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)