Sunbathing.

I got this great picture of my daughter Meja together with my brother Kiko. They were sunbathing together when their humans took this picture.

As you all can see, it runs in the family to be top quality shiba inus.

No Animals Would Be Allowed to Live This Crowded

It has been revealed that there are a lot of business going on in Stockholm regarding false addresses for immigrants. In one flat, 44 square metres big, 50 people were said to live. Some people on the responsible authorities have suspected that this has been going on, but have not reacted. I am a bit surprised. If it would dawn on animal protection agencies that dogs or other animals would live as crowded as this, they would react immediately. Why, then, do not the human authorities who are supposed to take care of humans react, when there are suspicions like this? What will happen to these people? Do they have dogs, and if so, what will happen to their dogs? I wish them well, no matter what.

Daylight Savings Time

We had to get up one hour earlier than usual this morning. we always get up early, when Paula work night, so we can greet her properly when she returns home. Since Sweden (like most of Europe) turned to Daylight savings time tonight, we had to get up earlier. The clocks were turned forward one hour. The daylight is thus "saved" on the morning hours, that is, there is less daylight in the morning. Instead, there is an extra hour of light in the evening, so you can save on artificial light in the evening. If you ask me, this is silly, but then again, a human came up with this concept. Dogs are more aligned with nature, we would never think of imposing Daylight savings time on anybody. If we want more hours with natural light, we just get up earlier in the morning - it is as simple as that.

Blowing coat

Paula and Daniel are saying that I have never been so out of coat as I am today. This has a natural explanation since I had puppies earlier this year.

Im longing for my coat to come back. The show season has started and I dont want to miss out on too many shows due to the coat condition.

Is Spring Finally Here?

Snow fell yesterday, about a decimetre thick. Today, a lot of it melted away. Is spring finally here? I would not count on it. We have had a lot of warm days this month, but cold weather and more snow has come in between. Daniel says that winter sometimes continues well into April, and says that when he was younger, there was once a snow storm on the 1st of May. I hope spring is here now, but we just have to wait and see. Weather is always unpredictable. Then again, how fun would it be, if we would always be able to foresee what weather there would be many weeks in advance?

Formula 1

This year's Formula 1 season has started. The first Friday practice was today, the first race is this Sunday. This is Daniel's favourite sport. He is annoyed, though, that the races are not aired on any Swedish TV channel that we have. You have to pay extra for a special sport channel in order to see the races live. I do not understand why? Are there not enough money for the commercials in the ordinary channels? Well, there may be other ways to enjoy the sport, though I cannot think of any now. Perhaps Daniel will purchase that sport channel?

Quiet Day

We had a quiet day today. Nothing much happened. Paula was at home with a cold and rested a lot, so did all the dogs in the house. Sometimes, days like this make you tired. I am not really in the mood to write much in my blog today. Please, come back another day!

City Council

Daniel is not at work today, but at the city council. This council is needed, because there are so many humans in our city, that they have to elect some who decide upon common needs. Dogs do not need a city council. We are also many, but we leave these boring things to our humans. Wolves do not need councils either, they just keep out of each others' businesses. It is, however, in the nature of humans to sit down and talk and talk about things, before anything happens. I am glad I am not a human, so I do not need to participate in talks like this.

The Fiona MacKenzies

Three different singers, all by the name Fiona MacKenzie, all from the same Scottish island, have decided to make a show together. The fact that three different singers have the same name is quite a coincidence and their names brought them together. It must be fun for them.

Whenever I perform for the public, it is in the dog show ring. In the dog show ring, you always have the element of competition against other dogs of your breed. I would not want to perform in a dog show where there would be two other Shiba Inus called Lunar Eclips.

The Fiona MacKenzies, however, perform without any competition among them. I guess this is one advantage of being a singer instead of a show dog - though I would not want to trade occupations, I like dog shows too much.

Snow, Again!

We thought spring was finally here to stay. The weather was beautiful yesterday and this morning, but in the afternoon, snow began to fall. The temperature was above freezing, so the first snow melted as soon as it landed on the ground, but there was so much snow that the ground cooled of and a layer of snow stayed. The new layer of snow is about 2 cm thick. I do believe it will disappear again soon, but the ground will be covered tonight. By the end of next week, spring may finally be here to stay.

A Pink Elephant

Humans sometimes drink stuff with alcohol in it. A lot of alcohol changes your behaviour and perception of the world. There is a widespread joke about people who have had too much alcohol to drink, that they see pink elephants. Imagine my surprise, when I learned that there are elephants who actually are pink. These are albinos, and an elephant with this odd colour was recently caught on camera in northern Botswana. The world is an amazing place, you should never believe you know everything there is to know about it. I am glad to pass this information on, and hope that it was something new for my readers too.

