Meaning of the name “Tina:” small in height but not in spirit.
The perfect name for my Tina!
First, I reminisced with favorite images of the past year: the unique way Tina sits, like a human being – just as she did when I first saw her at 11 weeks old…
our refreshing walks in the spring…
her tongue, a mile long, on our summer walks…
the friends she made in the neighborhood: Logan…
Akio…
hanging out at home with Chibi…
Christmas…
delicious naps under the covers…
and even visits to the vet, where Tina always gets treats!
We reached a major milestone this year. Just as I dreamed of a year ago and knew we would, Tina and I enjoyed plenty of off-leash time. I felt her joy when she ran around in big circles and then back toward me.
Today was a very special day. As we walked to the architects’ firm where I work in the afternoon – while Tina patiently waits and naps – we made a stop in Madison Square Park where Tina watched the squirrels.
On our way down Park Avenue South, I spotted a group of largely Asian kids gathered around a mobile food vendor. “Perfect!” I thought. “Local high-school students. They must know what’s a good place to get food. I’ll treat Tina and me to a Philly cheese steak sandwich.” (“Hold the onions, please!”)
Her belly full, Tina, who is the office’s Director of Security, took a nice nap.
Later in the afternoon, one of the firm’s principals gave Tina a good rub.
Five o’clock struck. “Can we go, Mom?” Tina sat expectantly.
“Let’s go, Tina!” I logged off the computer promptly. We walked to the dog park.
Tina had a blast.
She made friends.
“Well, hello there!”
Forty minutes later, with a look back at the Flatiron building, we left Madison Square Park and headed home.
After dinner, Tina enjoyed a new bully stick…
…and took another little nap.
Then, I brought out her birthday muffin which made her very curious.
“Happy Birthday, Tina!”
The End
