Mia was born in the desert in California in January 2010. I was 22 and had never had a dog in my adult life. I needed to find a dog who would be apartment compatible for my small apartment in Long Beach, CA. I saw her picture online, and knew she was the one. My boyfried and I drove the two hours to the rescue to get her. She was incredibly shy. As soon as the cage was opened, she darted behind a large desk which took 3 adults over a half hour to get her out from behind. During the adoption process, I held the stiff with fear three-month-old puppy in my lap. On the car ride home, she still seemed frozen. Wouldn’t look at me, wouldn’t look around. I decided I would start saying names, and when she responded that would be her chosen name. Through an hour and a half of this name procession, I started getting silly, naming random things. She finally looked at me when I said, missing in action. Her gorgeous, round eyes finally stared into mine. I smiled at her and asked, missing in action? She kept her gaze on me. Seemed an appropriate name for this little one. I asked her if we could shorten it to Mia. I repeated definitively, Mia. She seemed to agree.
Mia was my constant companion for almost 14 years. I have thousands of memories with her. She was stubborn, never enjoyed the beach or dog parks, walks, or meeting other dogs. She was well traveled; she crossed the US with me by car, coast to coast. She was intelligent, she learned many tricks. Rollover was by far the toughest because it was the last trick she learned at about three or four years old. It was a tough week for us both. We were both extremely frustrated with each other. When she finally rolled over on command, by herself though, it was amazing. The creature of comfort she was, she would only roll over on carpet, a rug, a couch or a bed. Would seek those out if asked to roll over on hardwood, tile or concrete. She liked to be tucked into her bed when not sleeping in mine, always needed a blanket. Loved to lay with her head on a pillow. So many memories of her bring a smile to my face. Like many dogs, she was all about food and could easily manipulate her grandma into scraps and treats. She earned the nickname trash panda from her constant garbage raids. In her later years, she gained cat siblings, all three would orchestrate food theft and garbage bag annihilation. The carnage was unreal. She was with me through the many ups and downs throughout my life, right by my side. I can still feel the warmth of her on the side of my thigh in her favorite spot on the couch next to me. She is deeply missed.
Rest In Peace Mia
