When Raven and I first became 'serious', I was in the process of hunting for another Dog (at the time I also had a dog named Rowan).  I found  2  ads in the paper, one for Collie puppies, and one for Akita Puppies.  Raven called both places for me, and reported that the Collie pups were a bit too far for us to travel to.  And the Akita Pups were right down the road.  He also said the only male pup had something wrong with his eyes, and the breeder wasn't sure if anyone would want him, and they were scared that they'd have to put him down.  So naturally we went to check it out.

   As soon as we saw him, it was instant love (at least on my part).  He was so chubby, and cute. He named himself immediately: Bear.  Neither one of us really knew what we'd be in for when I took him home.  Rowan was used to being the only dog, and didn't take too well to him at first.  Though I think she enjoyed having someone to knock around.  But soon enough she adopted him into the family, and became the loving Mother (As always!!). 

   Bear's reached a staggering  130lbs (which as I understand it, is rather large for an Akita who usually only get to be about 87lbs), he comes up to my hips (which makes him 3 feet at the shoulder).  He's a smart boy though (a matter that's in high debate between me and Raven) and His favorite pastime is watching the TV.   Every evening at 7 he'll walk into the living room, and sit down in front of the TV, and if it's not on he'll look around, and literally grumble  till we turn it on for him.  His Favorite shows are "Breed all About It", "A Pet Story" and "The Planet's Funniest Animals" though he watches pretty much anything. His favorite movie is Men in Black, though he also enjoys all the Star Wars, The Mask, and The Three Musketeers. (and he'll watch them all beginning to end... usually over 2 hours). Unfortunately we've created a monster.  Now, whenever we leave the house, he demands we put on Animal Planet for him, and if we don't, he gets really depressed, and unruly. So, we leave his TV on, and he's a good boy.   When we come home, and one of 'his' shows are on, he seems to have a hard time deciding weather to greet us, or keep watching.   Man, he's really got us trained.... when he starts demanding popcorn.... I quit... *G* ..

For those of you who don't know what an Akita is here's a little background:

Akitas were originally bred in Japan, to hunt bears.  Now though, they're used as police dogs, loyal family companions and pit fights.  To the Japanese, the Akita is a symbol of health, long life, and loyalty (with very good reason!). They are also considered a National treasure to the Japanese.   Helen Keller is the person credited with introducing the Akita to the USA.  They come in all colors, from fawn, to brindle, to pure white, and solid black.  The main characteristic of Akitas are their small upright ears, and their curled tail. They have THICK double coats (which makes it next to impossible to get them fully wet!!) that they shed twice a year, and during those times, you can't so much as pat him on the head without sending huge tufts of fur flying!   Of all dogs, Akitas are reported to be the most loyal to their family, in other words, if something happened, and someone had to give up their Akita, the dog would probably either run away (trying to find it's 'true' family) or wither away, from depression. AKC standards for Akitas are: Males can be up to 110lbs, and stand 28" , while females stand 24" tall and weigh 75lbs or so.  Their coats are short, and harsh with no feathering (American Akitas have longer, fluffier hair than their Japanese cousins, Bear is of Japanese Stock so his hair is extra coarse and short) and any color is acceptable, as long as the nose is solid black (while liver colored noses are acceptable on pure white Akitas) Bear's AKC registered name is Wild's Sunbear (or as Raven Calls him Padawan Wild SunBear)- as he's by Rosco's Big and Wild, out of Princess Kiwi.

PUPPY PICTURES!

If you have any questions or comments