I’ve just recently “inherited” an elderly Shiba Inu named Oberon from my ex husband, who tragically drove here with Obie in the car & then left the car running, got out and killed himself on my lawn.

The cops brought Oberon to my mom (she lives in the house closer to where he killed himself) after they realized there was a dog in the car. Needless to say, it was traumatic for everyone. Long story short I’ve known Oberon since he was young because he used to belong to a couple who were our close friends. I know that is ultimately the reason my ex decided to do what he did here, because he knew I would take care of Obie bc I always loved him, too.

My question(s) to this Shiba community are —

Does anyone have experience with elderly Shibas trying to scratch their dog bed so much into the “perfect” spot that they start whimpering? It breaks my heart every time I hear him do it. He has a large, unmovable orthopedic memory foam dog bed that he sleeps on sometimes, but a lot of the time he goes for the smaller beds my other dogs use.

He’s on rimadyl for arthritis but I’m thinking about asking my vet for suggestions for something else, too. A lot of times his back end starts slowly lowering like he’s having trouble standing.

He seems so slow and stiff inside the house but when we go outside he wags his tail and gets almost puppy like in his prancing.

Any advice from people who have had Shiba experience is welcome.

He’s also now terrified of car rides (I mean rightfully so). But sometimes if I give him the trazodone he’s prescribed it almost seems worse. He’s drugged up when I get him in the car then he wakes up and does the terrible sad whimper and pants.

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East.

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East.

Does anyone else have a Shiba who is obsessed with eating grass?

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East.

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East.

mlem

Just wanted to show eveyone my Shiba Ahri

People say they are “cat” like she is not she LOVES fetch and balls and will sleep next to/on me anytime we go to bed. She follows me like a shadow.

Nori loves her morning inspection reminding all the bunnies who runs this neighborhood 😸

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East.

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East 🐟

You’re friendly neighborhood Shibainu-za, sending love from the Far East.

My husband and I are picking up our Shiba puppy next week, and then we’ll have a 6+ hour drive back home. She'll be around 8 weeks old.

So far I’ve got a medium-sized dog carrier, pee pads, water, and a blanket. The breeder will give me some of the food she’s used to eating and a toy as well.

Is there anything else I should bring or prepare for such a long ride? I’m especially wondering about potty breaks, feeding, motion sickness, and whether I should let her out of the carrier during stops.

First-time Shiba owner here, so any advice would be really appreciated!