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!
900. Allison H. said:
Canon
Mimi
Lucy
Moxie
Lollipop (nickname Lolly)
Morgan
Eden
Etta
Bjork
Billie
Nina
901. Anonymous said:
- Estelle
- Coulie(as in Couloir)
- Plake (as in Glen Plake the skier)
I also second the votes for
- Tahoe
- Scout
- Madison
902. Jessica Gilkison said:
Sophie is a great name. She looks like a black version of our dog, Sophie. She came with the name (she's a rescue dog) and it suits her so well we kept it.
903. vicki said:
Lexi, they can call her Lex for short (so not girly)
Or Lulu, Lu for sort...
904. tj said:
..."Ellie"... :o)
...Thank you Dooce and family for saving a shelter animal. Now we just need the rest of the nation to spay and neuter their pets, consider a dog pound dog before purchasing 'designer dogs', and step up to the plate and take responsibility for these homeless pets that are needlessly euthanized everyday by the thousands... Okay, I'm done now. :o)
...Blessings all...
905. becky said:
Maisie.
906. Coleen said:
Remi
907. Kbee said:
Sue.
A dog named Sue.
Yes, yes, I know it doesn't fit the criteria... but how could you not love a dog named Sue.
908. Kristin said:
Jenda! The best dog we ever had was named Jenda.
She's a cutie. Pound puppies are the greatest!
909. kris said:
That is a Gertrude. Gertie for short.
910. sheasy said:
This is fun! Girl names:
Georgia
Martha
Nellie
Teeva (like the hiking sandals)
Etta (like James)
Heidi
Also, I am partial to boy names for girl dogs:
Ollie (olly, olly, oxenfree!)
Bishop
Cinder
Rocky
911. joanie said:
they like bb king? hello... the dog's name is LUCILLE!!!
912. Anonymous said:
Terran.
913. Katy said:
Montana (in honor of saving your marriage)
Ruby (because I love old fashioned girl's names)
This story warmed my heart!
914. Leslie said:
Name him after a famous person in any of the things they are interested in. For example, if they like skiing they could name him "Bode" or if they like blues they could name him "King" or "Hendrix".
915. Kyla said:
Rhetta, like Rhett Butler, with an a.
D-O-G is not considered clever in the veterinary world, we consider it lazy.
All the other names I've heard many times. I do like Fargo, though.
916. Christy Wood said:
Oprah
917. katie said:
scallywag--scally for short.
tele (telly) for telemark skiing.
we had a dog named sup. sup pup. sup dog when he is older.
i like car.
918. Erin said:
I have always wanted to name a dog Cricket.
919. April said:
She looks exactly like my cousin's childhood dog, who, I might add, lived happily to a very ripe old age. She was a wonderful dog, and (sorry!) I don't like dogs, so that's saying something! Her name was Cinder.
920. Margo said:
How about:
Lulu
or
Lula-Belle
921. LadyBoyd said:
It's not really outdoorsy, or horribly easy to mispronounce, but when I looked at her I thought "Portia". I don't know why. Maybe because it is raining in Tennessee today (which really has nothing to do with anything, but as they say in White Christmas "It's not good. But it's a reason!"
If I were trying to match up their personality with the puppy... I think I'd say "Granola". Of course, that is also more the Oregonian outdoorsy type. hmmm.
922. Janet said:
How about
Happy ?
She looks like a Happy to me!
Heather, you are a special gal. It's very hard to do the Humane Society thing.
923. stephanie said:
She looks just like my sister in law's dog, Lucy!
I have a Molly so I love how many people are suggesting that. :-)
But... both may be too girly.
A mid-west state or city?
Siouxie.
I almost named a kitten Robert Smith.
924. sarah said:
pebbles
925. Michele said:
She looks like a Sammi.
926. Becky said:
I'm sure it's been suggested, but my little black lab mix would be happy to share her name, "Guinness," with such a gorgeous dog.
I love dog stories with happy endings.
927. The Furry Godmother said:
"D'jango". 'nuff said to the Blues folks.
But personally, I prefer "Banjo", because you can never be sad when banjo music is playing. You know, bling, bling bling..."Deeessstitution, agony, despair... I lost everytheeng, even my hair..."
Yep. "Banjo".
928. Lori said:
Cheyanne (pronounced Shy-ann) Don't know why I thought of that, but she looks like one to me! :)
Indie
Lola
Margot (Mar-go)
I love Sadie...had a dog that name growing up.
