MAYRA was named after MAYRA VALDES-RODRIGUEZ, who paid the ultimate price in the attack on America September 11, 2001. Mayra Valdes-Rodriguez of New York, New York, age 39, was a 17-year employee of Aon Corporation at the World Trade Center, Tower 2, 105th floor. Ms. Valdes-Rodrigues also volunteered as a fire warden for her company. She was last seen alive by co-workers on the 78th floor, ushering people towards a staircase. Ms. Valdes-Rodrigues' life revolved around her 12 year old son, Elias. They had just returned home from a vacation in Disney World the day before the terrorists struck. Ms. Valdes-Rodrigues loved salsa music and dancing and was known for her outrageous laugh. We salute Ms. Valdes-Rodriguez, a hero, and name this beautiful dog in her honor.

(Source: New York Times 12/05/01)