Who Was Miles Jr?
On Sunday, April 18, 2004, in the animal control shelter on Albuquerque’s westside, we first laid eyes on a 2 year old, matted, dirty, Corgi/Mini Aussie mix. He laid with his back to the gate, and was the only dog that wasn’t barking. Just as he showed little interest in the people passing by, they seemed to have little interest in him. His breed caught our attention, so we decided to meet with him. He completely ignored us, but since we would have loved any dog that we adopted, we decided to take a chance on him. I could never have imagined how drastically my life would change with that decision.
The first few weeks were a struggle, as Miles seemed to have a problem with authority. It became apparent very quickly that Miles was incredibly intelligent and also very stubborn. By the time we relocated to Michigan a few weeks later, he was a changed dog. Miles was confident, attentive, laid back, independent, and handsome. He was by far the smartest dog I have ever met in my life. He and I became inseparable. The years I worked in veterinary hospitals, he would accompany me to work every day, where his presence was expected as much as my own. Over the course of 15 years, Miles would learn 24 tricks, live in 3 states (and visit many more), watch his Mom graduate college, support 2 career changes, meet countless foster dogs, share his home with 4 canine siblings, and of course, inspire the start of a small business with his name. Miles passed away on February 15, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with kidney disease. He was 17. I miss him every second, of every day, and I can only hope that I made the impact on his life that he made on mine. Every dog I adopt will have a better life because of him.
Too many animals, just like Miles, find themselves in shelters and rescues every year. Most with no home in sight. It breaks my heart to think that the love of my life was just days from euthanasia, which is why we have long been committed to helping shelter and rescue animals. With so many homeless animals, donations are a constant need for the shelters and rescues who care for them. For this reason, Miles Jr! donates 20% of our profits to a shelter or rescue. Because so many organizations struggle financially, we have decided to choose a different shelter or rescue each year. Funds collected through December 31, 2025 will be donated to Beople’s Buddies Animal Rescue. If you would like more information about this amazing organization that helps senior pets, you can visit www.beoplesbuddies.org. Your purchase helps provide food and medical care for animals in need. And maybe if we’re lucky, the love we contribute may help someone find their own Miles. Thank you for helping us make a difference and PLEASE spay or neuter your pets.
