For now her name is Puppy
.....
UPDATE: Just talked to Carol (Monday afternoon), and they have narrowed it down to a couple of names. She assures me they will have a decision by tonight, and I will let you know the minute she tells me. If she doesn't choose one by tonight I'm going to go over to her house and pee in her orange juice.
.....
Last week I started volunteering for the Humane Society of Utah, something I've been wanting to do for years but have never kicked myself hard enough in the butt to do. I announced this to Jon, just like that, hey, I'm going to the Humane Society, I'l see you in about three hours. And I thought it would go in one ear and shoot right out the other because he was reading political websites, and when he gets in that mode the only thing that can distract him is the sound of the dishwasher opening because that signals I am either loading it or unloading it and within seconds he's in the kitchen groping me.
But he instantly shook his head as if a fly was stuck in his ear, and he was all, you're what? And I was all, but the dogs, they need me! And he was all, WOMAN, IF YOU BRING HOME A DOG I'M MOVING TO MONTANA. BY MYSELF. So I promised him I wouldn't, and I had no intention of doing so, except I fell in love with a dog. In fact, I fell in love with the first dog that I walked. And I wanted to adopt that dog right then, but then I thought, hmm... I kind of like Jon. I would miss him if he moved. Who would leave computer cables all around the house and buy hundreds of dollars worth of unnecessary crap when allowed to shop at Costco alone?
So I didn't adopt the dog right then and instead spent the next three hours being knocked over by 120-pound boxers and pit bulls who were more than a little bit excited to be let out of their cages. I'd open a cage and it was like a humpback whale would fall right on top of my head. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and one dog was so out of control that he worked his way out of the leash and headed for Montana. I had to chase him a half-mile down the road, and I was losing steam when it suddenly occurred to me to yell out in my high-pitched dog voice, the Make Coco's Head Explode voice, and it worked because the dog did a 180 and tackled me to the ground. The cuddling we did for the next five minutes right there on the sidewalk made me feel like I had cheated on my husband.
Yesterday when I showed up to do a few more hours of work I noticed that the dog I had fallen in love with was still there, had not been adopted, so I dove into her cage to take her for the first walk of the day. Bad idea, because my love had only deepened with the distance. Trying not to fall over in a bawling mess I took her out to one of the dog runs and let her play while I made an important phone call. Not to Jon, no, this story does not end in our divorce. Or with a long legal battle over custody of our espresso machine.
My friend Carol mentioned that they had been thinking about getting a dog, and did I have any advice since they'd never had one before. Advice? STAY AWAY FROM MINIATURE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS. Also, I'd be doing some work at the Humane Society and I'd keep an eye out on a dog with a temperament and size similar to Chuck's. And this was that dog. A 27-pound black lab mix, one year old, submissive, adorable, cuddly. Doesn't jump up on people. Great with kids. Loves to play with other dogs. The only way she could be more perfect was if she could balance a pitcher of beer between her ears.
She made a few phone calls to her husband, called me back, I called her back, and six hours later I had her and her three kids in my truck on the way to the Humane Society. Luckily the dog was still there when we arrived, and I tell you what, she could not have put on a better show for that family. She snuggled up to each kid, jumped around the dog run happily, ignored all the other maniacal barking dogs nearby, and basically stole all their hearts. Within the hour she was in the back of my truck and we were all trying to figure out what to call her:
When she was dropped off two weeks ago she did not have a name and so the Humane Society just called her Blackie. None of the kids liked that one, so they started throwing out their own ideas: Isabelle, Pepper, Charlie, Dusty, B.B. Carol's eight-year-old son is pretty sold on the name he came up with and insists that no matter what the final name is he will call her Car.
No one could agree on anything, and this morning when Carol brought the dog over to play with Chuck and Coco she revealed that they still did not have a name. And I said, you know what? I bet I know some people with a few ideas and asked her if I could take this dilemma to you.
Internet, we need a name for this dog.
Carol has only a few criteria. It has to be two syllables, shouldn't be too girly or too hard to say, and it should definitely roll off the tongue. Carol's husband suggested that maybe the name should reflect their lifestyle. They're very outdoorsy people, love to hike and bike and ski. They love the blues (thus B.B. that was suggested above). Also, they're from the Midwest and pronounce everything the wrong way, so maybe it could be a name that would allow me to make fun of them endlessly when they say it.
Any ideas?
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
600. becca said:
Don't know if this was already recommended, since, no offense, I'm not going to read through all 600 comments to check, but I've always wanted a black dog named DERBY. It's cute, no?
601. Sheshie said:
I also forgot to add Girlfriend or Honey.
602. Anonymous said:
BRISBY
(sounds like frisbee)
From: The Secret of NIMH character Mrs. Brisby
603. Kimmy said:
Anouk
Raina
Della
Pumpkin
Violet
Mara
Riley
Lila
Jenna
Shelby
604. Another Heather said:
My mom always wanted a dog named Fido...
but spelled PHYDEAUX
605. Mimi said:
Cupcake
606. i.e. said:
Carmen
The first name that came to mind when I saw her.
I love naming animals, it might be my favorite past time.
607. slpenney said:
Elle (pronounced Ellie) cos it's a palindrome.
608. Anonymous said:
Too.Many.Names.To.Read.
If that dog is anything like Coco ---
has anybody mentioned Shit-Weasel????????????
609. kandtrix said:
Salton. Like the sea.
610. bleu said:
Coaltraine
Coal for short since she is black and it is a very blues-y name.
611. Ottawa Emptor said:
Wally.
(After Wall-E.)
612. Molly said:
My name is Molly. Everyone that I meet says, "oh that's such a pretty name. My dog/cat/guinea pig/llama/cow/goldfish/lizzard is named Molly."
It's been over used.
