11/07/2026
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we’ve been thinking a lot about the things we’re thankful for. This year, we are especially thankful for our two dogs, Katsumi and Kuri, as they both crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge this year.
Kuri left us in March & Katsumi followed her sister just a couple of weeks ago. Our baby girls have been such a big part of our lives and journey with Hawaii Doggie Bakery.
Katsu was the reason we started Shiba Inu Hawaii, a social club for dogs way back in 2010. It was because of her we met so many other Shiba Inu owners, and then eventually more of the dog community at large. After Kuri joined our family, Niki got the opportunity to host a reoccurring segment on The Pet Hui, OC16. These things led us to meeting the founders of Hawaii Doggie Bakery and eventually becoming the new owners.
Katsumi & Kuri were a huge part of our business journey - from being Official Taste Testers, to models and occasional shop greeters (which admittedly, they did not enjoy as much as staying at home 😂). They always amazed us with their photo skills, as they were not only so photogenic, but both of them had the ability to pick up a treat, pose for a picture, then gently drop the treat without eating it for more photos!
But most of all, they provided us with unconditional love and happiness as we went through the ups and downs of life. Kuri always kept us laughing with her antics and constantly judging us with her classic un-approving “Shiba face.” Katsu always brightened up our day with her beautiful smile and her enthusiasm for learning. As they got older and slower, we learned to love them in a different way as we cared for them through various health problems that come with old age.
We will probably continue to post photos of them...we have so many good ones posing with treats that we can’t resist using! We are thankful that Hawaii Doggie Bakery gave us the excuse to have so many extra photos & videos that we can look at and remember the happy times with them. Katsumi & Kuri, we love you so much! Have fun together on the Rainbow Bridge. We’re looking forward to giving you big hugs and the insane noises you’ll make when we meet again. ❤️🌈
