To the Editor:
This week, I want to take a step back from discussions of civic issues to remember my dog Mia who passed away on April 18, 2016. Mia graced the front page of the July 23, 2015 Pet Gazette, perhaps given that honor because she was the oldest dog whose photo was submitted.
At the time of her death, Mia, born Dec. 7, 1996 was over 19 1/3 years old. She was the oldest "customer" at Hollin Hall Animal Hospital. The accompanying photo was taken 11 days prior to Mia's passing.
President Truman famously said if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. Truer words were never spoken. Mia was a great friend. She had five children and outlived three of them. An 11-pound red smooth miniature dachshund, the daughter of a prolific champion, Mia was a perfect example of the dachshund breed standard.
She was born the very week we moved into our home on Little Hunting Creek and knew no other home. Mia was beloved by all who knew her.
She traveled thousands of miles by boat on the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries. She visited, by boat, such varied places as Baltimore Inner Harbor, St. Michaels, Annapolis Harbor, Solomons Island, Stone Harbor, New Jersey, Georgetown, Alexandria, National Harbor, Occoquan, Colonial Beach and many others. She flew with me to Florida in February.
Mia is now gone but will never be forgotten. She was the most wonderful dog I have ever known.
H. Jay Spiegel
Mount Vernon