Sad greetings from Palmia Observatory
Astronomer Assistant Danny, who joined the observatory staff in 2009, was put down on November 7, after a week of painful suffering.
Danny was a charming and good looking, 13 year old, Pomeranian & Chihuahua mix, who started off as a stud dog in an illegal puppy mill until we rescued him as a 2-3 year old. He always had a smile, but his personality used the smile to get close to people and just when you thought he was really friendly, he would sneak up and bite them on the ankle, supposedly to make up for his previous years of bad treatment. But he was always gentle and affectionate with us and enjoyed playing, walking and most of all, eating!
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Astronomer Assistant Danny, smiles for the camera (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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He went to puppy graduate school at PetSmart, but was kicked out after graduating because of his biting nature.
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Astronomer Assistant Danny, smiles for the camera (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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Nonetheless, he was a valued member of the observatory staff. Here he is posing with Resident Astronomer Peggy, while, if I remember correctly, we waited outside for a lunar eclipse.
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Danny was always glad to be with Resident Astronomer Peggy (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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Danny always participated in ongoing research at the observatory. Here he is shown inspecting an omnidirectional antenna that was being investigated for satellite radio reception. He never knew what it was for even after he examined each of the elements of the ground plane.
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Astronomer Assistant Danny examines omnidirectional satellite antenna (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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Danny was always curious, although often not very receptive, to other assistants that joined the observatory staff. Here he is looking at BB8, of Star Wars fame, roll and move around the observatory.
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Astronomer Assistant Danny is not happy with BB8 roaming about (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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After initially barking at Neato, the robotic vacuum cleaner, Danny settled in to just ignoring him, as long as he left Danny's food alone.
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Astronomer Assistant Danny initially barked at Neato, now ignores him (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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So, it is sad that Danny will no longer be with us in our journey through space and time. I still remember when he graciously posed for a photograph in an IR camera that we were reviewing. He always supported our research and here we get to see him in ways we never saw him before. So long Danny, we will miss you!
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Astronomer Assistant Danny shows off his infrared personality (Source: Palmia Observatory)
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Until next time, here from our burrow, stay safe, as we recover more of our freedom,
Resident Astronomer George
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