Sheryl K. (hummingbird108) reviewed on 2/10/2011 + 26 more book reviews

This was a fascinating book about a man who was always true to himself even if that meant his already difficult life got even harder. I learned a lot about Japanese culture. Morie loved dogs and knew what he wanted in a good dog. He never followed show ring trends or fads but held fast to his own integrity and what he knew the Akita breed should be. I found it interesting that the struggles he faced in dog breeding all those decades remain the same for conscientious breeders today. Does one breed for modern society, in other words, a more laid-back, docile dog who lacks spirit but fits into suburban life? Or does one breed to keep the essence of the breed true to it's roots, which means a dog who may have temperament or aggression issues, in our restricted, confined world? And all through Morie's story is his faithful wife, Kitako. She was a city girl living in the snow country of Japan. She left her live of luxury for one of hard work and struggle. She and Morie disagreed on many things and argued a lot. But she stuck with him and in the end was glad she had. This is a book not only about life in Japan post WWII, not only about breeding and showing dogs, but about marriage and relationships...life's ups and downs. It is honest and open and you will enjoy it.

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