An Existential Crisis and a Quest For Ancestry

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 month, Charlie inquires into the first pilgrims as well as the first pooches, and investigates his doggie roots.

Wow, with Halloween and all the excitement of the Best Pet Costume Photo Contest barely come and gone, it’s already time to get excited about Thanksgiving. But before I do, I just have to say a big thanks to all our wonderful contestants and their people who participated in our contest. I was so impressed by the costumes. I loved them all, but the poop factory, the leprechaun, the belly dancer, and the well coiffed bunny were just a few of my favorites. I’m almost glad I couldn’t vote, it would have been hard for me to pick my favorite. If you haven’t al-ready seen the costume show and the winner, then visit our Facebook page, and search for #charliescostumecontest. Be sure to check back to see what other fun contests we have in store.

Usually when November rolls around, I’m just feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for turkey, table scraps, and my amazing clan of people of which I’m the head. But this year, I found myself wondering about those first people who landed on the shores of this country centuries ago from Europe, and celebrated their first harvest in 1621. Did they bring their canine companions with them? Were we related?

I’m pretty sure that Jim has a family tree of some sort somewhere around here, but what about me? Did one of my ancestors come over with the May-flower? It’s time I dig deep to reconnect with my roots— which is kind of like digging for holes in the backyard, but in a proverbial sense. I’ll bet it’ll be just as much fun as digging in the literal sense.

Hmmm, let’s see. I think there might be something in this old book. That’s me and Mickey Mouse together at Disney World, and there I am at the Grand Canyon; camping trip to NC, first birthday, first paw print at that art class Megan signed me up for— Aha!

Charlie’s Pedigree
Maltipoo, with a slight Bichon Frise

…. probably.

Maltipoo with a slight Bichon Frise… Probably? That’s not very gratifying, or edifying. How can I have security if I don’t where I come from? Have I always been a probably? I think I’m having a doggie existential crisis. It’s a good thing I’m very loved.

I sense a new purpose for my future. I will find my ancestors and write a book about what I discover to inspire other dogs of uncertain origins suffering in the same confused state. I will title it: Ruff— From Lost to Found, A Canine Perspective, by Charlie Parker.

A little preliminary Google research has revealed that a certain gentleman of the name of John Goodman brought his two dogs with him on the May-flower. Apparently dogs didn’t deign to divulge their names to people back then, but they did share their breeds — a Mastiff and an English Springer Spaniel. We could be related! Time to start digging. A purpose and a lead, for this I’m truly grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Until next time,