Wonderful story..she looks like SUCH a sweetheart!!
929. Anonymous said:
doocie
930. ORKMommy said:
Maggie, Molly or Lover!
I love it when people get new dogs who fit right into the family! This is one lucky puppy AND family!
931. Nora said:
How about Odetta? Sure, it's 3 syllables, but it's girly and bluesy, and you can call her Odie for short (for that all-important garfield tribute). Or Cotten (after Elizabeth Cotten).
As an aside to juneyor, my dog's name is Bocephus. Bocephus Jones. But we call him Mr. Boo. Miss Boo would be a cute name, too, come to think of it.
932. Stephanie said:
Delta--as in the home of the blues
Bessie--as in Smith
Billie--as in Holiday
Mamie--as in Smith
Etta--as in James
(Can you tell I like the blues too?)
933. Anonymous said:
I like Velvet too. but I'm partial to Alice. I like to name animals old fashioned names..like olive or hazel or pearl.
934. A said:
Bo. Alternatively spelled Beau.
Also - Delilah.
935. SammyHill said:
Aretha
936. Katie said:
Marley
Sadie
Shane
Rogue
Sister spikey mace of desirable mindfulness
937. Sue said:
Well, if one of the criteria is that you have to be able to make fun of it, obviously they should name her CRAYON. It's really the only logical choice.
938. Jeni said:
Stoli
As in the vodka.
939. amanda said:
poppy
fargo
(hazel is taken...thats my daughter)
i like estelle. and ive always been partial to jelly.
940. Anonymous said:
Pickles
941. Sue said:
To the reader who suggested Spencer--you just made coffee come out my nose!
Here are our girls:
Boxer/Shep mix -- Cora (Cora and her twin sister Dora were boxers in the 80s)
Cat -- Darby
Black Cate -- Beamer (no, not the car)
Hurray for you with the volunteer work! I couldn't do that, I would want to take them all home.
942. Lizzie said:
two syllables that remind me of the Blues: DELTA!
943. FingKASIL said:
I had a rescue dog named Willie Mays. But then again, I like baseball.
My suggestions:
Baxter
Rupert (I know it's a boys name, but whatevs)
Marlowe
944. Leslie said:
I had this dilemma with my dog (also a shelter pup) and we named her Shelby.
If you look it up on the baby name site, it means "Sheltered", which I thought was lovely. It definitely flows off the tongue.
945. Anonymous said:
Oh my God I was going to say Shiloh until I read Satchmo above. That just screams awesome dog name to me. What an adorable pooch. What do you put in the water in Utah that you make such sweet dogs? I just want to kiss that nose. Sigh. I guess I will have to satisfy my need for making out with dog noses with Bo and Luke.
946. Nadine said:
Snickers, definately Snickers
947. Kelly K. said:
Jasper
Zephyr
Cirrus
June-bug
Skipper
Salsa
and the 3-syllable Juniper (Junie??)
948. lisa said:
Cass
949. Cricket said:
My first dogs name was Heidi, and I loved her to death. Then there was Divo, now Ruby Chew (The 'Chew' is short for Chewbacca. I'm kind of a geek).
So...
1. Heidi
2. Divo
3. Ruby
950. Melody said:
You did a good thing when you fell in love with a black dog. My sister works at the Humane Society here in Kentucky, and bizarrely, black dogs and cats are (nation-wide) the least-adopted animals in shelters. She's told me that after "free adoption" weekends, almost every animal still left at the Humane Society is a black dog or cat. So, keep telling your friends about the black dogs and cats! They need the help.
951. sara said:
Midwesterners, eh? (See what I did there?)
Well, if they're from WI or MI:
Bubbler
Yooper
If they're from MN:
Norski
Oley (as in the Oley and Lena jokes)
As for blues - How about Corky? (Corky Siegel of the Siegel/Schwall Band)
952. Liz said:
Duckie is my vote :)
953. Starshine said:
I like the name "Jumper".
Good work on finding her a new home!
954. Katrina said:
If my dog wasn't sitting next to me, I'd be all, "whoa, Katie, how did you get to Utah so fast? AND get on dooce's blog?!" because my Lord, but does that dog look like Katie.
I don't like Katie as a dog name, because my nickname is Katie. She came named already and answered so well to it, alright? I'm still not used to being told to get out of the trashcan.
So, I'll suggest what I would have named Katie if she hadn't been so attached to her name:
Dora (the explorer! It's outdoorsy! Sort of..). Then you can call her Adorable Dora, or Durable Dora! If you love Robert Heinlein as much as I do, that would mean a lot more, too.
