Visiting Choya's Parents

Let me be clear—we didn't plan this trip to visit Choya's birth place or her parents. This trip was mooted even before we knew of Choya's existence. After she came to live with us, and when I knew she was born in Perth, I google-mapped Sherae Kennels. Perth City isn't that big. We could visit, and we found time to visit. Our friends indulged us on this side jaunt, and came along too. Wheeeeee!

Besides being in the pink of health with little quirks and such, Choya's temperament is excellent. That is one thing I'm very grateful for. The breed is notorious for being difficult, so I'm glad she isn't too difficult to train. I've also learnt that she's not completely food-motivated. Her appetite is led by her moods, which are affected by how we treat her and what's happening in her life. If she's moping or sulky or anxious, she won't eat. She's more keen on our attention and praise. As independent and aloof she can be, she's also surprisingly affectionate. So I'm curious about the Perth breeders and her parents. I dropped them a polite enquiry, and to my joy, they accommodated our visit on a non-public-meet-and-greet day!

Kiyo who ran to bark at me.

We were warmly received, and promptly ambushed by a large troupe of Chow-Chows wandering around the property. Hahah. Cute as they were, man, they've got such long fur, and their butt fur could trail poop! How to keep a Chow-Chow clean?!!! We were taken to the breeding kennels where they house the Shiba Inus and Chow-Chows. I was most interested to see the living conditions of these dogs, and also check out their temperaments.

Choya was born at Sherae Kennels in Canning Vale to Sire Kiyo and Dam Penny (their registered names are damn long lah). Kiyo and Penny aren't having any litters at the moment. They're resting. The 13 new barely-two-week-old Shiba Inu puppies came from the other sets of parents. Very very cute. No, I'm not tempted to get a second dog, especially not a puppy. Dealing with Choya is quite enough.

Kiyo came running to the gate and barked at me for a good three minutes. Hurhurhur. Penny came over, then quickly retreated to the back of the kennel. From that distance, she peeked out and observed me; not quite hidden, but just beyond your direct line of sight. There she stayed for the whole time I hung around.

After spending a few minutes with Kiyo and Penny, I totally get how Choya is who she is. Hahahah. After Kiyo decided I wasn't a threat, he turned away, sat in a corner and... vigorously licked his paw. Oh where have I seen that? OMG! YOU'RE A PAW-LICKER!!! Choya's barks and 'aggression' are totally Kiyo's. Penny's expressions of cautiousness and reticence are exactly Choya's. The mannerisms and the head tilts! Beyond staring at a data screen of her genetic make-up, her coloring and facial expressions and looks are a nice amalgamation of her parents. Shirley and Loren at Sherae Kennels and Kelly of Soo Kee Kennels all thought Choya looked so much like her mom. But from many angles, I thought she bears a stronger resemblance to her dad. Kiyo and Penny are both reds; while regular in size, they're not big and definitely not overweight. Choya is a tiny strong red Shiba Inu.

The man was thrilled. He totally enjoyed himself chatting with the staff and checking out the dogs. He's silly lah. I was curious, but not that keen. I was quite snarky- I was like 'seeing your parents doesn't explain you what, so why do you want to see your dog's parents?' LOL He was the one who requested me to get in touch with Sherae Kennels and all. I was like, hmmm....we'll see. I didn't even send that email enquiry till the day we flew out. It was swell of Sherae Kennels to agree to our visit.

Choya in Singapore. At Changi Beach.