On January 4, Umeko (three-year-old female), an Akita dog that has become the talk of Kosaka Town as “the dog that works the cash register” at Liquor Shop Takahashi, gave birth for the second time. The three newborn dogs are growing up fast and will be in the liquor store from around the end of February this year.
According to Umeko’s owner, Nobue Takahashi, she had asked Umeko to avoid January 4 for giving birth, as her husband, Seiki, had to attend a firefighting opening ceremony. Though, Umeko’s delivery began at around 8:00 a.m. on that very day.
Umeko’s birth kennel breeder assisted with the previous birth in February 2022. This time, Nobue, her eldest daughter, and a friend who lives nearby and is a Umeko fan helped deliver her puppies. After about three hours, four puppies were born, and one died a few days after birth.
The remaining three puppies are spending their days in good spirits. They compete for toys and are not afraid to approach Umeko’s younger brother, Hakutake (one-year-old male), who is much larger than the puppies. Umeko’s motherly role is becoming more and more profound.
The Takahashi’s are looking for owners for the newborn puppies. Nobue said, “Umeko did very well with her small body. I hope the puppies will not get sick and will grow up to be friendly.”