955. Patrick said:
Definitely Lola!
That's what my Lab is called, and we absolutely love it.
956. Anonymous said:
CRAYON! pronounced, of course, the midwestern (and CORRECT way) CRA-YON.
957. Liz said:
Name her Madagascar and call her Maddie.
958. Tracy said:
Happy....that is one happy dog.
959. Creature of Habit said:
Heather - you RULE. No matter what shit anyone ever talks on this blog, know that you are a good person. Anyone that believe in the innocence of animals is an incredible person in my book. This post brought me to tears.... black "lab mix" breed are the most difficult to place and have the lowest adoption rate - they say it's because they are impossible to capture in pictures (too much black, no contrast, can't see the face...).
As for names.... Louise?
960. Linda said:
Karma- this gentle, loving dog certainly has good karma to get such a great home.
961. Amanda said:
poppy
fargo
(hazel is taken...thats my daughter)
i like estelle. and ive always been partial to jelly.
962. Kimberly said:
As if you don't have enough names to choose from, here's a couple more:
K2
Jazz
Nike
Luna
I named my cat Banks, and she's a girl. It doesn't quite fit their outdoors/bluesy theme, but I think its a fairly original name.
963. Sarah H said:
I vote for Gabbro. It's a type of rock. Lots of it in the Midwest, if my geology degree of 10 years ago serves me well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabbro
But I doubt you'll read this far so I will probably get to keep this name for my own future dog.
Good luck!
964. Anonymous said:
Do they like video games??
Vivi - was a cute black mage from Final Fantasy IX. I think that would be cute :)
965. Jen W said:
Django. I think it fits. She's a cutie!
966. Anonymous said:
it's three, and it's from the east coast--a lake in Southern Maine, but it's great...I'm from the midwest, and the mainers tease me about how i pronounce it.
Sebago
(sa-BAY-go)
967. Jennifer said:
I don't know why, but when I saw this dog the first name that came to my mind was Sheila. She looks like a Sheila to me.
968. workroom said:
sophie
bibi (bee bee)
stella (fun to yell streetcar named desire style, STELLLLLAAAAaaa)
or use the sarah palin babyname generator
http://politsk.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah_13.html
Strangle Thicket
Rifle Panzer
Goalie Sanka
969. rachel said:
Layla
Lucy
Izzy
Denali (Duh-na-li)
Also, please let us know what they finally choose for a name.
970. Lauren said:
We once rescued a dog who looked very similar and was equally a sweet as this sweetie sounds. Couldn't think of a name, and someone suggested we name her after a place we love. Mackinac just didn't cut it, so we decided on Largo (after Key Largo).
So, there's my suggestion: Largo
971. Katrina said:
Buhlet
(pronounced boo-let)
name of my dog growing up- comes from bullet, but my brother couldnt pronounce it correctly...
972. Valerie said:
Stella!
Paisley
Phantom
Cashmere
Zelda
Raven
973. Jeff said:
Sydney !
974. Lauren said:
Margot...so cute and sassy. Our little Wire Fox Terrier wears the name perfectly!! Love your site!
975. Nancy said:
Considering her story, I'd say her name should be Lucky. And congratulations to Carol and her family for getting such a sweet pup! You done good, Heather!
976. Rachael Sullivan said:
Dubya.
Just Kidding
Liesel (From Sound of Music)
Pepper
Piper
977. Chriss said:
Marlie
Gretchen
Onyx
Tasha
Sheba
I also loved Stella (awesome to have a reason to yell this!)
Had a friend whose male neighbor (older, not married, little reclusive) named his dog "little girl"...so he could say "come here, little girl". Creepy!!
978. Jen said:
There's 944 comments so far, so the odds that you'll get to this one are slim. Nonetheless, here are my suggestions:
1. Lucille (if they like jazz and thought about B.B., maybe his guitar's name, which I think is Lucille)--she could be Lucy for short.
2. Abby
979. Anonymous said:
I'm sure someone already suggested it, but "Spencer" has a nice ring to it.....
But seriously, folks, I have a sweet border collie mix that looks very similar to this pup. Her name is Ally. (pronounced Al-lee) That's my suggestion.
980. Blabbermouse said:
I took one look at that dog, and I thought Billie. (Apparently others did too.) Hey ... the spam-preventer word I have to type is "Holladay." Must be a sign.
981. Sherri said:
River?
