The Labraventures of Carbón, Spanish (ex-) foster dog extraordinaire
- Thread starter Emily_Babbelhund
- Start date
Emily_Babbelhund
Mama Red HOT Pepper
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
Just a little update from me: Carbon is too busy working!
Unfortunately Dr. Carbon's patient Donna had a set back yesterday and is back in the hospital. We took her into emergency last night. For Carbon that meant a lot of car switching and waiting in the car while we checked Donna in. When Carbon and I arrived two weeks ago Donna was also in the hospital but I didn't take him inside because I felt it was asking too much of him: we've not reached the point in his training where anything like a hospital visit has been discussed.
However last night I had two issues. One, I didn't feel comfortable leaving him in the car alone for hours at a time and two, I had a very bad reaction to the emergency room that I was trying very hard to hide from the rest of our little band of Donna supporters. Since I'd seen a chihuahua swanning around the emergency room with his human, I thought it was worth asking the head nurse if I could bring Carbon in as well. They were incredibly nice about it and cleared Carbon for landing.
Carbon can be such a goob - a poo-eating goob! - but he was all business as soon as I got him out of the car and put on his vest. It was almost as if he were saying, "What took you so long? Why keep me from my doctorly duties, silly ML!" He walked perfectly at my side in his harness, right through the emergency room doors and into Donna's room. He lay down, crossed his paws and that was that: Dr. Carbon on duty!
The reaction of the staff to him was quite remarkable: only friendly smiles and greetings. One of our nurses was Scottish and while earlier she'd been barking out orders to her colleagues in a frankly disconcerting manner, she was completely enchanted with Carbon and made a massive fuss over him. Of course our Spanish Gentleman took it all in his stride and retained his calm demeanour. Or it could have been because it was WAY past his bedtime.
His presence had a rather amazing effect on my burgeoning panic attack, though why I was surprised I'm not really sure. In any case, having him there and being so very calm helped me focus and tamp down what may have otherwise been me ending in a quite a bad way. Him doing his job let me do my job of being on Donna's team.
Carbon and I headed home around 1am and were back to the hospital in the morning at 8am for our regular shift. Donna is now in a private room on the oncology floor and once again the staff has been incredibly welcoming to having a dog in their midst. For his part, Carbon is now curled up next to me on the floor, tucked out of the way and quiet as a mouse. He knows it's time to be let Donna have a rest and that our job is to keep watch.
I am astounded at Carbon's capacity for context. At Donna's house he'd play with the grandkids, raid the kitchen and insist on being on the bed or sofa (covered with his blanket), but here with his vest on he knows it's time to work: no sniffing, no marauding, no running from person to person for pets. Just calm, cool and collected. Dr. Carbon indeed.
Unfortunately Dr. Carbon's patient Donna had a set back yesterday and is back in the hospital. We took her into emergency last night. For Carbon that meant a lot of car switching and waiting in the car while we checked Donna in. When Carbon and I arrived two weeks ago Donna was also in the hospital but I didn't take him inside because I felt it was asking too much of him: we've not reached the point in his training where anything like a hospital visit has been discussed.
However last night I had two issues. One, I didn't feel comfortable leaving him in the car alone for hours at a time and two, I had a very bad reaction to the emergency room that I was trying very hard to hide from the rest of our little band of Donna supporters. Since I'd seen a chihuahua swanning around the emergency room with his human, I thought it was worth asking the head nurse if I could bring Carbon in as well. They were incredibly nice about it and cleared Carbon for landing.
Carbon can be such a goob - a poo-eating goob! - but he was all business as soon as I got him out of the car and put on his vest. It was almost as if he were saying, "What took you so long? Why keep me from my doctorly duties, silly ML!" He walked perfectly at my side in his harness, right through the emergency room doors and into Donna's room. He lay down, crossed his paws and that was that: Dr. Carbon on duty!
The reaction of the staff to him was quite remarkable: only friendly smiles and greetings. One of our nurses was Scottish and while earlier she'd been barking out orders to her colleagues in a frankly disconcerting manner, she was completely enchanted with Carbon and made a massive fuss over him. Of course our Spanish Gentleman took it all in his stride and retained his calm demeanour. Or it could have been because it was WAY past his bedtime.
His presence had a rather amazing effect on my burgeoning panic attack, though why I was surprised I'm not really sure. In any case, having him there and being so very calm helped me focus and tamp down what may have otherwise been me ending in a quite a bad way. Him doing his job let me do my job of being on Donna's team.
Carbon and I headed home around 1am and were back to the hospital in the morning at 8am for our regular shift. Donna is now in a private room on the oncology floor and once again the staff has been incredibly welcoming to having a dog in their midst. For his part, Carbon is now curled up next to me on the floor, tucked out of the way and quiet as a mouse. He knows it's time to be let Donna have a rest and that our job is to keep watch.
I am astounded at Carbon's capacity for context. At Donna's house he'd play with the grandkids, raid the kitchen and insist on being on the bed or sofa (covered with his blanket), but here with his vest on he knows it's time to work: no sniffing, no marauding, no running from person to person for pets. Just calm, cool and collected. Dr. Carbon indeed.
I glad you have him now. Glad you're together properly. 
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
Bless this boy , dogs are just so wonderful , hugs for you too dear Emily , you must be emotionally drained and shattered , so please take care of yourself too xxx
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
So sorry about Donna, but you must be very proud of Carbón!! Your training and time are paying off! I am glad he is able to come into the emergency room, something unthinkable here in Holland....hugs to you and your family! 
- Location
- East Sussex
I'm very sorry about Donna but it's lovely that Carbon is being such an emotional support all round. x
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
Marvellous Carbón, he’s doing hid job so well, for you and Donna
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
So sorry to hear about Donna but very glad you have Carbon by your side and you are both able to support your Dad x
- Location
- South Wales
He is a star.
And of course so is his ML.
And of course so is his ML.
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
I’m so sorry about Donna @Emily_Babbelhund, it must be so difficult for everyone. 
That was a beautiful post about your special little guy. What an absolute star - you both are. 
That was a beautiful post about your special little guy. What an absolute star - you both are. - Location
- Buckinghamshire UK
I know you aren't doing as well as Carbon is so my hugs are going to you! It is so, so hard dealing with this sort of thing, especially with your experiences. Hats off to you Emily!
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Oh! What a star he is! GGJ of the Sorepaw sends him muchos besitos and I send love, hugs and thoughts to you at this very difficult time. xx
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Be proud, very proud 
So sorry about poor Donna but I am positive Special Dr Carbon is lifting everyones spirits. Love to you all xxx
So sorry about poor Donna but I am positive Special Dr Carbon is lifting everyones spirits. Love to you all xxx 
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Glad Carbón is there with you, so you can be there for your dad and Donna. 
- Location
- Sydney, Australia