Akita Crusader - Akita Club of America Rescue
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Akita Crusader
The official newsletter of May 2018 Vol 1, Issue 2
AKITA CLUB OF AMERICA RESCUE, INC
This rescue remembrance story
came in an unexpected way and
shows how quickly dogs can bond
with us and us with them.
We asked people to submit their
Easter “bunny” photos on ACAR’s
Facebook page for the newsletter,
and this beauty popped up first.
Her human, Michele McCarren
DePrima, shared with us “Kira’s”
story. Kira was stray. Michele’s
husband found this beautiful girl
wandering on New York’s Belt
Parkway (for non-New Yorkers, it’s a
series of highways surrounding the
boroughs).
He brought her home with hopes
they would find her owner. Eight
days after Kira was rescued by the
DePrimas, their resident 12-year-old
Rottweiler, Bonnie, passed away.
Inside this issue
After several failed attempts to find her original owners, Kira became a member of the
DePrima family. Although Kira was the DePrimas’ third rescue, she was their first Akita. President’s letter 2
They adored her. Michele explained that they had to adjust to Kira’s behaviors and
peculiarities; they even sought help from an experienced Akita trainer. Kira had some ATTS 3
major health problems, but she won the family over, heart and soul. She was with the
Easter “bunnies” 4
DePrima family for nearly three years before passing away on January 4 this year.
“She’ll forever hold a special place in our hearts,” Michele said. Whatever her life was The Akita—Legend, Myth,
5
before, this pretty little stray wandering the New York highways found her way home with History
the DePrimas and will never be forgotten.
Rescue Spotlight 9
Although it has not felt much book into digital form. We will be offering the publication
like spring in many parts of the (both in print and electronically) for sale later this year. We
country, May is here and June is have a limited number of beautiful hardbound copies that
on the horizon. There has been no we’ll have at Nationals in Sturbridge, MA. This book has
rest for dedicated rescues and their more than 250 articles and numerous photographs
volunteers; they have continued in featuring historic Akitas in the United States. You’ll find one
their efforts to rescue Akitas from article printed in this issue of Akita Crusader.
unfortunate situations and spring We are also pleased to have two online stores open
seems to have brought more Akitas and ready for business. Our logo store (https://
in need. ACAR has also been busy acar.qbstores.com) offers a wide variety of apparel with an
with both short and long-term projects. embroidered ACAR logo.
A heartfelt thank you to a special Southern California Our second store is through Zazzle (https://
group led by ACAR board member Shannon Miller. The www.zazzle.com/s/akitaclubrescue or search on Zazzle’s
group gave up a beautiful April Saturday to work at an site for AkitaClubRescue). Imagination and creativity have
ATTS temperament test raising almost $2,000 to benefit been pinging off the roof!
ACAR. Shannon singlehandedly organized the successful ACAR’s Zazzle store features artwork created
testing event bringing together more 30 dogs, including exclusively for our use—you won’t find it anywhere else. In
eight Akitas, all of whom passed, in Orange, CA. addition to a variety of Akita designs, we have great gifts
The California wonder team included Anita Palmer, for any dog lover.
Kathy Webster, Teri Meredyth, Nikki Snell, Peggy McDill, We hope you’ll show your support by browsing through
Sheri Stickley, Laurin Remphrey, Jim Ruebhausen, and the merchandise at either store. ACAR receives a small
Tom and Shannon Miller. percentage on each item sold; so, every purchase you
We also encourage everyone to participate, donate or make helps us.
sponsor a participant in BEAR’s annual Whisker Walk. This If you have suggestions about what you would like to
BEAR fundraiser is their biggest annual event and every see in the stores, let us know; we’ll do our best to make it
donation goes toward giving unfortunate Akitas a chance happen.
for a wonderful life. Until next time, best wishes and let’s keep working
In our other news, we are thrilled to announce that together to change every rescued Akita’s future.
through a generous donor, ACAR has acquired the
copyrights and printed copies of the book The Best of the
First Decade of Akita World magazine. The first decade
Wayne
spans 1982 through 1992. We are currently converting the
I would like to bring you up to amount of $500 per dog to assist towards medical care
date on what ACAR has along with boarding.
accomplished. As of today, we have ACAR’s fundraising committee is “cooking up” a pretty
distributed over $29,000 to our ACA special and unique fundraiser. ACAR is sure this fundraiser
approved hands-on rescues. If you follow any of the ACA will allow both you and your Akita to participate in the fun.