982. Jack said:
it isn't two syllables, but her name is most definitely "Licorice."
983. kirida said:
What about Poppy?
984. TriptikGirl said:
Very cute and glad you found her a good home.
Asha
Izzy
Zeppelin (yes, as in Led)
Inky
Ella
Blue
985. Anonymous said:
Bunny
Poppy
Flower
986. mbl312 said:
etta (james)
kona (the coffee)
moxie
soapsud
beale (street)
dixon (willie)
lucille (bb's guitar)
987. Howard said:
I'd name her Trey Bob after my 3legged dog because they look just alike...well, except she has 4 legs.
988. Catherine said:
Lola Belle :)
989. Anonymous said:
Cassie
Juju
Annie
Badass
990. P said:
Black with a little bit of cream- like coffee. JAVA
991. Liz said:
Cookie!
My border collie mix sooooo resembles this new puppy and Cookie was my first choice name ('cept I was outvoted) so instead, she's Daisy. Cookie's my favorite name, though.
992. Anonymous said:
I think "River" suits her.
993. Anonymous said:
Wasatch
Alta
Shadow
994. Ariel said:
Lexi. I highly recommend it.
995. Melissa said:
NICE SAVE. She's adorable. Looks a little like my parents' dog (named Maggie).
Speaking of names:
Tally?
Abby?
Shogun? (I have no idea where this one came from, it just erupted forth from my fingers.)
Maddie?
Alma? (Means 'soul' in Spanish)
Luna? (Means 'moon' in Spanish)
Mora? (Means 'blackberry' in Spanish
I like me some Spanish names. Good luck! Can't wait to hear what name they decide on...
996. Beth said:
LOLA
L-O-L-A LOLA
997. ac5 said:
The name should be Madrid, pronounced
MAD-rid.
People in the midwest do not know how to speak Spanish, and they always pronounce that name wrong.
998. Annie said:
PEPPER
999. Emily C said:
I think Car is a pretty awesome name for a dog. In fact I might steal it.
1000. atizz said:
I like Tahoe, Wrigley, and Fargo. But personally, I would go with Riley.
1001. Anonymous said:
This puppy looks adorable -- and appears to be more of a Border collie mix than a lab-mix. Very smart and bright dogs. And need to be kept busy. The family should look into agility training or fly-ball, which Border collies (and labs) excel in. And watching MANY episodes of The Dog Whisperer on NatGeo channel will help (Friday nights).
Good luck! Glad she found a home!
1002. stacyd said:
Lolo - easy, rhyme-able, kid friendly, can shorten to Lo if necessary.
1003. Janet said:
My first two choices were already mentioned...Sasha and Skylar, so my third which I think is new is:
Whitney
1004. Vanessa said:
I had one other thought.. how about Banjo?
1005. Frankie said:
Maxine
Baxter
Colleen
Ella
Etta
1006. fastnugget said:
Friday.
We rescued our dog 2 years ago and she came with the name.
It works in so many ways:
Good Friday
Black Friday
Freaky Friday
My Girl Friday
TGIF... Thank Goodness It's Friday
I'm from the Midwest (southwestern Ohio) and, I assure you, it just rolls off my tongue.
The only down side: when we reference the day before Saturday, she gets a little paranoid.
1007. Samantha Welch said:
Baillee.
1008. Angela said:
What a LOVE BUG she is! My two cents...
Cricket (my fav for the outdoorsy family dog!)
Charley
Penny
1009. MoHuba said:
"Mr. Pizza". Best. Name. Ever.
1010. wza said:
Maybelle
Bessie
Minnie
Nina OR Simone
(all blues inspired)
Chicken
Missy Elliott
Cheese
Jackee
Wheezy
Tippy
dear god please do not let them name her any of the following, they are the dog equivalent of Jennifer when I was in fourth grade, meaning they are overused and not at all original and she will likely sit next to three of them in spelling class:
Roxy
Blackie
Daisy
Stella
by the way, this is totally weird but I am driving from Philly to MD to bring a black dog to my best friend. I just got him from the a-holes who own the car lot behind my house. They were neglecting him for the last month so I told them I would be a constant thorn in their side if they didn't feed him, water him and give him shelter immediately. I walked around the block to get toilet paper the other night and instead came home with the puppy.
You can see my story here, but I'll warn you, I'm not the writer you are.
http://thewza.blogspot.com/2008/09/t9-is-good-source-of-humor.html
1011. Cait said:
Bailey. Hands down. The second I saw her, she's a Bailey.
