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| Name: |
Carbon
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Age: |
Seven years old
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| Gender: |
Male |
Breed: |
Dog |
| Home: |
Texas, USA |
Carbon
is my soul mate. I got him as a tiny puppy at the beginning of my
Peace Corps service in the Dominican Republic from a family down the
road. His name means charcoal for obvious reasons. Carbon and I lived
together for two years in his native country and he speaks Spanish and
English equally well.
At the end of my service, Carbon came to graduate school with me and
discovered the most amazing American thing: squirrels. He loves chasing
them more than anything and every morning runs to the front door so that
I can open it up and he can see the squirrel waiting on the tree. It's
great fun.
Carbon loves to go to work with me. We've spent many hours in the lab
together and out on the road collecting plants. We've traveled quite a
bit across the US looking for weeds - he is probably better traveled
than many of my students! (He's become a bit fond of french fries from
all those road trips...) While not a bit aggressive, I have no doubt
that any boogey man that tried to bother me would be otherwise
discouraged by this 30 pound monster. He loves people - at times during
the day he will go visit all the students sitting in the hall ... they
love it until he smiles. It really looks like he is baring his teeth,
ready to bite, but in reality, he's just showing that he is happy. It
happens quite frequently as he is always happy, except when he is not
with me.
Most people love him, even people who don't like dogs, and he is amazing
with kids and cats. (He has two cats, no kids.) Carbon is a survivor.
Not only did he survive living in a third world country, but without
vaccinations (I was a really really dumb first time mom) he came out
with only a few ear mites. Good DNA for sure. Recently, he has developed
cancer and with all his third world strength, bravely endured the
radiation and chemo - and won. (Thank you Texas A&M Small Animal
Veterinary Clinic!) He is my best friend, the one being who has stood by
me through it all. He is also my hero, bringing out the best in everyone
he meets (except for squirrels) and perfectly minding his manners, even
the ones I didn't teach him. He is simply one of the most amazing
creatures to ever exist and I am so honored to be the one to take care
of him.
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