The Secret Life Of Mikayla

The Bronx had a bad reputation for high crime rates and unsafe streets, nevertheless I had a warm, protected, nourishing childhood. There are many beautiful havens within the borough that made the area magical and special.

Growing up in the Bronx, the Bronx Zoo was a natural destination for many school excursions, especially on Wednesdays, which are donation days, meaning entrance is free, but a donation is suggested. The Bronx Zoo is located within the Bronx Park - another favorite playground of my childhood, with the Bronx River running through it. It is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, comprising 265 acres of park lands and naturalistic habitats. I love going in the summer to see the Butterfly Garden. Adjacent to the Zoo is the New York Botanical Garden, another beautiful attraction.

It means leg warmer in Hebrew. She is the only dog in the world with this name. (I checked!) Someone abandoned her on my doorstep and I just scooped her up and loved her since. Most Sharpeis are lighter colored, so my black girl gets a lot of attention everywhere we go.

In this photo Hotelet is showing her patriotic side, pretending to join the IDF (Israel Defense Force). While she has not been recruited to any military service, she is nontheless strong, fearless and protective of her mommy.