Why The Name Shohei?
The story behind our little rescue dog's unique name.
One of the questions we get most often is: "Why did you name your dog Shohei?"
Although we usually call him "Bubby" at home, his official name has a very special meaning.
We're big baseball fans—especially of the Los Angeles Dodgers—and Shohei Ohtani is one of Mommy's favorite players. When it came time to name our newest family member, the answer was right in front of us.
Shohei Ohtani has a dog named Decoy, and that story helped inspire us. We loved the connection between one of baseball's biggest stars and his beloved dog, and before long our rescue pup officially became Shohei.
Today the name fits him perfectly. He may not hit home runs, but he certainly knows how to steal hearts.
The Decoy Connection
Decoy is a Dutch Kooikerhondje (pronounced coy-ker-hond-che), a lively and intelligent sporting breed from the Netherlands.
Historically, Kooikerhondjes were used to lure ducks into traps, which earned them the nickname "Dutch Decoy Dogs."
The breed is known for its beautiful white-and-orange coat, black-tipped ears, athletic ability, intelligence, and cheerful personality.
According to the free Dog Scanner app, Shohei appears to be approximately 50% Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, although he is certainly not a purebred dog.
Whether the app is right or wrong, we definitely see many of the same playful and affectionate characteristics in our little guy.
Make Time For Exercise
Shohei has a simple philosophy: "Make time for exercise."
He loves walks, adventures, car rides, and anything that gets him moving. Whether he's pretending to be a baseball player, exploring a new trail, or simply supervising the neighborhood from the front yard, he believes every day should include a little activity and a lot of fun.
His enthusiasm reminds us that life is meant to be enjoyed and that sometimes the best part of the day is simply getting outside together.
The Part That Matters Most
Shohei is three years old, and while much of his past remains a mystery, what matters most is his future.
Today he is safe.
Today he is loved.
Today he has a Mommy, Daddy, and Sister who absolutely adore him.
He has become the center of our little world, and we cannot imagine life without him.
Most people think we rescued Shohei.
But in more ways than one...
Shohei rescued us.
Please Adopt
Adopting Shohei was the first time we had ever adopted a dog, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we have ever made.
There are wonderful dogs waiting for loving homes in shelters all across the country.
If you're thinking about adding a furry family member, please consider adoption.
A rescue dog might just rescue you too.
Follow Shohei's Adventures
Check out Shohei on social media and throughout our website for more photos, stories, and adventures.
From baseball inspiration to rescue dog success story, our little Bubby continues to make every day better.