Meet Palo Cribbs!
Please tell us your family members' names, as you would like them to appear in the magazine.
Katy, Brey, and their two children, Mazie (9) and Charlie (5), with their dog Palo, have lived in Lochmere just over three years now. They love living in a neighborhood with so much beauty - the trees, the lakes, the walking paths. They also love the people who live here, the community around the swim team in the summer, a street full of neighbors whose kids love to play together and share special rituals, like a Japanese tea ceremony under a blooming cherry blossom tree, or a Diwali celebration with fireworks for the kids.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
Palo is an 11-year-old miniature schnauzer. His full name is Mapalo, which is a Bemba word Katy learned while living in Zambia for three months during college. It means "blessing." He goes by Palo for short.
How did they join your family?
Katy adopted Palo when he was 8 weeks old, while she and Brey were still dating, and brought him home to her house in DC. Knowing they had significant allergies, Katy and Brey were happy to find a breed of dog that they could live with. Katy grew up with miniature schnauzers.
Does your pet have any special talents or quirks? What makes your pet stand out from the rest?”
Palo is a very sweet dog who loves to play and to cuddle. He knows how to join in a family dance party; when the music is on and the kids are dancing, Palo grabs a toy and jumps up on Katy or Brey to let them "dance" with him. He also loves to play chase around the living room, especially when the weather is cold, which their family calls "the zoomies." He enjoys walks, but every day runs away from his harness, which the family has nicknamed his "bra." He is a wonderful emotional support dog to the whole family, especially the kids, and he loves to cuddle.
Share a favorite memory with your pet(s).
Despite his age, Palo led the way up the 684 steps up the mountain to Moore's Observation Tower on our recent hike in Hanging Rock State Park. He loves to be outside, and we love to take him camping with us in our pop-up camper. Palo was also with them when Brey and Katy got engaged at the cherry blossoms in DC.
Any funny stories to share?
Palo loved playing in the snow when we lived in DC, but he often sank into it. He would get snowballs clinging to his long fur on his belly and legs, so we got him a sweater and made him leg warmers, then would use the hair dryer when he came back inside. None of which he enjoyed very much! We also made Palo a special "pupcake" for his first birthday. We sang to him and put it in front of him, after which he licked it, then grabbed the entire cupcake in his mouth and ran away.
Spoiled: Yay or nay?
Palo was probably spoiled before the kids came along, but now that he has to compete for time and attention, he sometimes gets forgotten in the fray!