613. Kimberly Sherman said:
I just got a rescue dog on Tuesday - I sent her photo to you because I think she could be Chuck's sister?! We ended up naming her Eva, per my 8 year old's demand, and I ditched what I thought was the perfect name for her....Raina. Tell Carol her dog's name is Raina. Rain + a = Raina.
614. Missey said:
Freya (pronounced FRAY-YA) The Norse goddess of love. Being transplanted mid-westerners, they have to have some Scandinavian/Viking heritage.
615. M said:
How about Lena or Lana?
616. Katherine said:
FOXY. Because look at her - particularly chasing Chuck. It just fits.
617. Rose said:
Awww, she looks just like my SPCA supermutt, Chocolate! It was love at first sight for us, too.
My vote is for "Rosie".
You're awesome, Heather! This story makes me so happy for all involved, especially Rosie.
618. Anonymous said:
I'd go for Trooper, Patton, Memphis, or Banjo.
619. Amanda said:
Darby
Emma
Mylee
You have to post an update once a name is suggested (if you get through all of them!)
620. Anonymous said:
How adorable is she?
I like either Barkley (my FAVORITE chocolate lab's name)
Mayer (my favorite mini dachsund) or my all tme favorit - Doocie!!!!!!
621. mosiphine said:
Lucille after B.B. King's guitar, they could call her lulu or lucy for short.
I once named a cat Fuzzboxx as an homage to Jimi Hendrix, and he was the best cat in the world!
622. Hunter said:
Mesa
623. Anonymous said:
Heather, You are my hero! I can't wait until I can also volunteer for animals. I think her name should be Brynn.
624. Anonymous said:
Shithead. I hate dogs, mostly becase I have to deal with my boss' two goldens every god damned day.
625. Lisa said:
my friend just got a dog (a girl) and her son named her "Green Guy Luigi" (from mario bros.)
They call her GG for short. I just think thats funny!!!
626. Joyce said:
how about Sable?
627. Diania said:
Larue (La-Roo)
628. Anonymous said:
He looks like a Barney to me.
629. Caleal said:
If I had gotten a girl dog, I was going to name her either Maggie (So I could sing the Rod Stewart song to her all day long) or Layla (Yep. Song. All day long.)
Unfortunately, I got boy dogs. And those don't work. I still think they're delightful names, though.
630. 'Tree' said:
Tahoma (not the font, the Native name for Mt. Rainier)
Denali
Coda
Chien (French for dog)
631. Anonymous said:
Topaz. For the color of her eyes.
632. kandtrix said:
Or Memphis, for something blues-y.
633. Adria said:
Zelda! She looks like a Zelda.
634. Michelle E said:
Zoe
635. Anonymous said:
Devery.
636. Kimmy Pocket said:
River
637. jennifer said:
Sasha ~ From the Russian name Sasha, a pet form of Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind."
Zoe ~ In Greek The meaning of the name Zoe is "life".
Chloe ~ In Greek The meaning of the name Chloe is "blooming".
Ella ~ In English The meaning of the name Ella is: Abbreviation of Eleanor and Ellen: Beautiful fairy. Famous bearer: American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald; American poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
Astrid ~ The name Astrid comes from the Danish origin. In Danish the meaning of the name Astrid is: Divine strength.
Emma ~ The name Emma is a popular Danish name of Frankish origin. The meaning of the name Emma is: Whole.
Maisie ~ In Scottish The meaning of the name Maisie is: Scottish Diminutive form of Margaret: Pearl, child of light.
Lela ~ In French The meaning of the name Lela is: Loyal. Loyalty. Faithful.
638. Allison said:
Wilder
639. Sarah said:
River is pretty perfect.
640. misstraceynolan said:
I want to NOM this dog all over. She's adorable. I think her name is Ivy. Sounds both outdoorsy and kind of like a Blues singer. Hello, Ivy. I love you.
641. Rhonda said:
If they like blues, why not name her Lucille, the name of BB King's guitar !
642. dieschneeflocke said:
I second Oakley! Damn cute, for sure!!!!!
643. Michele said:
She IS adorable!!
Roxanne
Sheba
Shelby
Maxine
Hannah
644. sheryl said:
Kimbrough, after Junior Kimbrough, blues great.
or how about Coltrane?
645. Amy said:
How about Sirius Black like in Harry Potter?
646. Anonymous said:
Dakota is great... Its been mentioned before - but, I'm from the mid-west and even saying it in my own head I realize that I sound semi-retarded. Plus, they could call her Cody for short... (Trust me, they will still sound mid-west retarded saying that one, too)
Duh-Koah-Duh...
647. liberace said:
MOXIE
648. Betty said:
Doobie
Shumi
Leeloo
Liddie
Jennifer
(All names my 4 yr old insists I call her when she pretends she's a dog.)
649. Melissa said:
I like Annie Oakley.
and just call her Annie, pretty western, I suppose.
650. Marina said:
Cassie.
651. Stacey said:
I personally like Poppy and Annie. But she could also totally be a Lucy.
652. Anonymous said:
Our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Zoe is turning five today- we adopted her when she was 11/2 and love the name and love her more :)
653. Anonymous said:
Jim Bob,
Joey JoJo Shabadu.
Jimmy Jam.
Corky.
PeePee.
Rosenthal.
Bruce Dickenson..
Bubba.
Larry.
654. Sarah said:
Olive. Just cuz it was my dog's name and she was so lovely.
655. Scarlett said:
Oakley
Onyx
but Fargo is pretty awesome.
656. Deb said:
I like Toshi
After singer Toshi Reagon.
657. Cerise said:
Kiwi?
Nina Simone sang the blues...we named our cat Simone after her, but you can have Nina, OK?
658. Nikki said:
Stella, short for Stellaluna, the title of a lovely children's story with a wonderful message everyone could use. That's right, everyone.
Plus it's fun to yell, you know, "STELLLLLLAAAAA!" Just an idea.
659. Anonymous said:
#88 beat me to it, but my first thought was Libby, what a sweetheart!