Late Night

This Friday evening, Paula, Daniel and I went over to Mia, Emil, and Kesshi. We were there until quite late, this is why I write this blog entry after midnight. We have an early morning tomorrow, so I'll better go to sleep soon. Stay tuned for more in my blog tomorrow.

More About Music and Politics

I have to write another piece on the Eurovision Song Contest, apart from the one I wrote Wednesday the 11th of March. Israel will be represented by a duo this year, where one singer is an Israeli Jew, the other is an Israeli Arab. They held different opinons on the recent war between Israel and the Hamas controlled Gaza, nevertheless, they are friends. The Arab singer has gotten critique from some extremist Israelis, but will perform the song anyway. I think this is a good thing, a duo that will necessarily be a symbol of fellowship and peace between the Jews and the Arabs of Israel. Their song is nice, though not outstanding.

Chocolate

Daniel had some chocolate for desert tonight. I would also have wanted some, but Paula and Daniel keep telling us dogs that chocolate is not healthy for us. They claim there is some substance in the cocoa which is toxic to dogs. Among ourselves, the four legged members of the household have discussed this and sometimes in the discussions, we touch on the possibility that humans say this about chocolate just because they are so fond of it that they want it all for themselves. The main proof that this is not the case, apart from the obvious fact that our humans usually never lie to us, is that Paula is not very fond of chocolate. There are a lot of things to eat that she likes much better than chocolate, but still let us eat. Over all, I do believe that chocolate is not healthy for dogs. However, it may be fun to discuss the possibility, just like discussions about the possibility of trolls in the woods or flying saucers from outer space.

Proud of Paula

I am proud of Paula today. She had a very difficult exam the other week, and today she got to know she got every question right and scored 32 out of 32 possible points. This is great. I am sure Paula will become an exceptionally great nurse, once she finishes her education. The help I gave her, when she studied for this exam, paid off.

More Wolves

There is an increasing number of wolves in Scandinavia. At least 25 litters of wolf pups were born in 2008, 22 of which were born in Sweden. Estimates show 23-24 packs of wolves and an additional 9-12 pairs of wolves. The progonosis is that there will be a little fewer litters born this year. The big trouble for the Scandianvian wolves is the inbreeding, the whole population is based on four individual wolves who have migrated here since 1983, the latest one last year. About three to five new wolves with fresh blood would be needed over the next five years for the tribe to thrive and get rid of the troubles with inbreeding. At the same time, the wolves do not have humans who help them find good mates, they have to rely on coincidences.

I would not want to meet a wolf in real life. At the same time, I am fascinated by wolves, the wild ancestors of all dogs. Nature would not be the same without them. If there is to be wolves in Scandinavia, I wish for them to get fresh blood and stop the inbreeding, otherwise, they will eventually perish anyway. I just hope that nature finds a way to save the Scandianvian wolves.

Chaos

In New York, an audition for the TV show Top Model ended in chaos. Six people were injuried and three were arrested. It is yet unclear what caused the chaos, but the arrests were on charges of inciting to riot and disorderly conduct. I do not know why anyone would do this. In a way, I see the world of fashion as a human form of dog shows, they are both about what future individuals of each species may look like. However, I cannot believe any dogs would cause riots that would make international headlines when queuing to get in to a dog show. Most dogs are better behaved than to cause anything like that.

Competitions

Paula and Daniel went to the regional kennel club today, among other things in order to get prizes for the successes of their dogs last year. They got one prize for each champion last year, one of whom was me. They also got a prize because April became a World Winner. April went with them and held the Shiba Inu flag up high in a funny little competition about the best dog of the club. She did not win, but said that the Rotweiler who beat her in a quarter final was a really good looking dog. Nevertheless, we all believe it was a good thing to have a Shiba Inu there.

In the evening, we watched the final of the Swedish qualification to the Eurovison Song Contest. Daniel's favourite song won, La Voix, sung by Malena Ernman. We were all rather satisfied with the result, but Paula would rather have wanted Alcazar's song as winner. Well, unfortunately, we cannot all have our favourite as winner. On the other hand, we are happier when things turn out the way we want, if they do not always do that.

Honda Becomes Brawn

It is now official that the Honda Formula 1 team is purchased by team principal Ross Brawn. The team will continue to compete in Formula 1. This is good news, there is absolutely no need for fewer teams on the grid in Formula 1.

It is nice to know that even in the current economic world crisis, Formula 1 will continue with as many teams as before. It is important for the useful technological progress made in Formula 1, that there are many teams competing for the victories. There is also a significant part of entertainment in Formula 1, and entertainment is perhaps more important than ever in economic recessions. It makes us feel happier and may make it easier to get through the hard times.

Top Technology in Everyday Life

Formula 1 is Daniel's favourite sport. It has got a lot to do with top notch technology to make the cars go as fast as possible. However, the research and development that results in fast cars for the race track gives inspiration to a lot more for our everyday lives. This is something that people who think Formula 1 is ridiculous ought to think about once in a while. All of the money invested in the sport is not just wasted on an expensive pass time that consumes petrol. By the way, the first race for the season is due in just two weeks.

