April 29, 2009 - July 28, 2025
Born into his companion’s life on April 22, 2009, Mango passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, after sixteen years of bringing joy, laughter, and unconditional love to everyone who met him. Known for his larger-than-life personality wrapped in a tiny lil man, Mango gave the impression he might live forever, perhaps because he seemed to have drunk a magic potion at birth that kept him small and forever young at heart.
When it was just Mango and his devoted companion, Carina Boston Pinales, she often sang to him, “You are my Mango, my only Mango, you make me happy when skies are gray…” to the tune of You Are My Sunshine. To all who knew them, that song perfectly captured their bond, he was indeed her sunshine through life’s storms, always offering warmth and light during dim times.
Mango came into Carina’s life thanks to her cousin, Roxanne Gonzales, for whom she remains eternally grateful. When Kevin, his Julian pig brother, joined the family, it was clear who ran the household. Mango held his place proudly and shared his heart generously. From the very beginning, Mango embodied trust and courage. He became her steadfast companion, joining her through college study nights at the library, long bike rides, and countless travels. He comforted through heartbreaks and losses, always knowing when a gentle cuddle or a comedic look could heal a heavy heart. His humor was unmatched; he had a gift for making people laugh with his expressive eyes and playful spirit.
Professionally, Mango served as HR Director of Splash Coworking, where his calm demeanor and intuitive sense of people made him a legend. He appeared in the San Marcos Daily Record with his title several times, received a LinkedIn shout-out from a New York firm, and was even credited with earning continuing education credits by attending HR trainings, possibly making him the only Chiweenie with CEUs. He also accompanied Carina to City of San Marcos meetings as an unofficial member of the Parking Advisory Committee, helping ease discussions with charm and grace, including paid parking.
The morning of his passing, Mango was full of life, running with his signature zoomies before peacefully resting in the sun. He left this world with the same dignity and spirit that defined his years. Mango is survived by his devoted owner, Carina Boston Pinales; his Julian pig brother, Kevin; his aunts Deana and Shannon Pinales; cousin Jupiter (Deana), Kashmir, Sofie, Saffron (Shannon); grandfather Phillip; Carina’s partner Robert Jung and her mother-in-law Susan Jung; his second cousin Roxanne Gonzales and her son Adam; extended uncle Angel Balderas, aunts Lauren Dorset, Robyn Matcek, Kirby Rowton, and Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia (Uncle Carlos), Jehnny Bindel; and extended cousins Aiden Bueche (Lauren), Josephine Stewart (Kirby), Guru (Robyn), and Giovanni and Valentino (Molly Ann). He also leaves behind many close friends, both two- and four-legged, and his beloved Splash Coworking community.
He now joins his grandma Martha Piñales, great-grandmothers Ruth Boston and Esther Pinales, and grandpa Beto, who welcomed him home with open arms.
An ofrenda will be displayed at Splash Coworking, open to all who wish to share offerings or memories starting this coming Monday 10/27/2025 In his honor, The Rainbow Bridge Parade: Remembering Our Beloved Companions will be held on October 27, 2026 pending approval, a Día de Muertos celebration honoring pets who have crossed the bridge but remain forever in our hearts.
Mango may no longer walk among us, but his sunshine continues to warm the hearts of all who loved him.