660. lisa said:
Birdie
Buddy
Daisy
Dusty
661. Kimberly said:
Blythe
(English) - A merry and delightful one.
This girl dog refuses to be sad.
662. Cari said:
My dogs name is Anakin (My cat is Vader- no relation).
We call him Ani and i've always thought it would be great for a lady dog. So my comment... Ani.
663. Karen said:
Another vote for Bessie (Smith).
664. Modern Crush said:
Cheyenne!
665. Terri Sinclair said:
"Ruby" Definitely. Bluesy...with the red collar...yep, Ruby.
666. Carrie S. said:
What a beautiful dog. They should name her Billie!
667. Anonymous said:
Violet or Maya
668. Nancy said:
LOVE FARGO!!
And also Smoky!
Smoky's is a famouse steak house in Madison WI and I love the way folks say it here as in, "Hey, let's go to Smoooky's tonight for super. We could have steak or the Friday Night Fish Fry." Another option - we've lived here for 13 years now and I still love to hear the word:
Sorry
It's said more like "sewry" here. But...it's also a "sorry" name for dog.
669. Anonymous said:
Sister. I've always wanted to name a dog that.
670. deb said:
1. Dooce
2. Elsie
3. Morgan
4. Minnie
5. Lucy
6. Ethel
7. Bama as in obama
8. Elsie
9. Disney
10. Lola
11. Penelope "penny" for short
671. Katie said:
I have always loved the name my friend gave her dog:
Deogee.
It's pronounced De-Oh-Gee.
And it's essentially D-O-G spelled out. When you say it fast, it sounds like a name. I love it!
672. Ottawa Emptor said:
Oh, and there's also CHICKEN NECK.
Ask Dennis Leary about what his kids wanted to name THEIR first pet. *eye roll*
Or, you could NOT go the 30 Rock route with names like BOOKCASE or HAT.
673. barefootgypsy said:
Gypsy, Lucy (Lucille) or Delaney--she's a cutie!
674. Kristine said:
Maddie
675. Anonymous said:
My good friend had a dog named whoknows... Because the dog just showed up at their property, with no i.d. When anyone asked where the dog came from or what her name was, they said: whoknows?
She was a sweet heart.
676. cheri said:
she looks like a "penelope" to me. or "penny".
677. Nicole said:
Yukon
678. L Bo said:
it's pretty obvious that her name is Sugar...
679. Jessica said:
Lucky.
Doocey.
680. Spacemom said:
CB-Coco's Bitch
CW- Crotch Warmer
How about?
Toby
Carly
Chloe
Martha (like that dog in Martha Speaks, What? Leta doesn't watch that one yet?)
681. lisa said:
obey pronounced oh bee :) or cosette (to honor the dog we once rescued from u of minn research lab)
682. Ann said:
Skylar
683. Jessica said:
She is beautiful! I can see why you love her, just from the photos. I think she looks like Coco or Bauer, but I also like the name Guinness. (We named our cat Bailey because she is the color of Bailey's Irish creme. Lushes. :)) None of those are very outdoorsy or bluesy, though. My favorite suggestion above is "Lucille/Lucy."
684. Audrey said:
Ashes, Sooty, Cinders (think Cinderella), or to be contrary, Sugar.
685. Melissa said:
Ella? (Fitzgerald)
686. Marina said:
Oh, and I second Charlie. Cutest name for a girl ever.
687. Anonymous said:
Lickles!
688. Barbara said:
Sangria
689. Mary said:
Ethel
Etta
Mabel
Lucille
I like old fashioned people names for dogs.
690. Brenda said:
I like Lunar, because it's pretty. Then they could call her looney for short. Or not. You know, as the case may be.
691. Anonymous said:
FYI - PLEASE don't listen to 174; "Blanca" is not the French word for Black (it is noir). It's not even the French word for white (blanc).
692. Holly said:
Django ... as in Django Reinhardt, the famous jazz guitarist!
693. Anonymous said:
OK, why does everybody have dogs named Sadie?
I named my daughter Sadie (actually an old family name) and it never failed, when she was first born, 3 out of 5 people would say "Oh! I LOVE that name! I used to have a dog named Sadie!" Like I wanted to hear that??!!
694. Mindy said:
How about Jolene? So I admit I've had that Dolly Parton song stuck in my head all day, but it seems actually fitting. After all, the Jolene in the song almost caused her man to leave and stole a few hearts!
695. Anonymous said:
Since she's part Australian shephard and a girl, I think you should name her:
Sheila
It's Aussie slang for 'girl'.
696. amy said:
Sundance
Snowbird
Alta
Brighton
697. Anonymous said:
how could they not name her Fargo?? its PERFECT!
698. Kelli said:
She looks like her name is Cleo.
699. Whitney said:
Kahlo
Canoa
Lura
Shira
Nairobi
Juniper
Aurora (call her Rory)
Marley
Willow
Olive
700. Devan said:
susie, sally or nell. definitely.
701. cheri said:
i know i said penelope and penny before....but after looking at the pictures again...i like "sunny" too.
702. mute said:
Snowball.
703. Shelbysmum said:
Heather.
704. Amy said:
Sadie
Darcy
Maggie
Charlie
705. SarahB said:
Zuzu - As in Zuzu's petals from It's a Wonderful Life.
706. Julia said:
Are you ready for it? I didn't read through all eight million comments so I hope at least you do and get to this one and that someone hasn't said it already...
Denali
It's almost like it has only two syllables as it rolls so well off the tongue. Hmm? And it's a good girl dog name without being very girly.
And, depending on which way they roll, it can be a tongue-in-cheek tribute to our girl Palin ;) OR an actual tribute to our girl Palin.
The best is the description from the National Park Service:
"It's more than a mountain! Denali’s dynamic glaciated landscape supports a diversity of wildlife with grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Summer slopes are graced with birds and wildflowers. Visitors enjoy sightseeing, backpacking, mountaineering, and research opportunities. Whether climbing or admiring, the crowning jewel of North America’s highest peak is the awe inspiring 20,320 foot Mount McKinley."