Music and Politics

The Caucasian republic of Georgia has decided to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest. They claim that this is due to political pressure from Russia, who will host the contest this year. The song that Georgia would have competed with was called ""We Don't Wanna Put in" and its lyrics was critical to the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

If the story about political pressure from Russia is true, I strongly disapprove of it. Freedom of speech should be honoured, even if the people excercising the right are singing and not talking. The European Song Contest should not be about politics, but about friendly competition. Of course, the Georgian song held a political message, which does not belong in the contest (and is not allowed), but it is much worse that the Russians want to forbid it. I do not think politics belong in a music contest, so maybe it is just as well Georgia does not participate, so I would not have any reason to vote for that song just to support freedom of speech.

Sports and Politics

Sweden has become the centre of attention for a lot of people around the world the last weekend, because of a Davis Cup tennis game. It is not that the game involves world players or is the final game, the thing is that the game was played against Israel in the city of Malmö, where the ruling socialists decided that it had to be played without spectators. The official reason was security concerns, and there were some small anti-Israel demonstrations, but the real reason has to be anti-Israel opinions among the ruling politicians. I believe this is unworthy of the relationship with a democracy like Israel.

Japanese Economy Hit Hard

The Japanese economy has been hit hard by the current hardships in the world economy. Exports have been halved in January and for the first time in thirteen years there has been more import than export. I am concerned about the situation, but I do believe Japan will make it through the crisis. Importing more than you export must not always be a negative thing, either, as long as it is not a situation that goes on for a very long time. A good situation in a country is not just dependent on huge exports, but also from importing the things that you need and want. In a way, huge imports show how strong the Japanese economy is, even in times of falling exports.

Horses Domesticated Earlier Than Thought

British scientists have found that horses may have become domesticated by humans about a thousand years earlier than previous thought. They have found evidence that suggests that horses were used by a culture in what is now northern Kazakhstan about 5,500 years ago.

I believe it is important to note that this does not, in any way, threaten the status that dogs have as the earliest animals living and working alongside humans. Regardless of these new findings on horses, dogs went by the side of humans many thousands of years earlier. Horses have had a great impact on human civilisation, but dogs have been there for a much longer time and have, thus, impacted humans much more. Horses have been used as machines, vehicles and for food, while dogs are helping humans as hunters, herders, watchdogs, etc. Dogs are also something much more important, dogs are friends. However, I guess the odd horse may still feel some sense of pride that horses have a longer heritage in the human/dog civilisation.

News

I have only wonderful reports from my puppies out there in the big world. Bagus & Meja are two happy puppies and they love their families. What more can you wish?

Tonigh I wish Paula good luck. She is going to work night at the orthopedic clinic at the University hospital in our town. Its a new work and she is a bit nervous. Well, I know my Paula and she is a superb person so it will work out just fine.

Meja Is Her Name

We have heard from Kiko's family today, where my daughter now lives. They have finally decided to give my daughter the name Meja (just like the singer). I think this is a good name, better than Miho that they thought of first.

Meja met Kiko for the first time yesterday. Today, they have played with a ball together. The ball went in under a piece of furniture where Kiko could not reach it, but Meja was small enough to get it out. I would guess this did not make Kiko happy.

It makes me feel good that Meja will live with my brother Kiko. He can take part of the responsibility for teaching her how to be a true Shiba Inu, alongside the humans that they now share.

Road Trip

April and I went with Paula and Daniel to deliver my pup to her new humans. We went about half way to Älmhult, where my daughter will live with my brother Kiko and his family. Half way, that is to Brahehus, a nice place by Lake Vättern. The road trip was all right, and it was nice to meet Kiko, if only for a couple of minutes.

In the evening, we got a phonecall from Kiko's family. They have given my daughter the name Miho, which suits her fine. Miho has found her place in the family right away and really likes it there. This makes me feel good.

Paula has bought a new computer, a miniature lap top that we got from the post office after our road trip. It will be easy to bring this computer on future road trips. With this computer, I may have better means to update my blog when we are away for a couple of days. This is a great advantage.

Day at the Office

Daniel took my daughter to his office today. I would have thought that he would bring me as well, since she is so small, but he did not. My pup made a lot of friends at the office, everybody wanted to pet her. This proves that she will be good at her main job description: pet. Some of Daniel's co-workers even photographed her, she said. I am a little envious, I also like to be at the centre of attention once in a while. However, I am glad for my daughter, who had a nice day at the office.

Turmoil

At noon today, my daughter Fuji came back to us. I love her and was happy to see her.

Fuji is still the remarkable pup she has always been. She will go to live with my brother Kiko and his family in Älmhult. This makes me so happy. I believe this was meant to be. All is well that ends well.