On December 6th, 2012, our canine columnist Emmy Elfin interviewed Max and Mia, two black pugs, at their home in Forest Hills.
The late fall morning was sunny and pleasant when I paid a call on Max and Mia, in their lovely, spacious home set above a wooded glen. They gave me a raucous welcome and indicated that they were glad to have this opportunity to tell their story. And what a story it was!
They were born in West Virginia in the good old USA (just to be clear in case they ever run for office) to two champions, Jammin’ Joe and Miracle. They were part of a litter of seven. Mia was the only female and she and Max were chosen as a package deal to join their new family. They are devoted to each other and will remain so forever, says their adoptive mother.
They proudly showed their baby books and many other photos to me. I am not easily impressed, but was tempted to use the word ”awesome” upon seeing their pedigrees, except I find the word overused.
Since their arrival in Forest Hills in 2005, this brother/sister combo has been active in the community – socializing with other dogs in the neighborhood (Sarge is their best friend), and accepting visits from foxes and hawks with equanimity. They are particularly fond of chasing squirrels and this has been a wonderful season for that pursuit.
Although they love the natural environment, they are really fond of children. At Halloween they dress up as skeletons and join the trick-or-treaters. It’s an opportunity to run with the neighborhood kids. They anticipate the holidays when they dress in red velvet clothes and receive many compliments.
Their family has been well-trained to home-school them. As a result of much practice and dedication, they won first prize at the Georgetown July 4th parade one year for a spinning trick they performed. One wonders what they were doing out of the neighborhood, but then, winning is the important thing, n’est-ce pas?
While this accomplishment was being relayed, they behaved with becoming modesty.
In one of the many online references to pugs, there is mention of their origin as companions to Buddhist monks over the centuries or through millennia, depending on whose math you believe. They were bred to be comforting lap dogs. The level of activity I observed, however, did not seem totally serene. Although Mia spent the time on the lap of her adoptive mother, Max, perhaps anxious to show me around the house, was quite lively.
I was egging him on with my low growl. We had a good thing going on for awhile.
Max and Mia are about to “embark” on their first flight to visit grandparents in Kansas for Christmas. Bon voyage to you both! You are truly party animals, and Mia, remember to pack your ruby red slippers.
Note: Just by meeting Max and Mia, I have been elevated.
Denise Warner says
Thank you, Emmy, for capturing our personalities and lifestyle in such an interesting and informing way. We look forward to visiting you in 2013.
Love, Max and Mia
Mary Ann says
Emmy – Thank you for the piece about Max and Mia. I was at the Georgetown July 4th Parade, and I have been waiting for them to be “discovered.”
Royce says
I am pleased to have made the acquaintance of Mia and Max on my walks with my adopted mom. I find them to be quite interesting company and clearly quite humble as they never mentioned their awarded past. (Stunning holiday wear, I will ask my mom for something to spiff me up a bit!)
Sammy Solomon says
Aww! they’re so cute! how are they not smothered in love every day!? hope it will rub off on Sadie and Roxie!