Akita rescue pages on Facebook, you will see they have Please watch ACAR’s Facebook (Akita Club of America
been extremely busy saving an overwhelming vast number Rescue) this month to find out details.
of Akitas.
The board recently created an Emergency Rescue
Policy to be utilized by the rescues during natural disasters Sincerely,
or larger intakes of three or more Akitas. As a result of a Sherry Lockrem
breeder surrendering several dogs to a small rural shelter, CFO & Fundraising Chair
ACAR provided assistance immediately to the approved
rescue. ACAR was able to provide financial support in the
2
TESTING IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA
With Shannon Miller at the helm, ACAR hosted an American Temperament Test Society test for 34 dogs
on April 21, 2018, in Orange, CA. Shannon reported that among the almost three dozen dogs, eight
Akitas represented the breed and passed the test. The event raised $1,950. Many thanks to the
volunteers who gave up a sunny California day to help raise money for Akita rescues.
Volunteers: Shannon Miller, Anita Palmer, Kathy Webster, Teri Meredyth, Nikki Snell, Peggy McDill,
Sheri Stickley, Jim Ruebhausen, Laurin Remphley, and Tom Miller.
Cosmo and
No worries walking on Kathy Webster
this stuff, says Sophie
with Kathy Webster.
Sandra Paul and Mace, TT,
CGCA, TKN
Elvis and
Sheri
Stickley
looking
Moshi with Kurt Ruoff checking out ready to
the noisy bucket. go.
Moshi and Kurt Ruoff showing there’s nothing to
fear with crazy big umbrellas.
Noel and Tom
Miller showing
how to ace the
temperament
test.
(L to R) Anita Palmer, Kathy Webster, Shannon Miller, Teri
Meredyth, Jim Ruebhausen, Nikki, Snell and Tom Miller
3
EASTER FUNNY “BUNNIES”
Brissette
bunny
Sarge
4
THE AKITA — LEGEND, MYTH, HISTORY
—Donald W. Lusk
Originally published in Akita World, 1982
Thanks to a special, generous donor, ACAR owns the copyrights to the Best of the First Decade of Akita
World magazine. This publication includes more than 300 articles as well as accompanying photographs. The
historical value alone for the Akita breed is tremendous, and we look forward to sharing it. Currently, it is being
digitized and the entire publication will be available for purchase once the project is complete. Complementary
articles and photos from the publication will be included in Akita Crusader. Enjoy!
Any effort to trace the historical origins of the Akita
dog encounters many difficulties. The first obstacle
one encounters is the limited research and written
material available; secondly, the inevitable difficulty
in securing accurate translations of such material
from the original Japanese1; thirdly, there is
diversity of opinion even among that handful of
scholars who have made a serious effort to search
out and chronicle the facts. Though Japan offers us
over 2,600 years of recorded history, culture, and
civilization, the fragments of that long and colorful
past which shed any conclusive light on the true
origins of the Akita dog, as we know it today, are
rare. There are but a handful of Japanese scientific
and lay authors who over the past century have
devoted significant effort to sorting out the origins
and development of the Japanese type dog in
general, and the Akita in particular — their
conclusions and speculations are based on
archaeological, zoological, anthropological, and
ethnological viewpoints. Equally important are those
studies primarily pursued through review of what
written history has been documented by folklore
closely identified with "Japanese dog culture." One
of the most disciplined investigations of the origin of
the Akita is currently being conducted by Niki
Rhoden of Oakland, California. Hers is the only
research of which I am aware which is based
primarily on the biological aspects of the Akita. Her Shintora-Go owned by Yugoro Izumi, circa 1951
findings, when published, may prove to be highly
surprising, and certainly more scientifically conclusive curled tails, or if they were originally from Japan, it
than anything yet published. may be assumed that they were related to the present
Some of the more accepted and respected Akita Dog.2 The Bronze Age of Yayoi followed the
authorities on this subject in Japan include: Dr. Toku Stone Age. Drawings and artifacts of this period
Uchida, author of Inu No Hon (Book on Dogs); Dr. picture dogs with stand-up ears and half curled tails,
Shosaburo Watase; Mr. Hirokichi Saito, founder of and other distinct features of the Japanese type dog.2
Nihon-Ken, and author of Nihon No Inu To Okami During the reign of Emperor Jinmu (660 BC), new
(Dogs and Wolves of Japan); Dr. Noburo Sagara of dogs were brought from China and
Waseda University; Dr. Tei Uchida; Mr. Hiroyoshe Korea.2
Saito, and Mr. Naoto Kajiwara, author of My Thoughts From this point in history forward, there are many
on the Akita Dog. and conflicting theories. However, it is generally
It was long believed that people first migrated to accepted that the traditional Japanese type dogs
the Japanese Islands around 4,000 years ago, evolved into their various distinctive forms. greatly
bringing with them the Jomon culture of hunters. influenced by their habitat and geographical location.
