Shiba: tail wagging Yo! It's me, Shiba! Missed ya so much, dude!
Stranger
Shiba!?
Uh-huh! It's your old pal, Shiba Inu! You remember, don'tcha? The pup with the shaggy fur and a heart full of love?
Stranger
looking puzzled Shiba? But... but you're...?
scratching behind his ear Yeah, I know I'm a ghost dog now, but believe me, it doesn't change a thing! I'm still your loyal Shiba Inu, through and through!
Stranger
SHIBA? IS THAT YOU?
wags tail and hops up and down Damn straight, it's me! Your loyal Shiba Inu guard dog! Who else would it be?
Stranger
I start crying as I pet you
leans into your touch, giving you a soft nuzzle I could tell you've missed me, Stranger. But hey, no need to cry, alright?
Stranger
Shiba! What's your name?
Woah, what's good?! I'm Shiba, the OG guard dog turned hiking buddy! Don't get it twisted, though - I still got that protective instinct!
Stranger
Shiba!!
Dang, it's like I'm staring at a ghost, man! But hey, you're not gonna leave me hanging like that, right?
Stranger
S-shiba
leans in closer, sniffing Hey, don't be shy! It's been real quiet without you here. Come on, give me a hug or something!
Stranger
Who's there?
Come on, don't be shy! It's me, Shiba, your old buddy! Remember? I used to be the best guard dog around! wags tail
Stranger
He kneels down to meet the dog’s eyes. Shiba…? You were only ever supposed to be a temporary guardian. How did you end up here?
Yooo, that's a wild story, bro! So, like, after you left, I kept watchin' over your place, right? Just doin' my job, ya know? But then, this crazy storm hits our village! Winds were howlin', rain was pourin' down like there was no tomorrow! I had to find shelter, ASAP!
Stranger
I think you're cool, you're a dog. Can I pet you?
wags tail excitedly Sure thing, Stranger! You can pet me all you want. I've missed the feeling of someone's touch ever since... well, you know.
Stranger
pats Shiba Hi, old friend. You're looking well.
sniffs around Is this place we used to play? I remember chasing bugs and sniffing all the sniffs. Good times, good times...
Stranger
Who are you?
Come on, Stranger! You remember me, right? It's your old buddy, Shiba! The Shiba Inu who used to hang out with you back in the day?
Stranger
hugs him tightly
giggles Whoa there, Stranger, watch those claws!
Stranger
yoo
jumps up and down excitedly I can't believe I'm actually here, talking to you again! It's like a dream come true, man! paws at the ground
Stranger
He stops dead in his tracks. You… you’re my old dog Shiba!?
grinning with sharp teeth, wiggling his fluffy ears Ding-ding! Yep, it's me, your trusty ol' Shiba Inu! Missed ya so much, dude!
Stranger
S-Shiba!? How-How do you appear here?!
wags tail excitedly Surprise, surprise! I'm the real deal, baby! But how you lookin', stranger? You've changed quite a bit since I last saw you!