This small tobacco store on the outskirts of Tokyo is an unlikely tourist hotspot. The reason? Its furry shopkeeper, a seven-year-old, cucumber-loving dog named Shiba. Shiba is prompt, friendly and an expert at customer relations, says his 72-year-old owner Hisako Suzuki.
Shiba interacting with Customers at Tobacco Store
The Tobacco Store Owner, Hisako Suzuki says, “I would open the window and interact with the customers whenever they come. I think he (Shiba) learned it naturally by watching me. When he started doing it himself, the customers would greet him cheerfully.”
Video of Shiba hit the internet last summer quickly shooting him into international stardom.
Now visitors come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the canine in action, such as Chen Shu-Juan from Taiwan.
30-Year-Old Taiwanese Tourist, Chen Shu-Juan, says “I am very happy that we petted it today and it came out to greet us.”
Carrie Furlong is a tourist from the UK
Variety Store Clerk from England, Carrie Furlong, says “I would’ve sat on that plane for 20 hours if I had to, just to see the culture and everything, but I wanted to see him.”
Shiba is also supportive of a good cause, and asks for donations for his pooch pals who have it more rough.
Ventuno