New York Monday: The Life and Times of a NYC Dog
July 5, 2010 | Filed Under My Dogs, New York Monday
Menina
My last remaining dog recently died. She was 16 years old and her name was Menina, which means ‘young lady’ in Portuguese because she acted like one (most of the time).
Menina (a Basenji/Corgi mix) traveled from Africa and settled down in New York with her family. On the way there, she didn’t tell anyone that she was pregnant. Later, she had three beautiful pups.
She quickly got used to New York City life – riding the elevator to and from the apartment, taking cab rides, being walked on a leash and no longer being allowed to roam around the neighborhood as she pleased as she did in her native country (That’s how she got pregnant in the first place.).
When Menina was younger, she was very quick on her feet; fast as lightening. None of the dogs could catch up with her in the dog run. Her favorite past times included going to the park to play, sniffing everything within smelling distance, barking at the bigger dogs and showing them that she was queen of the neighborhood. She also liked to protect her family, so that when a stranger approached, she’d produce her scariest bark. It worked. The strangers stayed away.
She liked company but didn’t care for strangers touching her. In a room full of people, Menina would find an out-of-the-way spot to sit, watch and listen. With alert eyes and perked ears, she’d look back and forth at each speaker, as if she intently followed and understood the conversation.
Menina loved fish but didn’t care for vegetables. She loved bullsticks and large bones that she could chew on for hours.
Rest in peace, Menina. You were a really good dog. Say hello to Cadeau for me and see you, one day soon, at Rainbow Bridge.
Paz
Waiting to cross the sidewalk
Taking a cab ride to the vet.
Menina and her daughter, Cadeau.
Menina experiencing her first snowfall.
Menina (August 30, 1994 – June 20, 2010)
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23 Responses to “New York Monday: The Life and Times of a NYC Dog”
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oh I am sorry for your loss, she is simply beautiful…RIP menina…
I’m SO sorry, Paz!
Menina was a beautiful dog. I just got a chance to see her pictures now.
I’m sure she’s gone to somewhere nice and peaceful now!
So sorry for your loss!
Oh Paz,
I am so sorry for your loss,
such a sweet beautiful dog Menina was
and this is a wonderful tribute!
With a warm heartfelt hug,
Merisi
This is a very touching tribute to your dog. I like all the photos of the post. A big hug.
Oh I am so sorry. She was such a beautiful girl – as was her daughter. What a beautiful tribute – and the rainbow bridge had me in floods of tears for pets I’ve known… Hugs.
Oh Paz, sorry to hear about Menina…indeed she was a beautiful dog…great pictures of her.
Paz,
So sorry about your puppy. That is hard!
Its a terrible loos..she was beautiful. But you have such lovely pictures and memories to remember her with..
what a sweet little baby….I am so sorry for your loss, no words can ever offer enough comfort….but I can only say I am sure she had a good life and knew she was loved.
Dennis
thank you, everyone, for your words of comfort. i appreciate them very much.
Oh Paz, I am so sorry. I remember when you lost “Little Gift.”
Menina had such a sweet face.
LL
Sending you hugs to comfort you.
Hi Chef Paz, sorry about Menina. It’s very hard to lose any pup, and I can’t imagine losing an animal one has had for 16 years. Sounds like she had a good, long dog life though (so many don’t). And I’m sure she’s at the rainbow bridge.
Dear Paz,
I am so sorry for your loss,..your dog was a cuty!!,…oooh,..;yes!!
Lovely pictures to remember & just think of all of the good times you had with your lovely dog!!
Many cyber hugs & kisses to you from Brussels!
I am so sorry for your lost. Menina was a very cute dog. I have many chihuahua, and when I lost my first, I was totally devastated. One learns to love them so much. 16 years! wow, a true blessing.
God bless :
Dear Paz,
I am so sorry to learn of your sweet Menina’s passing. I know you will miss her terribly, and the companionship she provided for you. She was a beautiful animal. ((hugs))
Joanne
My Dear Paz,
I’m seeing this post today for the first time. I was in Portland for a lot of the summer and missed this when it came out.
I cannot begin to convey how sorry I am that you lost your dear Menina. I’ve been wondering how you’re doing and why I haven’t heard from you and now I know why. I am just so sorry. I know what it’s like to lose a dear friend like she obviously was to you. Dogs give and give their unconditional love, not expecting much in return. That you loved her so shows in her photos. She was a lucky dog to have had you as her family.
Big hugs to you my friend. My thoughts are with you as you heal.
Christine
Paz, I am so sorry to hear about Menina. Please take good care of yourself.
Thanks, Everyone, for your kind words of sympathy. Much appreciated.
Paz xoxo
[...] my dogs were still alive today, they would have recently celebrated their birthdays. Menina, would have been 17 years old and her daughter, Cadeau, would have been 15. In celebration of [...]
Menina was so beautiful, so lovely and looks adorable!
I am so sorry for you.
I know you miss her so much…
Muitos beijos.
Thank you dear Sonia. Muitos beijos xoxo