Like my namesake, Mila the dog, I have a keen awareness of where I am and what I’m doing at all times. I am not given to dreaminess, have something of a terrier’s determination. If there is something to notice, I will notice it first.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph 16)

Importance: Mila, who was given the same name as the one given to her grandfather’s dog, believes that she has the determination and perception that some people believe are common in a dog.

Mongrels are wily and healthy and don’t suffer displaced hips or premature madness.
-- Narrator (Chapter 3 paragraph 1)

Importance: Mila follows the theme of dogs as she describes her family’s nationality. Although her family is a mixed bag of nationalities, she notes their diversity may be in their favor.

When I think of the way this trip has turned out, I wonder if we’ve been summoned for some sort of cosmic leveling, to...
-- Narrator (Chapter 3 paragraph 30)