Shiba Prom 2013

Credit: Serena Russell

Have you heard about Shiba Prom? Shiba Prom is a volunteer nonprofit organization of Shiba Inu owners and enthusiasts formed for charitable purposes. Their goal is to support other charitable organizations involved in the rescue of Shiba Inus (and Shiba-mixes) by distributing funds for care of rescued Shiba Inus, creating greater awareness and understanding of the Shiba Inu breed, and harnessing the power of social media to inspire, promote and lead creative fundraising events that benefit Shibas in need of homes and/or medical care.

In 2012 a group of dedicated people teamed up and leveraged talents to develop the first Shiba Prom which took place as a virtual fundraiser in June.  Yes, there even was a dance party! More on that later. The first year was an amazing success, with nearly 200 animals (and their people) participating online to raise over $4,000 for five rescues. 

In 2013, the second virtual Shiba Prom was held. It was even bigger and better than 2012. The 2013 Shiba Prom raised over $22,000 for 11 rescues. Wow. Great Big Wow! I went to the virtual prom with my shiba friend Prince Zuko. If  you aren't already following him, be sure to check him out. He makes a mean bacon shot. (You'll have to attend 2014 Shiba Prom to know what I mean.) I am proud to have participated both years and to have helped raise awareness for the breed and help raise money for Shibas in need. Now, about that dancing....

Each year the Shiba Prom, of course, has a virtual dance party. Animals (yes, meowies are allowed too) hit the virtual dance floor and move to the pawsome beats pre-selected by a team of Shiba Prom DJs. With some speakers on your computer (you just follow the supplied song playlist) and some fast typing (to describe your dance moves) you and many other Shibas can bust a move on the dance floor. For 2013, I even received an honorable mention certificate from the Shiba Prom Committee for being the Shiba Strut Queen.

Many thanks to the Shiba Prom Board of Directors/Officers:  Sakura DivaDog, Malachi, Shiba Trio (aka Max, Zenji, Fuchi) and all those volunteers who keep making this possible! I hope to see you in 2014!

Don't forget there are always more pictures of me at Tokyo: My Shiba Inu Tumblr
Follow me on twitter @tokyoshiba
Check out my Instagram tokyoshiba