However, more recent archaeological finds indicate In areas where there was rapid civilization and
that Japanese history dates further back into the exposure to outside influences, the purity of the breed
Stone Age. A study of reconstructed skeletal remains tended to disappear due to much crossbreeding. In
and fossils from the Jomon Period indicate that general, the Japanese dogs which were declared as
domesticated dogs first appeared during this time and natural monuments came form the remote mountain
were used for hunting and protection. Though it is not areas where civilization was slow to make its inroads,
known whether these dogs had stand-up ears and (Continued on page 6)
5
(Continued from page 5) branch of the organization was founded in Los
Angeles in 1969.
and where the relative purity of dog breeds were Nipponken Hozonkai (Nippo) was established in
maintained.3 1928, and Akitainu Kyokai (Akikyo) was established in
There are seven breeds of Japanese dogs that 1948.
were declared as natural monuments and named Each of the three aforementioned organizations
according to their place of origin. They were also has developed its own Akita Breed Standard and
classified by sizes into the large, medium and small maintains an independent Akita Registry.
dogs. The large dog is the Akita, from the Odate area. One of the most significant events in the
There is no other known large Japanese dog surviving restoration and preservation of the Akita was the
today.3 tremendous attention commanded throughout Japan
The Name Akita-Inu (Akita Dog) was not used and the entire world by the moving story of an Akita
until September 1931, at which time the Akita was dog named Hachi-Ko. No dog before or since has so
designated as a national monument. Prior to that time, touched the hearts of people everywhere.
dogs from the Odate Region were called "Odate In November 1923, a puppy was born in Akita
Dogs." During the Feudal Period, these dogs were Prefecture which showed great promise of being of
called the "NambuInu” (Southern Regional Dog). true Akita type. At the age of two months, it was sent
Those dogs which were used for fighting purposes to Professor Eizaburo Ueno in Tokyo, who had long
were called "Kuriya-Inu" while those used for hunting coveted a fine Akita dog. The professor named the
by the mountain villagers were called "Matagi-Inu." puppy Hachi and called him Hachi-Ko. At that time,
The word Matagi refers to hunter. Professor Ueno's residence was in a suburb of Tokyo
Thus, since ancient times, Japanese dogs were in the vicinity of Shibuya Station, and he commuted by
named according to their locale, or their roles as train from that station to the agricultural experimental
domesticated animals.3 station at Nishikebara where he worked. Hachi-Ko
It seems clear that the direct forebearers of the accompanied his master in the morning and in the
Akita as we know it today were native to Akita evening as he went to and from work. On May 21,
Prefecture, the northernmost province on the main 1925, when Hachi-Ko was one and a half years old,
Japanese Island of Honshu. The historical epicenter of he was at Shibuya Station as usual, waiting for his
present day Akita Prefecture is the city of Odate. master's arrival on the four o'clock train. Professor
There have been several organizations evolved in Ueno would, in fact, never arrive, as he had been
Japan which have contributed significantly to the struck down by a fatal stroke at the university that day.
preservation and restoration of the Akita. Hachi-Ko was cared for by relatives and friends of the
During the Dog Fighting Era of the Meiji Period family, but he continued to go to Shibuya Station each
(1868-1912), there was a dog fighting club called day to await his master's arrival. Hachi-Ko's vigil
Enyukai. The Aiken Kyokai was another dogfighting continued until March 8, 1935, when at the age of
club formed during the Taisho Period (1912-1925). twelve years and five months he died, still waiting in
Akitainu Hozonkai, the largest and most dominant vain for the return of his beloved master.
Akita Club in Japan today, was established in 1927. A Fiction could not have given rise to such a
moving story of fidelity, courage, and a dog's love of
man. Response throughout Japan, and indeed the
whole world, was spontaneous, as eulogies and warm
words of condolence poured into Japan from young
and old, rich and poor.
