The story of Menley and Mew, where does one begin? I came
to know them as Alex and Ava (wow, now that I think of that, those are two characters on Grey's Anatomy right now. But
they weren't on 2 years ago and even if so, would most definitely have renamed them).
In early July
of 2005, I made the conscious decision to bring some kittens into my life. Actually, I only wanted one, but Best Friends
Pet Adoption would not let parents adopt one of any kind of pet unless there was already a pet in the home. This is
where I met Alex and Ava. The two cutest, most adorable brother and sister duo chatted me up and I was completely smitten.
I wanted to take them home right then and there.
Unlike with real parents, I had to pass the grade to ensure I was a good
pet parent, check out my references, check out my home, etc. I don't begrudge this but it certainly makes me wonder
two things. One, how puppy mills manage to exist and two, why don't we consider some sort of test or assessment to accompany
marriage licenses, which are only a formality anyway? Ahh, a topic for another day maybe.
No matter to
me because within a week, BFPP was at my home to bring the two new additions to the Stein family. I was thrilled. I already had the necessary provisions
and was ready to be a mom. One of the first things I knew I needed to do was rename them. Ava was easy.
I had read a book by Mary Higgins Clark once in which the main character's name was Menley. I forever loved that name
and so, Ava quickly became Menley.
Alex was tougher. I was really intent on a male "M" name. I even checked baby name books and pet naming sites
online. I have always loved the name Bartholomew Xavier (no, I haven't the faintest idea why or where that came
from but I've loved it since as long as I can remember). I can't even remember how it happened, but then Alex
became Mew, short for Bartholomew. In true parental fashion, how quickly we can forget those little details, like how or where
that inspiration sprang forth.
