He arrived with skin issues from fleas, but the fleas have been treated, his skin is healing very well and his coat is growing back. He’ll stay on a steroid and an anti-fungal a little longer to keep that recovery going.Kashi is neutered, microchipped and current on rabies, distemper and bordetella. He tested negative for Lyme and heartworm and takes Heartgard and Credelio for parasite prevention. He’ll come packed with his bed, toys, leash, collar, and harness. All he needs now is a family to throw the next squeaky toy.
