David Weimer is a dog person. Not only did he have a much-loved mutt when he was growing up, but he recently coauthored a book called Dog Economics, which looks at people’s relationships with dogs using the principles of economics (his field; he’s a professor of political economy in the La Follette School of Public Affairs). His spouse, Melanie Manion, is not a pet person, and she never was — not, at least, until the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the China expert and professor emerita of political science decided, like many Americans, that she wanted a dog for company. And that’s how Ming came to own them. “She totally runs my life,” says Manion.
Which one of you does Ming like best?
David: It’s Mummy. She’s okay with me, but some days she just wants Mummy.
Do you think of yourself as Ming’s mummy?
Melanie: I didn’t grow up with dogs or a dog. I knew nothing about dogs. [But the first time] I went into the vet, they said, “Oh, so your Ming’s mummy?” And I said, “Well, that would be a scientific miracle.” And then of course, the second time I visited, I’m like, "Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m Ming’s mummy.”
How did you decide to get Ming?
Melanie: It was the pandemic, and I made this list of pros and cons. I live alone [when teaching at Duke in North Carolina], [and] it was not that I felt lonely, but it’s kind of nice [to have a dog]. And at least people would leave me alone. They won’t think I’m lonely. It’s like, “Oh, should we invite Melanie for Thanksgiving?” But when you have a dog, it’s great. That was one of the pros. There were lots of cons. She takes up way more time than I had ever imagined.
David: But you get a lot more kisses than you ever imagined.
What does her name mean? Is Ming a reference to Ming the Merciless?
David: No.
Melanie: Ming is a Chinese character, which is combined with the character for sun and moon. It has two meanings: one is bright as in light, and other is bright as in intelligent and clever, so I thought that worked for this little girl.
Does Ming have a favorite toy?
David: When we’re busy working and she wants to play, she’ll go get a toy and see if it interests us. If not, she’ll go get another toy and bring it until we realize we have to play with her.
Melanie: If no toys work, she’ll get a dish towel and start running — an item of clothing or a dish towel.
David: She’s stealing it to get attention.
Melanie: It’s like if we’re not enticed by the toys, then she needs to do something she’s not supposed to do. She’s so transparent.
What else does she do when she’s bad?
David: Just the occasional stubbornness.
Melanie: I would say poodle is a verb. Poodling, she’ll just stand there.
When she’s good, what are her favorite treats?
Melanie: Cheddar. Especially a sharp cheddar. There was one time I found myself in a store that has a lot of cheese, and I found the strong cheddar and this woman says, “Is that good?” I said, “I don’t know; it’s just that my dog won’t eat baby swiss.” And she said, “I love baby swiss.” The woman’s husband said, “What kind of dog?” I said, “Poodle.” And he goes, “Ah.”
If she were a student, what would her major be?
Melanie: English.
David: Theater, really.
How would the yearbook describe her?
Melanie: People will look at her and say she’s so delicate, she’s so pretty and everything, and the truth is, she’s a clown. She’s a funny girl.
Do you ever take her to campus?
David: One of my disappointments, of course, is that here at UW, we’re not allowed to bring dogs into the office.
Melanie: I’ve brought her to class. Students love Ming. I, of course, always bring her to class on the day I do instructor evaluations, and I’m completely shameless about it.
