Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.
This August, Charlie’s doggie identity gets bolstered with the discovery of his roots.
“Oh my gosh I can’t believe it! After spending my entire life being known to myself and others as Charlie the mutt— albeit an adorable, dashing, and infinitely debonair one, but still a mutt of unknown origins, birth, and pedigree— finally, the secret of my identity has been unearthed!
It all started months previously when I was digging around the old trunks and memory boxes in our house searching for my ancestors. My loving family noted my despair at being unable to find any information about my origins, and decided to take me to Dr. Hardee at Meadowlawn Animal services in the Market Common. At first I thought it was for an unscheduled check-up, but imagine my surprise and delight in discovering that it was to do a DNA testing. Dr. Hardee was very patient, and took the time to explain the entire DNA process with us.
Jim thought it was a good investment and helpful in being able to understand me better (I’ll admit, I am a handful), and to see if there are any diseases I might be susceptible to. Despite overlooking the finer points of my emotional sensitivity in this matter, i.e., my identity and point of reference, I’m still grateful for his very pragmatic considerations.
So we signed up.
It was comforting going through that test to see what type of dog I am. I’ve learned so much about myself. And most importantly, I know what day I was born—March 11, 2011. So mark your calendar for my birthday. Next year we will have a big bash to celebrate this momentous occasion—also because it’s a milestone mid-life birthday for me—about 48 in human years.
It’s not all roses knowing the year I was born. Now I have to think about my age, and being more mature, and some habits which I probably should have discarded a long time ago.
So we got the results back…. And it turns out that I am a…. Drumroll please
…..Half pit bull and half St. Bernard! I know! I know! I could hardly believe it when I first heard too! Even Jim seemed surprised. He thought maybe I was a cat all along, but I think that’s just because I’m more in touch with my feminine side.”
Until next time,
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