Verona Aminta

Verona Aminta, originally Aminta, was an immigrant from her home town of Verona. The first known member of the Amintore family, she was a black and white greyhound with deep blue eyes.

When her name was put on the record as Aminta Verona, she politely asked for the names to be reversed and calmly explained why to an immigration official who spoke her native tongue.

A translator records her words: "The name Aminta is a source of honor. It means "defender;" I would die to defend my family. If I ever have a family, I want my children to have that name."