To the Editor:
Earlier this month, my wife’s petite shepherd Mina was put to rest due to plummeting health. Though Mina’s absence is heartbreaking, we’re grateful for the humane and dignified departure Dr. Michelle Jasny provided her. We’re also grateful for the deep garden grave Rob Chaunce dug for her.
Amanda found Mina in a backyard in Yuma, Ariz., 13 years ago, and couldn’t help but secure her adoption. Though she traveled through many states with Amanda, the Vineyard was Mina’s home. Whirlpooling was Mina’s No. 1 parlor trick. She didn’t need much in the way of stimulation. Excitement at seeing the leash lifted off its peg was enough to make her spin as if she were caught in a miniature tornado. Fireworks, gunshots, and thunder worked her into an absolute panic, and required a regular prescription for Xanax. She made up for those phobias by defending the house against UPS drivers, neighbors, cats, and about anyone or anything that appeared on our stoop by barking like a dog 50 pounds heftier. Though musk oxen probably shed less than she did during the summer, she will be dearly, dearly missed.
Rich Saltzberg
West Tisbury
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