What's up dog?

Toshiro is the light of my life. He came home just before the start of the pandemic and we have hardly spent a day apart since. I had been on a waiting list for him for many years so he was not just a spur-of-the-moment COVID purchase. Shibas are not the easiest of dogs to manage but they are something truly special. We did three courses of Puppy School, not because he was stupid, but because we enjoyed them so much.
He is a truly beautiful dog and when we are out he makes so many people smile and often squeal with joy though I swear he has almost caused a few traffic accidents with people trying to see him as he sits in his little raised car seat. He loves a trip to the dog park though I often call him a boring beast because he mostly just sits there and looks superior, watching the other dogs play until he finds someone he likes and then the chasing begins. He is also a real cafe dog. He loves all the staff at our favourite hang-outs (the feeling is mutual) and many people admire how calm and quiet he is, just sitting watching all the people go by.
He sleeps in his little bed next to me every day as I work from home. His snoring is an incredibly peaceful sound. He is also the way I ensure I finish my workday properly; he starts to look at me longingly and whimpers to tell me it is time to log off and take him for his walk. Our walks make him happy, which makes me happy, and is good for us both.
My husband passed away suddenly in April from COVID. Toshiro is the one who has been keeping me going. He sits close when I cry and cuddles up to me at night. He keeps me getting up and about and focusing on the positives, planning our future together as Team Toshi.