707. Amy said:
Kirby.
708. Anonymous said:
That dog should be named Milka - Prince Andrei's hunting dog from War and Peace and then the best dog I ever knew. I can't ever use it again, but someone should.
709. Meredith - Atlanta said:
Delilah!
710. Connie said:
Billie (as in Billie Holiday)
711. DeAnna said:
Bivy
Acorn
Tattoo
Powder
Purshia (the latin name for antelope bush, which is a rose-family bush that you might have growing out there in the desert)
Buteo (beauty-o)
Aster
712. Karen said:
Memphis Belle McKinley
(Memphis Belle for the love of blues and McKinley for the mountain in Alaska and their love of hiking.)
Call her Bella for short.
713. Erin said:
Cricket is so cute!!
I also like Fargo. Cute and original.
714. Jessi said:
Piper.
715. Don said:
Tupper
716. Yesim said:
Ada--as in Ada Brown (Stormy Weather)-- I don't have the slightest idea how a Midwestern would pronounce this.
Pasha-- for no good reason, except for no one else recommended it.
Kara -- just because I liked "car" and this is close enough. Plus it means black in some languages (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kara).
717. Laura said:
Eeks - not sure Carol will read this far but here goes.
Stella (I know, Rocky connotations but we're all beyond that aren't we)
Luna (sitting under the moon around a campfire, this is a good one)
Oski - kind of Norwegian and anything Norwegian sounds outdoorsy
Tinker - might suit her rescue origins
Dixie - musically oriented
Shadow - black, outdoors - hmmmm
Punkie - depends on temperament and your taste in music
Sensi - just because
Indica - just because
Willow - depends on her temperament I suppose
Lexi - kind of cute
Birdie - I really like this one myself
Lightning - she looks kind of speedy
Aspen - for the ski set
Snowball - for the contrarians
Heather - not too girly, but definitely outdoorsy if you like gardening
Stormy - weather again
Otter - a favorite friend's dog's name - black flat-coated retriever
Ciel - for the outdoors
OK, better get back to work. Got more where they came from but no time...
718. Jen S. said:
It's got to be Billie! Bluesy & tomboyish, it's perfect.
719. Anonymous said:
Midnight ...
720. Officerlove said:
Cali (like California)
721. Stephanie A. said:
I love Lulu and Evey and Zara.
722. Michelle said:
If we ever get another dog, my husband insists we'd name it (phonetically) Dee-o-gee. Get it: D-O-G
723. Christine said:
Not to be a nitpicker but "Blanca" is French for white. "Noir" is the French word for black.
Also, I like Scout!
724. Melissa said:
Taxi.
How great would it be if they were off in the wilderness biking or hiking and screaming "TAXI!"
725. Tatty said:
Meg, or my personal fav...Pickle!! (I already have this name lined up for 'one' of my future springer spaniels but I'll share it with you!!). It may not be quite so cute in the U.S but in the U.K 'pickle' is a very cute pet name for somebody/something being naughty but adorable. This little pup looks like she has potential on both fronts! Very sweet indeed.....
726. Megan said:
Whatever Carol chooses, please make sure the names rhymes or lends itself to being twisted around. That's so crucial to being able to call the dog all sorts of bad-but-oh-so-good 'pet' names. See: Loco Coco and Up Chuck.
Ella - even though it's my daughter's name, don't think we don't call her Smella, Yella, or Hella
Moxie
Kate
Annie- pure genius, Marty!
Overall, I've got to go with:
Goose- I can just hear that yelled across a park... COME HERE, GOOSE! That's just funny, I don't care who you are. AND, it's a little nod toward Dooce. Silly goose.
727. Alison said:
KANGA!
(As in Roo...)
728. Anonymous said:
Suki
729. Anonymous said:
You're a brave woman! I can't step foot into a shelter. It's just too heartbraking!
I have a friend with a lab mix, her name is Chloe. I also saw a cat names Bruce Lee. That's my next pet's name for sure! My previous dog that I miss terribly was named Lita. But I suppose that's too close to Leta?
Love the blog!
730. Melissa said:
We adopted a dog that could be that puppy's twin a few months ago, we ended up naming ours Jasmine but we call her Shithead most of the time, a few of the names we tossed around were:
Agro
Schnell
Monkey
731. Cortney said:
Bailey :]
or Sadie
732. anna said:
I vote for pop. Because it means "coke" or "soda" in Midwestern, and what is happier or peppier than soda? And, besides, not only is it funny with a Midwestern accent, pop is pronounced with two syllables if you are from the Midwest anyway, e.g. "PAAAAAW-up"
733. Kris said:
Oh Black Betty, bam a lam! Oh Black Betty bam a lam!
Actually I suggest this because we adopted a furball girl who looks very similar about two years ago and that is what we named her. It then became my son's favorite song and, at 3, he still cuts one damn fine rug to it.
We call her Betty. Or Bette. It's not terribly girly, especially if you picture Bette Davis while hollerin' it. And, while it has nothing to do with the outdoors, it's close to Butte, which does.
Or they could name her SamDog in honor of the best dog ever. Best. Dog. EVER.
http://scottcubed.blogspot.com/2006/10/sam-dog.html
734. Cory said:
I saw these mentioned above, but I am voting for them:
Cody
Piper
Dakota
And suggesting this, which I did not see (but could have missed):
Taylor (Made)
735. Jill said:
I have not read through the bazillion comments to see if someone posted this before I did (shoot, I was even too lazy to hit control-f) but my suggestions are:
Walden
or
Henry
or
Terra
...for their love of nature.
736. Lori said:
I didn't read ALL the comments so this may have been said but...
Eden.
