American Akita's: Anyone know any good stories about them?

Especially of protection but any will do. Funny stories anything really. I own an Akita - I don't need to know anything about the breed - I am just looking to hear about other Akita's.
Has an Akita protected you or your home. Has an Akita helped you get over an illness etc. Thanks.

When I lived in Louisiana, my neighbor had an Akita (Cinnamon). I had 3 Pomeranian. Every morning I would wake up to find Cinnamon in my backyard curled up with 2 of my poms. I woke up early enough one morning to see Cinnamon scaling the fence to get to my girls. They were inseparable. This went on forever.
Then, one day, I hear a lot of barking outside, and go to check it out. Another neighbor's German Shepard was attacking one of my dogs, and before I could react, Cinnamon was flying over the fence, and managed to save my dog.
I have a ton of respect for the breed, and would love to have one one day.

The akita is a JAPANESE BREED!!!!!!!! get it right!

I have 2....a 10 month boy, and a 2 yearish old girl. He wants to play constantly. He'll slowly crawl up to her and nudge her feet, start to chew on them, then he'll jump up and pull her tail. Now she starts to chase him around the room, he'll roll over like "I'm sorry, so sorry, won't do it again". She forgives him. He starts all over again. After about 45 minutes, they're both tired and smiling with their tongues hanging out.

When people come over, they are watched by our girl till they leave. Some people she's comfortable with, and the ones she's not sure of....she watches the whole time. She looks back and forth from me to the guest. I know she wouldn't let anyone in if I wasn't there. Her woo's of greeting sound very menacing if you don't know her.....sure surprised her vet once with that.

I originally got one for companionship and to go backpacking with. I go alone, so I wanted a dog willing and able to protect me. I'm so happy I did.

How old is yours?