The past few weeks have been sort of strange and sad here at Animal Rentals since my Uncle, Mr. Adam Monk, passed away. All of my human and exotic animal friends in Mindy’s Menagerie here sure miss him! But it has been wonderful getting notes from people that knew him. Uncle Monk was one monkey people never forgot meeting!
Uncle Monk was 43 when he left us – which is pretty old for a monkey. Even though he lived to a ripe old age, people say that it is never long enough. The sad truth is, though, that most animals just don’t live as long as humans do. A lot of my tropical bird friends – like Ruby the African Grey Parrot or Piwackett the Scarlet Macaw – can live 60 to 75 years or longer! And there are some whales, giant tortoises and other animals that live for more than 200 years. But most domestic and exotic animals have a much shorter time on earth. So we should be happy that Uncle Monk had 43 years, and an incredible life.
Dad, of course, misses Uncle Monk the most. The two of them started Animal Rentals and built the business together. Of course dad says he did it and Uncle Monk just helped, and of course Uncle Monk said that all the best ideas were his and he was the “real” boss. I really miss all the great advice he gave me – like when I was learning to be an Organ Grinder monkey and Uncle Monk told me to never take the pennies from people, only the “big money”. If someone ever handed him a penny while he was working he would actually throw it right to the ground. If it wasn’t silver or green, he wouldn’t take it. Lol!
Uncle Monk retired years ago, so he never traveled with us for our College Entertainment shows. But he certainly did his share of touring and working with lots of people and celebrities doing Animal Shows, charity events, theme parties, strolling entertainment, fairs, festivals, corporate parties, birthday parties, commercials, tv shows…you name it and Uncle Monk was there putting on a show and making people laugh and smile. I am happy and proud to continue the work he started here at Animal Rentals and to carry on his legacy of making people laugh and smile.
Goodbye Uncle Monk…I love you and I miss you!
