Since starting the blog, we’ve interviewed many members of the hospitality industry, and one constant among the interviewees has been a profound love for their pets. We thought it would be great to share this love with our readers.
That’s why we launched an ongoing feature called “Wag Wednesday” to showcase industry peeps and their pets. Know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
This week, we’re featuring Miguel Aguilar, Executive Chef of Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, and his long hair chihuahuas Lola, Centavo, Moneda and Bolivar.
Your Name: Miguel Aguilar
Your Pet’s Name: Lola, Centavo, Moneda, Bolivar
Sex(es): Female, Male, Female, Male
Age(s): 10, 2, 2, 1
Breed(s): Long hair Chihuahuas
How did you come to own your dogs? What drew you to them?
When I met my wife, she had a long hair Chihuahua named Peso. After dating for a year, we brought Lola home as a companion for Peso. Peso fell ill in the fall of 2015 and passed away in December 2015.
We decided that Lola would need a new companion since she had never been alone. That is when Centavo and Moneda entered the picture. Moneda is one week older than Centavo. They mated early on and the result was three beautiful puppies, one of which (Bolivar) stayed in our home.
What’s the story behind your dogs’ names?
Peso was named after my wife’s roommate’s dog Dollar. We then continued the money theme with Cinquento Centavo; Mo Moneda, Mo Problems; and Bolivar (Venezuelan currency).
How would you describe your dogs’ personalities?
Lola (Lots of latin attitude) is very fiery even at 10 years old. She is a lover at heart but definitely the alpha of the pack. Centi is very sweet and a bit of a loner and the protector of the house.
Mo is the sweetest girl and just wants to be in your lap or touched at all times. Boli is still a puppy at heart and gets himself in trouble by chewing on all the things he shouldn’t; however, he is very sweet like his mama.
How has owning dogs made your life richer?
They love you unconditionally and never judge. After a long day at work, they are always happy to see me. They can’t wait to get in my lap and lick my face, hands, feet or any place they can. Plus, they all have amazing personalities and so much love to share.
It’s said that dogs reflect their owners and vice versa. How does this apply to you and yours?
Lola definitely shares my personality. Centi’s independence is similar to my love of me time. Mo is my little girl, and it is fair to say she is Daddy’s girl. Boli doesn’t really reflect me as he is still developing himself.
Tell us a funny story about you and your dogs.
When Lola first met Peso and she was 1/3 of his size, and due to Lots Of Latin Attitude (LOLA), she would grab him by the cheek fur and drag him across our floor as if she was sweeping the floor with him.
Are you involved in any pet organizations or philanthropies?
Unfortunately no, due to my chef life, but we do donate to SPCA.
We follow a lot of dog social media accounts like Doug the Pug, Rocco’s Contemporary Life, and Menswear Dog. Do you? Which are your favorites?
See past editions of Wag Wednesdays here.