Hoshi is a rescue.  He was originally bred by my brother and lived with his owner in Santa Cruz for many years.  When she recently passed away, her family decided not to keep him.  Through a series of events, Hoshi was returned to Sacramento and my brother's house.  When Hoshi first arrived, he was very depressed at the loss of his owner and suffered from kennel cough/pneumonia.  My brother and I decided that he might do better with me, because he was accustomed to being around a woman.  It took awhile, but we finally got his health issues resolved.  The little guy has now become "permanent party" with Sukoshi and me.  He's come out of his shell, is doing well with us, and is exhibiting some impish Shiba traits. He will be a frequent visitor to the dog park -- so if you see a small fox-like dog  with me, that's Hoshi.