I met two Akitas at our local pub today. Just on our way out. My partner pointed them out and I am so glad he did.
My introduction was “I had an American Akita” and they lit up, invited me over, and the rest was just non-stop chatter about the breed.
Of course they were very typical in not being overly friendly to a newcomer (not aggressive, just didn’t give a fuck). I didn’t mind, I didn’t expect them to act any different and it was lovely just to share stories and talk about experiences with the owners. But the old boy did eventually get up and I gave him a head scratch. As soon as my fingers dug into his head fur I just melted. I think I said “oh, I miss this. He feels like Hana”
It’s a really difficult thing to describe to people who maybe haven’t met one. The fur is so plush, so dense. And their heads so wide. Your fingers just kind of sink in and the dog beneath is so solid.
He later did a shake off and I got a waft of the air that came off him. And again, I commented on the smell because it was so unique, and so damn familiar. It smelled just like her. Not particularly doggy, but woodsy and musky.
I’m now inbetween being happy to have the interaction, especially with people who knew the breed so well. But sad because it made me realise just how much I missed her.
It’s a little over 3 years since she’s been gone. And she’s still left a huge hole in my heart.
