Remembering Naima

I met a dog once. She was black. She had a white spot here and there, and a pink tongue that dangled happily from her mouth whenever she said hello or goodbye.

She was the only one who took advantage of any nap opportunities at work and was always in a good mood no matter what the time. She didn’t work in my department but she oversaw it from time to time. She walked by wagging her tail, stopping briefly to acknowledge our presence and a job well done.

I’ve been told she used to greet guests at reception. Her little ears perked up in greeting and sometimes she would give a little paw shake to those she immediately liked.

I wasn’t around at that time but have seen pictures of her playing in the Michelberger playground, happy, to be part of something that impersonated fun. She was part of the original team, hired as a motivation expert and highly recommended by all who had had the pleasure of hanging out with her at some point.

Her name was Naima, a name for those who are contented, cheerful, thankful and serene. She took her duty seriously as she sat, sphinxlike, in the office with her paws crossed in front of her, supervising the good energy flow in the office and the hotel.

She took it upon herself to stroll around the different departments to make sure that everything was well. She often visited Leah in the office to get a midday snack. Sometimes she would visit Javier or Inga, in revenue and bookings, so they could pet her and give her a nice belly rub. She knew that kept the positive vibes flowing so she could continue her work. Every once in a while she even liked to pose for pictures with Elena and a few lucky others while we all had a beer after work.

In her free time, she took Sabine, her human, on skateboard rides, swims and mellow walks in the park. Recently, she even trained the Michelberger volleyball team at Gleisdreieck Park. She was fit, that lady. Even Mette from reception said it. And she used to be a fitness instructor. She knows.

Me, I had heard of Naima way before I started working here. She was known in many circles for her enthusiastic nature and good cheer.

The first time I met her she nudged my leg, introducing herself and offering her neck and back so I could briefly pet her before she carried on.

When Naima walked past the bar every morning I knew a new day had begun. She made us smile when she got there, walking by like a queen greeting her people, beaming with happiness, rain or shine.

So here’s to feel happy, smiling and that really great scratch on the back, to that little Naima in all of us, a little dash of sunshine.