1. Two syllables
2. Not too girly. At least, I don't think so.
3. Rolls off the tongue.
4. Eden, Utah is beautiful and outdoorsyish.
5. Eden, in the original Hebrew means "delight" and I think she looks like she'll bring a whole lot of happiness to your friends.
6. I don't know how people from the midwest pronounce Eden but it might allow for you to make fun of her if you hear them calling her Ed-in or E-deen.
737. Anonymous said:
Roxie
Sniffy
Frieda
or...The "catcha" human checker is suggesting Wood Grace!
Wait! google the "if I were Sarah Palin's daughter name finder" game and find out what her name would be! She's outdoorsy too! And brunette. And a bitch.
738. Anonymous said:
Dora!
739. Anonymous said:
I once had a lab/chow mix & named her Sipsey. I loved that dog, but couldn't keep her. Such a "southern" name, but cute nontheless.
740. HB said:
RILEY
741. Val said:
Heidi (like the outdoorsy book girl)
Jessie (just because I like the name)
742. Stephanie said:
I'm partial to Riley :)
743. Anonymous said:
This dog is identical, not only in looks but also in personality to the one we already own. She's the best dog ever. We call her Trudy. She likes it.
744. DM said:
I love the name Harper as well and it's a great literary name.
I also think that Fargo would be hilarious even though I hate that movie.
745. debzy said:
Gracie - one of my favorites :) She is adorable - I would have fallen in love with her too!
746. Lisa said:
Liza.......She looks like Liza Minelli somehow to me!??? Only WAY cuter!
747. Lisa said:
HEATHER ARMSTRONG....PER ADOPTION SPECIALIST. I like the ring of that. Does it feel good to go out and do something away from your home by yourself for a change? It will be good for you and your family and apparently the animals and your friends.
I vote for "Blanca".
748. Maura said:
Puddle. Say it out loud. It's adorable.
749. Kimberly said:
I always liked that Ramona Quimby called her doll - Chevrolet. And thought that would be a good dog name. Could be shortened to "Chevy." And kind of goes with the "Car" name. In the book Ramona thought "Chevrolet" was the most beautiful name in the world and didn't understand why adults laughed about it.
750. Patti said:
Fargo is brilliant.
751. KC said:
I know how tough it can be. My one dog didnt get named for 2 weeks and she wound up Maggie.
But to me.. the pup looks like a Lucy!
752. Liz said:
Oh Heather, I am so glad that you are volunteering at your local shelter. I do it as well, and it's one of the most rewarding things you can do.
I caution you, though, as someone who also suffers from depression, it can get very difficult when you find out a dog you care for has been euthanized.
But please, please! Share more stories about your adventures. :)
753. Jess said:
River
754. Nico said:
Ours is Sera, ( que sera sera,) changed from Sara when we got her.
However, "Stinky" seems to be the default name for all the pets in our home.
She looks like a Maggie to me.
755. Peggy said:
Lucky! Puppy and all parties are lucky to have found each other.
756. karin said:
how about Spunk. or Ziffer. or Schwartz. or Clinger (my husband says she looks a little German)
:)
757. Karyn said:
My friend has an adorable, playful, fun, outdoorsy black lab named Tilla, short for Tortilla. It is 2 syllables and it rolls right off the tongue. I think its perfect.
758. Julie said:
Molly's are the sweetest dogs around!
759. Candy said:
Gracie
(Shh, it's my roommate's name)
760. Jamie said:
Edie, because it's my corgi puppy's name and it's the best name ever.
Or Penny Lane? Pheobe?
Nah, I still like Edie best.
761. Slonik said:
MISHKA - ("little bear" in Russian)
RAZIN
MAYA
RAVEN
NOCHI - (variation on "night" in Ukrainian)
TEMNA - (variation on "dark" in Ukrainian)
SLONIK :) - ("little elephant" in Russian)
BOOTY - because today is speak like a pirate day!
762. Rachael said:
How about Lula?
763. JennC said:
Oh, she's sweet. She looks like a Trixie.
Or perhaps a Mavis.
764. Heather H. said:
My first response was Sweet Face! How about Randall?
Whatever you do, do it fast! Years ago, my brother found a puppy in the ditch near our house, and my dad told us NOT TO NAME HER (because of the "you name it, it's yours" rule). By the time it became clear that we were keeping her, she would only answer to "Little Puppy".
765. Janet said:
Gravy
Whiskey
766. Kate in MPLS said:
I like Tilly. And Bear, even though it's only one syllable.
I love you for doing this (SPENCER)!
767. Suzanne M said:
Laika. I've always wanted a dog named Laika. Also, Toby, but that may be too boyish.
Others:
Willow
Sammy (This was my first dog's name; it was short for Samantha.)
Ella (As in Fitzgerald. Okay, it's jazz and not blues, but who doesn't like Ella?)
Lyra
I'd add "Sierra" to the list, but it's three syllables.
768. Marisa said:
How about Carly? Then their son can still call her "Car" without confusing the pup.
769. Mole said:
Denali
770. Anon said:
She's certainly beautiful, so why not Beauty?
771. Jen said:
Chancey!
772. JS said:
Memphis
773. Angela said:
Forrest
774. Lindsey said:
Asher
Piper
Wrigley
775. Jen Yu said:
Sugar
776. Julie said:
Holly. She looks like a Holly to me.
777. PrairieFlower said:
Bella, Daisy, Sadie or Gracie come to mind for me.
778. Tatiana said:
Baby or Buffy :]
She is gorgeous! It's so awesome that you found her a good home. I would love to volunteer for the Humane Society -- but I do have a huge soft spot for animals and fall in love with them way, way too easily. I'm not sure if being around a rambunctious lot of puppies is a great idea for me right now anyhow, being pregnant and losing my balance lots...
779. Lyn said:
Zoe (ZOH-ee) is a sweet name.
Millie and Molly are good too.
780. ashley said:
You know, B.B. King's guitar was named Lucille. Lucy might be a sweet name for that sweet dog...
