How I met my Shiba

How I met my Shiba

If I may, let me share the origin story of my dog, Shiho. Shiho’s name was inspired by a Japanese model named Yano Shiho, whom I had seen only a couple of times on a Korean TV show. This was a long time ago but I remember how I was deeply impressed at her decision in marrying a random Korean-Japanese fighter when she could’ve chosen any top model or actor she desires (Now I understand - the man’s ring name is literally Sexyama).

(They now have a lovely daughter named Sarang, meaning love in Korean.)

But that’s not all. When I was a young, freshy man attending college in Tokyo, I had a chance to encounter Yano Shiho in Shinjuku, near the Waseda Campus. I caught a glimpse of her from behind who was wearing white skinny jeans. Although I didn’t even see her face clearly, I immediately recognized her and was struck by her confident aura. Seeing her in person made me appreciate(?) her more, and her image got stuck somewhere in me ever since.

In June 2021, our family decided to adopt a dog. It was my brother's strong desire, following his return from high school graduation in the U.S. (Btw, all of the Otter gears I wear on a regular basis are his high school uniforms ㅋㅋ) I wasn't particularly keen on the idea initially, knowing the added responsibility involved. And plus, I wasn’t a pet person to begin with. However, if we were to get a dog, I always had a soft spot for Shiba Inus. Why? Because they’re undeniably cute...

After visiting several shops in Seoul, we stumbled upon Shiho at the last one. Among the other Shiba Inus, Shiho immediately stood out, capturing my sight and heart. Other dogs had a desparate look of ‘Please take me’, but Shiho had this pure, innocent, and curious look on her face. On our way back home, I came up with two name choices: Shia (시아) and Shiho (시호). Opting for elegance, my brother persuaded me to choose Shiho. I personally thought ‘Shia’ was more ‘elegant’ but we settled with ‘Shiho.’ In the end, she just looked like Shiho.

2-month-old baby shiho

One day, out of nowhere, I looked up the meaning behind Shiho's name. The characters "志" and "保" symbolize "heart" and "to protect," respectively. Shiho, therefore, signifies "to protect one's heart." For some reason, from that moment on, I regarded Shiho as a godly gift. Without understanding the reason fully, I realized that having Shiho by my side allowed me to protect my own heart more than ever before.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 4:23

Thank God for allowing me Shiho. She is much more weird/peculiar/strange than I initially thought, but I will do whatever it takes to take care of her. Because I chose her.

p.s. When Shiho had a neutering surgery, I paid about $400. I found it funny because I would’ve never thought I would pay that much money for a dog before - typical old man’s journey…

p.s.s. For the record: Elon Musk got a Shiba Inu named Floki three months after I got Shiho. I just had to say it since Shiba Inus are trending (joking but not joking).

p.s.s.s. Disrespect for Dogecoin traders; I will never trade my Shiho to make some easy money.