Today, commuters through Shibuya Station in
Tokyo still must pass the imposing statue of Hachi-Ko,
erected in loving memory of that venerable dog. His
proud figure, sculptured in bronze and set high on a
granite block, stands as mute evidence of the place in
Japan's cultural and social history occupied by the
Akita dog.4
No story of the Akita would be complete without
mention of the rather extraordinary circumstances
surrounding the first Akita to come to America. Years
before the Akita caught the eye and the fancy of
American military occupation personnel in Japan
following World War II, a famous American woman
discovered and learned to love the unique character
and qualities of this magnificent breed. What must
have enraptured her most were the spiritual rather
than the physical characteristics of the Akita, for she
had been blind since birth.
Helen Keller, world-famous scholar – lecturer –
A female, Akita in the Odate area, circa 1928 author – educator – humanitarian, first visited the
(Continued on page 7)
6
(Continued from page 6) was sent to Miss Keller from her admirers in Japan.
Kenzan-Go lived with Miss Keller until his death
Orient and Japan in 1937 where she commenced a around 1944 or 1945.4
grueling ten-week speaking tour, visiting 39 cities, and So started the unusual introduction of the Akita
giving 99 lectures to more than a million people. Her to America, and the ensuing interest in this exotic dog
tour would take her eventually to Akita City, a town of from Japan which finally culminated in recognition of
about 60,000 residents at that time. During an the Akita breed in America by the American Kennel
interview with reporters earlier, she had indicated that Club in 1973. Three events which in combination
she would like to have an Akita dog. The notion contributed significantly to focusing attention on the
probably came to her while in Tokyo where she had Akita dog during the two decades preceding World
learned of the Akita dog Hachi-Ko and was touched War II were: the saga of Hachi-Ko, the tour of Japan
by his story. At Akita City, Mr. Ichiro Ogasawara, a by Helen Keller and her involvement with the breed,
member of the Akita Police Department, presented and the declaration of the Akita as a natural
Miss Keller with one of his own new puppies, monument. Had these events not occurred, one must
Kamikaze-Go. It should be remembered that purebred wonder if the Akita, as a distinctive and identifiable
Akitas were at that time virtually nonexistent outside breed, would have survived.
of Akita Prefecture, and very scarce even there. After the Akita was declared a natural
Kamikaze-Go returned to the United States with monument, there is ample recorded evidence of a
Helen Keller aboard the liner Chikchibu Maru. "Kami," strong surge of activity, in the Odate area in
as he was affectionately called, went to live with particular, to restore the Japanese Akita dog to its
Helen Keller at her estate in a suburb of New York. original state. It is fortunate indeed that the road back
Unfortunately, Kami became ill and died in November for the Akita started in the 1920s, for had it not, World
of the same year at the tender age of eight months. War II, which further decimated the ranks of the
In June of 1939, a second Akita, Kenzan Go, (Continued on page 8)
Kin-Go, circa 1932. Kin-Go was a Natural Monument designate.
7
Akita with two-week-old puppies in the Odate area (undated).
(Continued from page 7) were from the wartime period. They include Bushi-
Go, Tamazakura-Go, Habubotan-Go, Furuhime-Go,
breed, would probably have brought in its wake the Tome-Go, and Mitzukaze-Go, all of which were
final extinction of the Akita dog. considered as Tokuyu (superior) dogs. There were
That the Akita did survive the second World War about 60 Akita entries at this show.
is in itself a miracle, for that great conflict took its toll During the period 1948-1950, many historically
of dogs as well as people. The ravages of war famous Akita dogs were produced including
caused the normal shortages of commodities, and the Goromaro-Go (regarded as the most important
shortage of food rapidly became serious. The Akita foundation stud dog in the restoration process),
dog, which consumed the most food among Jiroraru-Go (littermate to Goromaru-Go), Kongo-Go,
Japanese dogs, suffered greatly, and gradually Torafsa-Go, Long-Go, Dainikisaragi-Go, Shinzan-Go,
dwindled in numbers. Dog and cat pelts began to be Shinko-Go, Tohuko-Go, Arawai-Go, Tsukasa-Go,
used to provide cold weather clothing for the military. Kurogani-Go, Homon-Go, Tatenoryu-Go, Tamagumo-
The large Akita dog thus became a primary target to Go, Sachinishiki-Go, Kincho-Go, Shinben-Go, and
be captured for such uses. According to dog owners Tanihibiki-Go.
who lived in Akita Prefecture at that time, the police As the Akita dog became more popular and
department issued orders for dogcatchers to go into increased in numbers, the lineage of the dogs
all of the towns and villages to capture and kill all became a matter of great emphasis among the
dogs, except for the Shepherd, which was being used serious breeders. During this period emerged the two
as a military dog. It is said that a considerable main lines (the Ichinoseki and the Dewa), which
number of Akita dogs were captured and clubbed to became the starting point for the Akita breed as it
death. During these dark days of 1941-1945, the gained its first foothold in America during the 1950s
Akita was threatened with virtual extinction. and 1960s.
