Hugo here! As you should already know, mom and dad's lives revolve around me and my sis, Reynolds. If for some reason you don't know who I am, then here's some pics of me. These are my "author profile" pictures for when mom publishes my book one day!
Now I will admit, sis and I were the reason for 98% of the stress over the last five months, and I felt every ounce of that stress along with mom and dad. It feels like it has been forever since sis and I had our blood drawn and tested back in California to prove we had enough protection against rabies. Even when our test came back and said we had enough Rabies antibodies to enter Japan, we still had to wait 6 months to be cleared! Now, I don't know why the Japanese made us quarantine for SIX months- that's like 3.5 dog years! Long story short, since dad didn't get his official orders in time for us to complete our full quarantine back in California, we had to finish it up once we got to Japan. That's why it was so important for them to get hotels on the military bases...because if they had to stay out in town, we would have had to go into doggy jail (others call it a doggie hotel on a military base, but I tell it like it is.)
Then mom and dad crammed us in kennels, and let strangers put me and sissy on an airplane. I'm sure I have puppy PTSD and I will NEVER willingly enter a kennel ever again. It was a horrible experience but sis and I survived and now we get to say we are world travelers! It was the longest sissy and I have ever had to hold it (almost 16 hours in total), but boy was that a good potty break when we finally got set free from the evil kennel! Mom wasn't happy to see I tried to chew my way out of the kennel, but a dogs gotta do what a dogs gotta do to get back to his people. I swear my chewing sped up the process! Did you know mom and dad had my DNA tested? Its true! They found out I have Chow Chow and Akita blood, and both those breeds are originated in Asia! Its all working out and now I get to live in the "land of my people!" True story!
ANYWAY....when we got here, we still had a month left to our quarantine. That just means that we had to stay on "American soil" until we met our quarantine quota. Luckily, mom and dad worked it out so we could stay on base, so we didn't have to endure any stint in doggy jail. Between our two-week stay in Atsugi, our time in the Navy Lodge in Sasebo, and now at our new home in Hario Base Housing, I have had a chance to pee on every single bush, stop sign and trashcan in the vicinity! I should get a medal- it was hard work. At least all the dogs in the area know I'm here and I feel like I made a lasting impression. Also, the naps have been AMAZING here in Japan. Mom says the extra sleepiness has something to do with the 13 hour time difference, but I just think the beds are extra comfy!
This past Monday, mom got us dressed in our nicest collars and she put sissy's choke collar on (because we all know she acts like a fool when she meets new dog-friends) and we went on a morning walk! This wasn't just any old walk though; we went and visited our friends at the Base Vet Clinic! We met our vet friends a few weeks back when we first got to Sasebo for a welcome visit, but today's meeting got us cleared from quarantine!
Now it's sissy's turn to tell you about it:
Ok, Reynolds here! Since Hugo showed you his polite, dignified personality, I figured I'd show you my true side too:
Like my bro said, we went and visited our vet friends this morning and got extra cuddles, good belly rubs, and unfortunately, some new "pokes." The vet technicians loved giving me attention and anytime Hugo tried to get pets, I reminded them that I am the deprived pup and that I need all the love...they fell for it and I got the majority of the pettings!
While we were there, Hugo and I had a heart worm test (yay! we were both negative!) and then we had to endure another poke to get a new vaccine called Lepto. The vaccine stung a little going in, but mom assured us it would be worth it for all the hiking trips and long walks we plan on doing here in Japan! Something about bacteria in still water sources...truthfully, I zoned out when the vet explained it to mom, but it pretty much means that this extra poke in the shoulder makes it so Hugo and I can go on hikes when dad gets home and we won't get sick! Plus, the veterinarian gave us each a scoop of peanut butter and, as you know, peanut butter makes everything better!
After some extra cuddles with my vet tech friends, it was time to peace out! Those ladies are going to miss me! They said I'm such a "good girl!" but boy, do I have them fooled! Mom said we will be back in three weeks to get another dose of the Lepto vaccine, but I know the real reason we have to go back is so my vet friends can get more of my lovin'! Mom took us home for an afternoon of naps with the promise of a nice long walk OFF BASE when it gets cooler tonight!
THAT WAS THE BEST WALK EVER!!!! At 6pm, Hugo and I got all leashed up and met Kota and his mom, Julia, for a long walk IN JAPAN! I'm not gonna lie, the human at the gate was kinda scary...he wears all black and has a very serious face, but once we got past him, I realized that the grass really is greener on the other side! Mom and Julia had to yell at each other over the songs of the cicadas (boy, they sure are extra loud here!), but Kota, Hugo and I had a blast exploring! Hugo enjoyed all the new smells and even left some of his own scent, but I was focused and ready to reach Huis Ten Bosch before the sun went down!
So I need to get one thing straight- Japanese people love their small dogs. You know, the little yappy ones? Yeah. Hugo and I are considered "extra large" dogs here, and I take full offense. I have worked hard to keep this body lean over the years! Mom even limits our treats! So when we got to Huis Ten Bosch, we did notice the locals steered clear of us. Kota was adopted here in Japan, so he told us that the Japanese people tend to be nervous around big dogs. They just prefer our smaller yappy cousins. The three of us agreed, they can keep their tiny dogs, because only "extra large" dogs can hang for our long 2.5 mile walk around the park!
Check out the pics mom took of our adventure!
Now we can say we have been to a Japanese Dutch theme park! Yeah, we are CULTURED.
At one point I thought I was going to die of thirst, but then I saw the base gate ahead! All that stood between me and a nice cold floor to lay on was the scary guy in all black. This time, mom and Kota's mom showed him some ID cards, and he let us enter! Whew...next time I vote we bring him a treat instead, who cares about a little piece of paper when we could trade treats instead!?! We said goodbye to Kota and headed home! Thankfully mom had cranked the AC down low, so I was down and out on the cold floor before mom could even take off the leash!
Be on the lookout for more adventures from Hugo and I since we are now free!!!!
Toodles!
Reynolds & Hugo
Great narrative! My canines were a bit jealous since all they get to see is our backyard, two blocks around our house in the big city of Fremont, and four walls.... However, the AC and cool water make up for some of the limitations imposed on them! Loved hearing about their lives from doggy perspective!!! 😘
Love to hear the dogs are enjoying life in Japan. Kota looks like the white German Shephard I used to have. Hopefully, the locals will get used to your "extra large" dogs and show them some loving on your walks.
Sounds like you all had a ball. Know the dogs are glad to be outof prison and can walk the land and mark their spots. The man in black must be scarey to them. Can't believe they are considered big dogs. That will make them think they are the boss. Glad they have met a friend. Give them a snack from Gram. Love you all
OMG... I feel like I was there with my grand dogs!!! To anyone who has not met these perfect pups.... this blog shows their personalities. I'm sure Hugo would think Japan is the best place in the world if squeaker balls grew on their bushes and trees! And Reyn wishes their were TONS of bumble bees to chase (or at least their shadows!)
Kota looks like a white Meeko! Beautiful pup! Maybe on the next walk, Mom will stop for Shushi! Love my babies!!! Ellie Mae, DeeoGie, Solo, Yoda, PURRdy, Bibanee and Cali said Hello! (and Yoda asked you to please send him some Shushi!
Hahaha! I’m glad the dogs made their debut on the blog 😂