781. Jessica said:
Rowdy!
782. Mrs. Hass-Bark said:
My rescue is named Greta. It's easy to yell and doesn't make you sound like too much of an idiot when the dog, say, takes off in the woods behind your apartment and you have to run after her screaming your head off.
I also like Maya--the name of my parents' rescue.
783. Megan said:
Hmm. Favorites thus far...
Fargo
Tahoe
Cinder
and I want to add Fernet.
784. Anonymous said:
Midnight
Sable
Cricket
Ginny
Lola
River
Sophie
785. psyentist said:
Smokey
786. Anonymous said:
Lola :)
787. dawn said:
i haven't read and counted but let me be the, what, 765th or so?, person to suggest CRAYON!! THAT'S TWO SYLLABLES!!!
788. AT said:
Poppy
789. Alison said:
I'm partial to:
Puget (like the Sound in Washington)
and
Delta (as in Mississippi, home of the blues)
790. Sara said:
Such a sweet face!
Suggestions:
Sasha
Gypsy
Lucky
Millie
791. Deb said:
You could tie her name to yesterdays post; SPENCAAAH!or, furious magician...
792. Hillary said:
How about Sugar?
Like Sugar Blue the blues dude from Chicago?
793. Jessica said:
Parker
(I see I'm the second vote for that)
794. Brad said:
Armstrong. After your distant cousin, Louie.
I also like Mayer, after John, who has become quite a nice blues-pop guitar player and singer.
795. Lisa said:
Maggie...
796. Kristen said:
I think her name should be Sunah...
you said they're happy people who like the outdoors...so, Sunah
also, maybe Trixie.
She's very cute!
797. Anonymous said:
That is an UGLY dog!!! Love must be blind!!! Call this dog Fugly. It's perfect!
798. thleen said:
Yay! Heather!
Here are some name ideas:
Lucky
Teton
Heather
Dooce
Ella
Good luck and congrats on the new family (like a niece)
member.
799. Anonymous said:
Gilda
800. Gaynor said:
How about Ella after Ella Fitzgerald?
My mums dog is called Darcy as in Mr Darcy from Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice which is rather refined!
801. Meg said:
Kitty
802. Winsome said:
I think she would like the name "Blue", but I'm partial to "Fargo"....
803. Angie Muldowney said:
Britney! Here girl! There's a good girl, Britney!
804. Dreamgrrl said:
Charley or Charlie!
I am definitely getting a dog & naming him Charles, Charlie for short and I think it's perfect for boy or girl :)
805. Ryan said:
Nita ....because she kind of reminds me of a dog I used to have.
806. Bethbb said:
Raven - great name for a black dog. And if they are into poetry, even better.
807. Kim said:
Since he was Lucky to be adopted by such a great family...Lucky! Good for you and them to help dogs in need, I have 4 rescues myself.
808. Shannon said:
Shame you guys already have Coco... she could be Koko...
Couple of old Chicago blues record labels are Chess and Checker, so how about Chessie or Checker? I really like Checker, actually.
Sorry if others have suggested. Didn't get through all the comments.
809. Kathleen M. said:
Olive or Kasota
810. Anonymous said:
SPENCER!
811. Cyn said:
Tundra
812. justine said:
I vote for Fargo!
...or Taxi. I always wanted to name a dog Taxi...
813. kate said:
Juno. Piper. Molly.
814. Stenar said:
Jumper
or
Sheba
815. Sandra said:
Moxie.
Noun
1. (informal) fortitude and determination; "he didn't have the guts to try it".
Synonyms: backbone (n), grit (n), gumption (n), guts (n), sand (n)
It takes a lot of Moxie to ski/hike/bike.
I love that name. My first dog looked a lot like her, her name was Meghan and she was a black lab and shepard mix. And we got her from the CT Humane Society. Best dog I ever got in my life. I still miss her.
And I also like Molly and Emma. I heard of another name the other day Elodie - 3 syllables tho. And then there is Flora or Fauna. Cute names.
816. Cootera said:
Milkdud. She's so sweet...
817. Allison said:
Likely?
Violet?
818. Anonymous said:
Bo....as in Bo Diddley
or Blue
or Hoodoo (who do you love)
Looks like a great dog.
819. Becky said:
How about Annie? Like Little Orphan Annie.
820. Anonymous said:
Bodhi
A. Bodhi Miller is a skier. fits their outdoors-y criteria
B. As defined by wikipedia: Bodhi is both the P?li and Sanskrit word traditionally translated into English as "enlightenment." The word "buddha" means "one who has achieved bodhi." Bodhi is also frequently translated as "awakening."
awesome. seems like it could be a male or female name.
821. Stephanie said:
Onyx!
822. Susan said:
She looks exactly like my little girl Pepper! So Pepper is an excellent name, but my second suggestion would be Chevy
823. Emily said:
Cinder.
We had a small black lab growing up with similar temperament and her name was Cinder.
824. Niki said:
If you're gonna make fun of us, just name her Crayon.
Bunny.
825. Anonymous said:
Millie.
Not Miley as in Miley Cyrus but Millie as in a girl born with great misfortune (to be named Millicent for example) but now getting a second chance at life.
826. flicka said:
i have a dog that is the spitting image of this one, except he's brown and white. we named him curtis (after curtis mayfield), but i loooooove calling him cootie.
cootie, cootie bear, coots spaghoots. it's quite versatile.
827. Kristan said:
Ah, the Humane Society. Is that why we don't get consistently updated Dooce by 10 am MST every day? Well, I suppose dozens of cuddly dogs (or even humpback whale dogs) would distract me too.
This dog is BEAUTIFUL. Naming our dog took us like 5 weeks, and people still think he's a she, and they're constantly saying, "Oh my niece is named Riley!" or "How cute, my granddaughter is Riley too" or "My sister's cousin's third aunt's daughter's name is also Riley!" Gee, what a coincidence. Because our puppy is, you know, a PUPPY, and a boy.
