Nobody Hung This Stocking Yet. The Shiba Moved In First.
Only a pale, foxy face shows over the thick white cuff of an oversized red stocking. A cream Shiba Inu has tucked himself down inside the knit, and his upright ears and calm brown eyes give him the look of someone who planned this all along. Bright winter sun floods the room behind him, falling across a couch, a basket of toys, a mug, and a few colorful building blocks on the floor.
Shibas are small, spirited Japanese dogs with a fox-like face and a curled tail. They are known for being clean, independent, and a bit strong-willed, so consistent, patient training works better than harsh methods. Many Shibas dislike being fussed over and prefer to choose their own moment for affection. They also shed heavily twice a year, so a good brush earns its place in the house.
Dogs often like snug, enclosed spots because tight spaces feel secure, and a big knit stocking is one of the coziest ones around. Make sure that anything a dog sits in is safe, with no loose threads he could chew or swallow, and that he can get out easily. Let us call this stocking resident Kuma. He wears an expression of perfect self-control, as if sitting in a stocking were an entirely ordinary choice. All around him the room is in cheerful disorder, and he has settled calmly in the middle of it.
