Mochi — A Lady Among Us - Gentle Giant Garden

Yes, in our family, we have a true lady.

Basic Characteristics

Breed and looks — a corgi, but not like the plump little loaves our Queen once had. Mochi is graceful, fit, and athletic. Just look for yourselves. After all, this breed was developed to herd sheep in Wales. And Mochi? She herds everyone around her.

Weight — looks like eight kilos, but on the scale it’s all ten.
Name — exotic: Mochi. Her master, my owners’ youngest son Philip, went to Japan and fell in love with everything local, including the sweet rice cakes called mochi. That’s where her name comes from. Something about anime too, but I don’t remember exactly.

Age — well, it’s not polite to ask a lady her age. Probably about three. What I do know is that Mochi can be a young girl, full of energy and endless motion, or she can be a lady “of a certain age,” fully aware of her beauty and uniqueness, demanding attention and admiration.

Her Arrival in Our Family

Mochi is the youngest of us. Philip once sent my master a photo of little Mochi — she looked nothing like the grown lady she is today.

I was already a respectable dog when we met. Or rather, when I first heard her. I remember it clearly. Philip, my masters’ youngest son, is the one who brought Mochi home. He said such a young puppy should not stay too close to me for a while. I was offended — as if I was dirty! But it turned out the reason was vaccinations.

So they set up a barrier between the rooms. I was lying quietly on my side when suddenly I heard barking. A sharp, ringing bark. At first, I didn’t understand where it came from. Then I saw a pair of ears, and soon a lovely little red face appeared, trying to climb over the barrier, filling the house with sound.

Since then, whenever Mochi visits us, there is never any boredom. Noise, energy, movement — always. And between us, some special “chemistry” appeared.

Character

Probably like many women, it all depends on her mood. When she’s in good spirits — she is the best creature in the world: joyful, lively, playful, sociable. When not in the mood — better not even come close, unless you want to ruin your own day.

Mochi is also cunning. In her dark eyes, in her whole little face, there is always a sly sparkle. That’s why everyone calls her our “little fox.” I’ve only seen foxes in our garden a couple of times, and from afar, but still — the nickname suits her well.

Her Talent for Making Friends

Mochi’s sociability, together with her charm, is fully used by Philip. When he feels lonely, he takes Mochi with him on public transport.

Rarely can a pretty girl resist starting a conversation:
“Oh, what a lovely dog you have! What breed is she? How old is she? Oh, she wants to play with me!”

And soon enough:
“And what’s your name? Can I have your phone number so I can play with your dog again?”
Yes, with the dog!

My Relationship with Mochi

When she was very young, our relationship was warm, like that between an older brother and a younger sister. Our sizes were different, but it didn’t matter. We hugged, she kissed me whenever I sat down.

We walked together and slept side by side

In the kitchen, where I was forbidden, Mochi (unlike Toby, see his blog) never boasted of her special status and often sat with me at the threshold.

In the garden she could run for hours, circling me, jumping over me, then lying down for a moment before starting again. We were happy!

We even shared a love for flowers — especially those yellow ones my master called “mustard.” I pulled up whole bushes and brought them to Mochi so we could enjoy them together. Very fragrant, very tasty. True, I got scolded later — apparently, my master grew them for something else. But what won’t you do for such a beauty!

Later Days

Then one day she came to us wearing… a diaper. Perhaps I behaved wrongly, too harshly, but what could I do with my instincts! I tried to stay near her, sniff her, only sniff her — but she wouldn’t let me. She barked loudly, even tried to bite. In the end we were kept apart, so the house could remain peaceful.

Now our relationship is cooler. The youthful passion is gone, but we remain friends — at a distance. Still, I sometimes dream of Mochi leaping onto me as she once did. Youth passes so quickly.

Mochi the True Lady

To lie on top of someone in the family — that privilege belongs only to Mochi. Because of her size, she can curl up on people’s laps, stretch on their stomachs, or sleep between their legs. She adores it. Of course, Philip is her favorite, but she doesn’t forget the others either.

Check the photo gallery — there’s a whole section: Mochi on… (laps, backs, legs, everywhere!). You’ll see it all for yourself.

How I wish I could climb onto my master’s lap, curl up like Mochi, and nap. But alas, my weight is too much for human knees. I must be content with resting my head on his lap and receiving a scratch behind the ear. That’s good enough. And if a treat comes with it — even better.

Mochi has firmly taken her place as a Lady in our family. Cheerful, spontaneous, a perpetual motion machine. Looking at her, there’s no room for depression. Life feels bright and endless! She fills the house with joy, energy, and her constant demand for affection and admiration. A true Lady.