ANYWAY, all I'm saying is, my naming cred is kind of mud, but these are my thoughts:
- Speedie (because she reminds me of the SWEETEST dog I have ever known, my friend's lab mix, who passed away in a fire two years ago)
- Nina (because she's such a pretty pup)
- Vega (because it's cool and sporty and "arguably the next most important star in the sky after the Sun" according to Wikipedia)
And if all else fails, how about Riley? Believe me, it's popular right now.
828. Paige said:
Charkha?
829. Chris said:
Name her Memphis, for the home of the blues.
830. Anonymous said:
KELLER!
*Bonus, it means 'little champion.'
831. Jeff said:
My dog looks very similar to that one, even with the white patch. We named her Trinity (for the Matrix movie chick), but I don't think that'd work.
Neo?
832. Anonymous said:
PICKLES
everyone loves a pickle? right?
833. JSauce said:
I like Sable (not sure if this has been named above). It makes sense, is a pretty name but not to girly, and unique.
834. Anonymous said:
To #797
there are no ugly dogs,
only ugly people. move along.
835. Carolyn B. said:
Sweet doggy! What about:
Baroo
Sooty
Cinders
Embers
Muggles
Tizzy
Pouncy
Pouncer
Anise
Domino (not 2 syllables -- but cute with the dot on her chest. Also, there's Fats Domino.)
Sable
Raven
Scamper
Daphne (or Daffy)
Pogo
Skippy
Minnie (as in "the mouse" and as in "Memphis Minnie," blues singer)
Koko (Koko Taylor, blues singer)
Bluesy
836. Chelsea said:
I'm supporting the Fargo idea, otherwise she looks like a Magpie.
837. Alex said:
Furbert
838. Karrey said:
I know I'm pretty far down on the comment list, and this is more of a jazz name than blues, but what about Coltrane? She's black like coal, so you've got the homonym thing going, and I don't think I've ever heard of a dog named Coltrane.
839. Mubs said:
Definitely, Nora. She did defend your life, after all. Now you can return the favor. Errr... Carol's family can. Or something.
840. Miss Wisabus said:
Eloise
841. Ms. Smallard said:
Willow!
842. Annie said:
I really like Poppy. She looks like she pops around. I don't think I could come up with anything better than that.
843. She Likes Purple said:
I vote Molly too. I know it's kind of common and maybe a hair girlie, but it's our vizsla's name, so I can't NOT love it or recommend it.
844. curvaliscious said:
You are all nuts. That dog is a RUBY if I ever saw one. She shines, is a total jewel, priceless and is lucky. I would totally name her Ruby if she was my roofus.
845. K. Sterling said:
Wags.
I took one look at her happy face and said, "That dog should be named Wags." Because everything about her says "happy."
846. Laurin said:
Pepper
Imagine Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally saying "Waiter, there is too much pepper on my paprikash..." in that funny voice.
847. mindy m. said:
Penny
This is my dog's name, also a lab mix, they look like they could be twins. If I lived closer I would have totally snatched that dog up!
If you want something more outdoorsy how about Timber.
848. Heather said:
Meadow?
849. debbie said:
i don't know if it's been suggested, or if you'll even want to read thsi far, but i offer up Kiba. it means "fang" in japanese, totally sounds female, and it's a pretty name all around, in my opinion.
850. Jaemie said:
I was thinking Miles Davis, John Coltrane ... and thought oh, Miley! But who wants to be named after Miley Cyrus?
So, I thought about it a bit more and thought of Mila. Like the model, the actress, etc., but not because of either. I like it, and I may steal it in the future. :)
851. Anonymous said:
This looks just like our Sasha (part border collie/lab/shep). Sometimes when she is being really silly (or maybe that's me) I call her Cha-Cha. Kind of sounds like Car.
852. Anonymous said:
I'm from Minnesota. We named our adorable girl kitty Gitchie Gumee, which is Ojibway for Lake Superior. We called her Gitchie for short. We also had a dog name Teva.
853. Polly said:
What about Boogie? That way she could be "Boogie Down" or "Boogie Board"?
No? Taproot?
I didn't think so.
2nd Daisy and for reals,
how about Beanie?
854. Anonymous said:
Her name should be Beauty...I know - very girly sounding but she is beautiful. BTW - Heather I dont always agree with you , especially your political views....but I could never commend you enough for what you are doing at the Humane Society....you are truly a wonderful person for taking the time.
855. Anonymous said:
Carly. SO the kid who wanted to call her Car won't be looked at QUITE so strangely.
856. Anonymous said:
That dog is a "Mia" if ever there was one.
Although...my confirmation words are "Julianna Underwear" and that would make a great formal name for any pet.
857. chris said:
Heiko (pronounced like haiku)
858. mfree said:
Stevie... as in nicks.
859. Cara from Boston said:
Lola! We have a Lola and your friend's beautiful little pup looks like one too! So that's my vote!
As I started reading I thought for sure you brought her home! Either way...I happy ending for "puppy"!
860. Will said:
Too bad it's not yours, or else you could go with one of those southern words we all mispronounce here in TN.
For example, I liked "pudding" up there, but you gotta pronounce it "puddin"
861. Heather said:
Lola
Dakota
Harper
Murray
Billie
862. Anonymous said:
I like Aspen, but I think Lucky is more fitting. She's a beautiful dog!!
863. Anonymous said:
hooker (as in john lee)
lightning (as in hopkins)
sonny (as in boy williamson)
walter (as in little)
armstrong (as in louis)
is it a girl or a boy?
rainey (as in ma)
thorton (as in big mama)
bessie (as in smith)
koko (as in taylor)
etta (as in james)
864. Lisa said:
Memphis
865. ~summer~ said:
Aspen
866. sam said:
Poppy - it's cute and it's close to Puppy, so she won't have trouble transitioning.
