< PreviousAt Texas A&M University at Galveston, marine biology students research the genetic mechanisms of Turritopsis dohrnii, a biologically immortal jellyfish, right alongside renowned faculty. While human immortality is distant, with this research and the advent of DNA-based technologies, relief for those with genetic disorders could be within a tentacle’s reach. Whether your interests take you above, below or on the water, as the marine & maritime campus of Texas A&M University, we have the resources you need to succeed. Discover your part in driving our blue economy with degrees in science, engineering, transportation, business and liberal arts. Chart the course to your future today. Visit tamug.edu for more. EVEN BETTER THAN 22 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 FEATURE MIMZI OLIVIA O’NEAL Nicknames: TT and Mimzi-Doodle Age: 5 Breed: Long-haired dachshund mix Parents’ names: Crista and Bobby O’Neal City: Texas City How did you meet Mimzi? I met Mimzi through K9 Angels rescue shelter in Houston. She was 11 months old and so fuzzy. I fell in love as soon as I laid eyes on her! What’s her favorite coastal pastime? Mimzi is a coastal dog to the core. She spends every day working at Serious Tackle in La Marque. She is the best greeter and gives the best fishing advice. How do you and Mimzi beat the heat? Mimzi’s Uncle Tyler just bought a house with a pool. We’ve been practicing our doggy paddle. What’s a funny memory involving Mimzi? For Mimzi’s first birthday, we threw her a “paw-ty” and rented a raised slip and slide. Mimzi and her Uncle Duke (a black Lab) were the first two on it. They would run back and forth under the sprinklers and jump into the landing pool. At this point, I’d only had Mimzi a month and thought she hated the water. It was so funny to see how fast she was running with her little teeth showing and tongue out. She kept at it all day long. What’s a talent/trick Mimzi has? Mimzi has a puppy car seat in my truck. My husband or I lift her up and say, “in your box,” and she jumps right in to be seat belted! Is there a trick she has taught you? Mimzi is very social, she runs and says hello to everyone. This usually involves me having to say hi as well, improving my social skills. What’s her favorite toy? Mimzi’s go-to toy is a stuffed hot chili pepper named Lil Chili. As soon as you say, “go get Lil Chili,” she’s searching for him! What’s her favorite treat? Mimzi loves Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Meatballs. “Meatball” PHOTOS: JENNIFER REYNOLDS (Above) Texas City residents Crista and Bobby O’Neal enjoy visiting the beach in Galveston with Mimzi, their 5-year-old long-haired dachshund mix. (Opposite) Mimzi digs in the sand on the beach on the island’s East End. She likes the beach but isn’t a fan of the waves. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 23 is her favorite word. What special way do you spoil/pam- per her? Mimzi gets pampered at the Salty Dog Wash here in Galveston. She’s been going there for years for her teddy bear cut, and she loves the crew there. Afterward, she hops in her dog stroller and gets lunch with her mom and aunt at a restaurant on the beach. If you could compare Mimzi to any ce- lebrity or famous person, who would it be? Mimzi has an uncanny resemblance to Benji. People also tell her that she looks like Jennifer Aniston.24 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 FEATURE CHICA Nicknames: Cheeks, Chicky Age: 9-ish and fabulous Breed: Labrador retriever mix Parent’s name: This could be you! City: galveston How did you meet Chica? Through working and volunteering at Galves- ton Island Humane Society. What’s Chica’s favorite coastal pastime? Morning beach walks and chasing tiny sand crabs. How do you and Chica beat the heat? Binge-watch Netflix in the cold, cold air-conditioning. What’s a funny memory involv- ing Chica? Sometimes, her lips get stuck on her teeth and she looks really silly. We try to get videos for her @adoptGalveston Instagram to show how cute she is. What’s a talent/trick she has? Catching treats that you toss in the air 70 percent of the time. We are still working on it. Is there a trick she has taught you? Take time to appreciate your surroundings and take lots of naps. What’s her favorite toy? She has a cactus pillow she sleeps with and a purr-ito cat toy. What’s her favorite treat? Cheese. What special way do you spoil/ pamper Chica? She loves to go for car rides down the seawall with all the windows down but mainly loves mellow couch time with belly rubs. If you could compare Chica to any celebrity or famous person, who would it be? Bea Arthur from “The Golden Girls.” She can take time to warm up, but underneath is a big softie with a huge heart that loves her people. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 25 PHOTOS: JENNIFER REYNOLDS Chica, who is available for adoption from the Galveston Island Humane Society, enjoys walking on the beach with her foster mom, Mandi Lepo.26 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 PHOTOS: ST u ART VILLAN u EVA Migo, a 2-year-old Labradoodle- golden retriever mix, loves the island life. (Opposite) Migo asks for a belly rub while sitting between his owners Lauren and Lee Hughes. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 27 FEATURE MIGO Nicknames: Amigo, President of the good Boy Club Age: 22 months Breed: goldendoodle/Labradoodle Parents’ names: Lauren and Lee Hughes City: galveston How did you meet Migo? A Face- book status, and the puppies were being offered as a way to help pay for college and they were so adorable! What’s Migo’s favorite coastal pastime? Migo enjoys leisurely walks on the sand by the water, golf cart rides and helping his dad with hunt- ing in marshes. How do you and Migo beat the heat? Early and evening dog park sessions. Shout out to the Menard Dog Park crew! What’s a funny memory involv- ing Migo? He had the ultimate zoomies and was crazy excited to see us after a month training at Legacy Retrievers. What’s a talent/trick Migo has? He can make everyone stop and pet him! He went to ArtWalk recently and it was rare for anyone to walk by without giving him a pat! Also, his sniffer is amazing and can be used for good or evil! It’s good when he needs to retrieve, and it’s bad when he finds something he’s not supposed to have! Is there a trick he has taught you? Smile more. Migo is always hap- py and always smiling. What’s his favorite toy? He is currently obsessed with tennis balls. One of the greatest city plans is the dog park behind a tennis court. Migo definitely enjoys the surplus of balls. What’s his favorite treat? Pizza bones, aka pizza crust. What special way do you spoil/ pamper Migo? He gets “doggy mas- sages” until he falls asleep. When he rides in the truck, he has to have the sunroof open and pokes his head out. And, he is high fashion, from sporting blue mohawks to the latest Adidog outfit and buttonups, he knows how to get attention! If you could compare him to any celebrity or famous person, who would it be? Ryan Gosling — dash- ing good looks, a boyish charm and family friendly.GET TICKETS! TheGrand.com | 409.765.1894 2020 Postoffice Street, Galveston THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE 2022–23 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON Sat, Aug 5, 2023 | 3 PM & 8 PM Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st Century. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher. Adult content. Not suitable for children under 16.Next >