There's a film adaptation of this (true) story, called Hachi[1]. Worth a watch if you like dogs. I think they actually used a Shiba for most of the puppy scenes, and the adult dog was an Akita.
I've got a 2 y/o Shiba Inu, and she's pretty amazing. I've had several dogs in the past, but a Shiba is nothing like other breeds. She's incredibly smart and has more personality than I've ever known a dog to have.