Chisai inu (lap dogs) are the accessory of choice for Edoko with long-haired dachshunds leading the pack. In the Juban the dog grooming parlor Candy Jam is as entertaining as a quiz show on NHK; the plate glass window invites passerby to admire the polite pets as they get clipped and blowdried. Of late corgis seem in greater evidence, and one dog owner near the Manor pushes two mini schnauzers in a pram while a third rides in a backpack. As a rule dogs do not touch paw to sidewalk but are transported in tote bags, which is how I got the inspiration to carry Suki-chan in my fashionable Dean & Deluca canvas tote.
Hai time for Suki-chan's visit to the vet. With a recommendation from Cindy-san, our local expert, the appointment was made in nihongo at Athena Dobutsu Byoiin (Animal Hospital). Located behind Tokyo Midtown, a tower visible from the Manor, entailed a one mile taxi ride; the meter starts at Y 710 (about $8) but no tipping of course. To insure timely arrival we printed a map and asked the concierge to write our request on the sheet. Musume (daughter) popped Suki-chan into the tote bag, where she disappeared without a peep. I carried the hardcase plastic carrier in case neko (cat) turned into tora (tiger). After one or two false turns, the taxi driver found the street address and we entered the storefront. Glass walls meant we could watch the other patients: A papillon and a mini-mini poodle, both smaller than our Suki-chan. I tossed the plastic case in a corner while we waited our turn.
What a pleasant surprise: Our tora-chan peeked her nose out of the bag, then snuggled back down like a sweet neko-chan (cat). On her best behavior, she permitted Fukumura sensei to take her vitals, clip her claws and admire her luxurious neko no ke (fur) since local cats are mainly shorthaired with short tails. Back in the bag, she curled up despite the yipping of the Yorkie who followed. Does the tote bag explain the good behavior of pets around town? After settling the bill in cash (about $50), no problem to use takshii nihongo to direct the driver to the Manor. Mission accomplished.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
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