I also love Akita's. I am so sorry you lost yours. It is so terrible for us left behind when they cross that bridge.

The 80 pound Leonberger puppy I met was just wonderful. Also exuberant. Being the first time I have ever met this breed I made the mistake of crouching down to talk to him....*L* I ended up with a paw running down my face and a very interesting looking scratch for about a week. It started at the corner of my right eye and ended on my chin while crossing my lips. The poor lady felt so awful. I kept telling her it was alright. Not like it was the first time I had been injured by an animal and it wouldn't be the last and it was my fault anyway. Zeus was just being a puppy. They are most definately on my list of potential dogs along with Kuvascz. But I will most likely end up with a large mixed breed that needs rescuing. *L*

Denyce