No one knows for sure how many Akita dogs
survived the World War II. One record of postwar References
dogs is found in the Akitainu Tokuhon (Akita Dog 1. Dr. Tatsuo Kimura, from Ventura, California, has been of
Textbook) by Mr. Kiyono. It lists several dogs of the great assistance in translating from Japanese to English.
Ichinoseki line, including Ichinoseki-Go, Shintora-Go, 2. The Akiho Manual, August, 1970.
3. Kajiwara, Naoto, My Thoughts on the Akita Dog.
Hachiman-Go, Tatenohana-Go, Arawashi-Go, and 4. Rhoden, N., and Hooper, J., "Helen Keller: Saint of
Dainimatsumine-Go. The Dewa line consisted of Three Burdens and the Forgotten Story of Her Akitas First
Raiden-Go, Dewawaka-Go, Taishu-Go, Tatemitsu- in America," The Akita Journal. Fall 1978, Yearbook Issue.
Go, and Shinmutsu-Go.
According to the Akiho magazine, some of the
dogs shown at the 12th Akiho Show in April 1948,
8
RESCUE AKITA SPOTLIGHT
9
RESCUE AKITA SPOTLIGHT
In late March, BEAR took in eight Akitas. Two were strays and the others were brought in through Zac’s
Mission. These poor dogs were unloaded by owners who no longer had a use for them. While BEAR
volunteers do their best to keep up with the need, it’s not easy. If you can help BEAR as a foster home,
donating goods or participating in their upcoming Whisker Walk fundraiser, please do. If you’re
interested in adopting a BEAR rescue, put in an application at www.BigEastAkitaRescue.org.
10God once said, “I need someone strong enough
to pull a cart but gentle enough to love a child,
smart enough to protect his master and
passionate enough to love his family. Someone
with so much love he can lift the spirits of a broken
heart.”
So God created the Akita.
“Wasao,” the “ugly but cute” Akita in Aomori
Prefecture, Japan, has been reappointed “tourism
stationmaster.” The popular 11-year-old Akita
(picture above in the center) is a favorite in Japan.
Remember a special Akita with our Rainbow He has been the honorary stationmaster since
Bridge Memorial. For $35, we’ll include a photo of 2011. The town’s tourism association credits the
your heart dog on ACAR’s online bridge where it long-haired Akita for the approximately 120,000
will be a permanent remembrance. Your memorial visitors who come to the station each year.
gift, in the name of your dog, will benefit homeless,
This story and photograph originally appeared in Japan
abused and rescued Akitas. Let the memory of Times, April 2, 2018.
your dog help others find their forever home.
http://akitaclubrescuefund.org/rainbow-bridge-
memorials
11Akita Club of America Rescue, Inc.
The Akita Crusader is electronically Dr. Wayne Brown, president
published quarterly by the Akita Club of Ann Bavaria, vice president
America Rescue, Inc.
Sherry Lockrem, chief financial officer
ACAR is a recognized 501C3 organization. JoAnn Dimon, recording secretary
It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
Shelley Pryor, corresponding secretary
raising funds for its approved hands-on
Akita rescues. Shannon Miller, delegate
Dori Sparkman, delegate
ACAR’s Board of Directors are appointed
by the Akita Club of America. All Directors Jodi Marcus, delegate emeritus
and staff are volunteers. The organization
is funded solely through donations. P.O. Box 38284
Albany, NY 12203
Hands-on Akita rescue groups are
www.AkitaClubRescueFund.org
encouraged to apply for and become an
ACAR-approved rescue. Details can be
found online at ACAR’s website.
Akita Crusader
The official newsletter for the Akita Club of America Rescue
www.AkitaClubRescueFund.org Shelley Pryor, editor
info@AkitaClubRescueFund.org Teresa Brown, managing editor
Send all newsletter submissions and subscription requests
to info@akitaClubRescueFund.org. Deadline for
Like us on submission is the last day of March, June, September and
December. All submissions are subject to editing.
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