867. Athena said:
So are "concrete" and "crayon" totally out of the running?
On a more serious note, I know "Rocky" is a pretty played out one but it's the first one that came to me when you said they were outdoorsy. Oh wait, the dog is a girl...Rockett? Like the NYC Rocketts...not the Houston basketball team.
Or perhaps Etta since they like blues?
868. Lorien said:
I, too, think 'Fargo' is inspired!
Incidentally, 'Blanca' is French for white, and 'Noir' doesn't have the same ring. The irony would be entertaining,
I also like:
Cola (a col is a part of a mountain peak, plus she's kinda cola-coloured)
Echo
Mica (lots of black mica in the rocks in BC, pronounced: my-kah)
Suzy
Teva
869. feathermaye said:
Xena!
or
Zena!
Beautiful dog... Congrats to your friend Carol and her family.
I do like "Keeper" too...
870. D said:
Ellie
871. Julie said:
Loretta
872. Amy said:
Wasatch
Nalgene
Sedona
Summit
Iris
Orvis
Gretel
Hippo
Dixie
873. Anonymous said:
Vino
874. vanessa said:
RIVER!!! I think her name should be River! It's pretty, just like her, and it's definitely outdoorsy. P.S. "Sadie" is the most over-used girl dog name ever! Thumbs down!
875. Amber said:
Such warm fuzzies to you for uniting dog and family! She looks so much like my best friend's lab/chow mix, Annie, named because she was an adopted orphan.
After reading all of the comments, and clearly I am so busy at work that I have time to read 299 comments, here are my suggetions:
Patsy
Cinder
Kaya
Maple
Fender
Austin
Oakley
Speaking from experience, give any mid-westerner a two-syllable word and we will butcher it to pieces!
And I agree with the person who suggested the "Dog of the Week" spot. There's a radio station here in Dallas that does this every Wednesday morning on their show and the dogs seem to get snatched right up!
876. Sandra said:
I nominate Kaya, or Kaiya if you want to spell it that way. It's pronounced KY-ya and means "pure".
877. jodi said:
oh my goodness. she looks a lot like my dear molly who we had to put to sleep three weeks ago. obviously, i think molly is a great name for a sweet girl like this.
878. andrea said:
Maggie
879. Meg said:
chickenhead
880. ericka said:
Ella
Scrappy-doo
Noche (spanish for night)
or Perra (which is dog in spanish since that seems popular)
881. Tiffany said:
Call it cliche, but:
Lucky?
How about Rio?
882. Naomi said:
Memphis
In honor of BB King and his famous relationship of the town, which is by one of the darkest, murkiest rivers I know of and she is a black dog.
In reference to you for saving one of the thousands of dogs in shelters by introducing her to a family. YAY! for the adoption. And you of course, can show the family how all the Memphians really say Memphis.
883. Denise said:
black dog = inky!
884. christy said:
Happy.
885. Lionheart said:
Snowball ;-)
886. Anonymous said:
I love dee oh gee. I can just hear them going...does dee oh gee wanna go for double you a el kay?
887. molly said:
Rory. Like the blues singer Rory Block. And my little brother. But don't tell him I suggested he share his name with a puppy!
888. Anonymous said:
I was going to suggest Deefer too because I just went to the Swell Season concert in Central Park this week and Glen Hansard had this wonderful story about a dog in his neighborhood growing up. The dog just arrived one day and would sit in the same place every day and watch cars pass. When any white sedans passed, the dog would chase after them with vigor, not catch them, and return to his precise, original spot by the side of the road.
Eventually word got out about the dog and many people in the neighborhood started bringing him food and built a small crate for the dog. The two legends were that (1) his owner drove a white sedan and dropped him off and left or (2) that someone in a white sedan had hit and killed his owner. The dog was terribly beloved and Hansard talked about what "incredbible purpose" he had and that he doesn't think humans often have that level of purpose. When Deefer died, they buried him by the side of the road where he always sat.
I loved the story, I know you loved Once (maybe Carol did too) and it seems, quite clearly, that this little dog has PLENTY of purpose now!
889. Ev said:
Cookie
890. Maria said:
I vote for Cinder too..it is a great name for a puppy, and hopefully fulfills all your qualifications :)
891. stacey said:
Maggie.
Our dog came from the shelter with the name "Magnolia" which instantly became Maggie. She's a sweet black girl too.
I suggest it because 1) it's a good name; and 2) it lends itself very well to nicknames, which is important. She can be Maggie, Maggie Moo, Moo, Miss Moo, Mags, etc. Our girl answers to all of those. :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH for finding this girl a home. :)
892. Heidi said:
That dog's name is Chi Chi.
893. Bugink said:
Sylvie
OR
Inky (my Dad's childhood dog's name).
894. alaina said:
paisley.
895. lacroix said:
Coltrane (okay, so jazz not blues)
Delta
Memphis
Annie Mae (one of my favorite John Lee Hooker songs)
My aunt and uncle loved the Doobie Brothers and ZZ Top - their labs were named Doobie and ZeeZee.
896. Anonymous said:
Bubbler.
897. Kim said:
How 'bout Aspen?
898. Tanya said:
Tamra.....
OK, so it's a mix on my dog's name which is Tamara, but it has two syllables and it does roll off the tongue (IMO anyway) not to mention the drawl you could get off the a's.......
899. Fawn said:
Someone suggested "Nanook", which is my dog's name (though we spell it "Nanuq"), but that's no good for a black dog, since it means polar bear in Inuktitut. Although I did once know a black cat named Snowball...
On the other hand, the Slavey word "Sahcho" (pronounced just how it looks SA-cho) translates as "big bear" and refers to the mighty grizzly. Sahcho makes a great dog's name, even if there are no grizzlies in Utah.
We have friends with a dog named Alpine (pronounced simply AL-pen) which is nice and outdoorsy.