Breast oncologist and health services researcher Emily Ray is working remotely with her 13-year-old yellow lab, Cheddar, faithfully by her side. Emily is cautious to mute herself on Zoom calls to minimize interference of Cheddar’s snoring. When the pandemic first started and Emily was home with her daughter due to daycare closure, Cheddar was getting walks 3-4 times per day. She thinks this new way of life is great—but she is missing her Saturday morning trips to Guglhupf!
On the weekends, Cheddar loves to get outside for a hike or a swim at Duke Forest, Eno River State Park, or Occoneechee Speedway. She also loves a trip to the beach and enjoyed going to Emerald Isle in July. She’s still quite spry for her age and enjoys keeping up with her two-legged sister and best buddy, Annie Laurie.
Keep an eye out for Cheddar around the UNC campus, her favorite place to stroll, where she has been coming since she was 8 weeks old. She’s not a service animal but has “the look” and once nuzzled her way into the Carolina Inn during a massive thunderstorm. Around 2009, Coach Dean Smith once stopped to pet Cheddar on the sidewalk. She has not had a bath since.
If you would like to feature your publication in the next newsletter, let Erin know!