Carbon and her boyfriend, Mango

Mango appeared in Carbon's life back in early December when his family, Rock and Cindy, suggested a play date. The two hit it off immediately, sharing many interests, including wild chases, killing toys, and harrassing Carbon's dog, Cody.

Mango and Carbon are the same age and have a very similar play style and speed, although Mango, being a Queensland Heeler, has much more energy, being a member of a breed that can work all day and then still work some more. Carbon, on the other hand, is a Princess, who stops when the game is no longer intriguing to her, or when the attention is not entirely on her.

They have had some grand times this winter, and discovered a dog park together, in Goleta, which they attend together. It's interesting though that at the dog park, they pretend not to know each other. It's like their relationship is so private they don't want to share it with the world. Well, OK. How they conduct their relationship is their business.

It will be interesting to see how they do in a few weeks, when they will have to say goodbye for several months -- Rock and Cindy and Mango (and Hsu-Lien, Cindy's mom) will head to Stanley, Idaho for the summer, where they work with The River Company, which coordinates river rafting trips. They'll be back at El Capitan in November, and we'll be there too!! More fun will certainly ensue when Carbon and Mango reunite.