The day started with a drive. Choco loves the car. Today she claimed the driver’s seat and made herself comfortable. She just sat there. She did not drive. Not yet, anyway. I get the feeling she could learn.

At some point her face relaxed into what I can only describe as a smile. Shiba owners know the one — ears back, mouth open, eyes half closed. I had never seen her smile like that in the car before.

Back home, my wife gave her a treat. And this is where it gets funny.

Choco has a posture problem. She stretches. She flattens. She lies down in shapes that shouldn’t be possible for a dog with a spine. But the moment a treat appears, she sits up perfectly straight. Front paws together, back rigid, eyes locked on the food.

And when she finally gets to eat it, the ears go back again. Happy ears.