My name is Gail, I adopted Toshiba, a female Akika when she was a year and a half.  She was going to be put down and I did not agree with that.  She looked very intimidating, she was stunning.  Had multi-color and a great breed.  It was the best thing I ever did.  SHe turned thirteen this month, December.  I was so happy for that.  I had to put her down last week, 12/16/04 because her rear leg was getting very bad, she also was a bit deaf but she kept her smile.  I am going to witness her cremation next week and bring her home for christmas.  She had a great life, great care, and I miss her so very much.  I have great memories of her, she was my life.  I feel that I was blessed with her.  May God be with her now, and God Bless you Toshiba Mommy is with you always.