1012. Ariel said:
How about Lula?
1013. Britni B said:
All names meaning "little deer," because she just reminds me of a little deer.
Ayalah
Darby (my personal favorite- very unisex, and easy to say)
Hartley (Hart being a cute nickname with the play on "heart"- as in she won their hearts)
Rasha
1014. Anonymous said:
not to be picky CK, but 'blanca' is not french for black, its spanish for white. 'noir' is french for black. (you know, just in case the family falls in love with 'blanca' and then you have this misnamed dog running around) i did suggest a name myself earlier, just felt compelled to help out here. (or not, whichever)
1015. Deb said:
Licorice
We once had a black cat with a long tail like licorice whip that we named Licorice.
1016. Kat C said:
I second Fargo or Dee-Oh-Gee. The Palin kid names are pretty awesome, too.
Yay shelter dogs!
1017. bexala said:
Freddie
1018. Melly said:
Cara?
Could be easily shortened to Car!
1019. Brianna said:
She reminds me of my childhood dog, a half lab, half chow/cockapoodle mix. I know this sounds weird, but she was adorable.
She looks like a Schatzi. Which is spelled all cool, but is prounounced 'shot-zee' and is really fun to yell in a high pitched voice. It means 'treasure' in German, so it's sweet but not obviously so.
And when people ask what it means, you sound very multi-cultural!
1020. Maren said:
Indie or Indy! (After Indiana Jones. That's quite outdoorsy.)
1021. Lisa said:
Her name should be Charlie.
1022. Anonymous said:
I second RADAR.
1023. Kristi said:
I looked at her and thought "Soda." Which isn't terribly midwestern, because they say "pop" but there it is.
1024. elismsue said:
I think Hydrox is appropriate, due to her b/w coloring.
I also am partial to Highway. She was a pretty lady w/o a
home and may have been let out onto a highway or was found on
an open road or highway. In addition, I love to see
adoptable dogs find good homes and this family took the High
Road (the Highway) to give her love and a family to love.
Sue
1025. Bruce said:
My mother swears her next dog will be named Kirby or Bissell... as in the vacuum cleaners. I think both names are rather clever and will steal one of them myself should the day come when I have a dog of my own.
1026. Jessie said:
Trixie
nice work, Dooce!!
1027. Anonymous said:
I second RADAR.
1028. Fearless Dog Trainer said:
I would dub her "LUCKY". She is lucky because you fell in love with her and knew just the right family for her.
1029. Kate said:
cinder
or
canyon
1030. Heather said:
Gidget! It was my dog's name when I was a kid and plenty of little nicknames off of it Gidgey, Gidge, Gidgers...She was the best dog and I'm sure that came from having such a cute name.
1031. Anonymous said:
RUFFLES!
1032. Rachelle said:
Our dog's name is Cali- I swear she is Chuck's long lost sister....they are identical!!
Cali might be too girly of a name so I think instead you should name her Tulsa. :)
1033. camille said:
Lucky
1034. elismsue said:
I think Hydrox is appropriate, due to her b/w coloring.
I also am partial to Highway. She was a pretty lady w/o a
home and may have been let out onto a highway or was found on
an open road or highway. In addition, I love to see
adoptable dogs find good homes and this family took the High
Road (the Highway) to give her love and a family to love.
Sue
1035. Debra said:
I'm partial to Velvet myself. Or Tahoe.
1036. melissa said:
Maggie... best dog name ever... so good that I may use it to name my first born child
1037. Jessica C. said:
Crayon
1038. Anonymous said:
"174. CK said:
Since the dog is black - how about Blanca (pronounced Blonk-a)? Which is french for the word black."
The french word for black is noir, blanc is the word for white and there's no a at the end.
I just have to throw some votes in for Tahoe and Fargo. Great names. This post makes me want to adopt another dog.
1039. brookah said:
i liked sedona and tahoe. dakota maybe?
1040. angela said:
OMG that dog is SO CUTE. We've had Chips for 2 years on Halloween and I still call him Puppy.
Our dog is named for a character in one of our favorite movies, Hatari, a John Wayne flick. All of our dogs are going to get names from the movie, either from the characters or the actors who play them. Our next dog will be named Pockets or Elsa Martinelli.
1041. Karen said:
She is black and and fancy, thus Gigi would be a good name.
1042. Anonymous said:
eco.
pronounced E-COE. I think it fulfills all the requirements.
1043. whitney said:
just finished reading the golden compass so i'm going to suggest:
Lyra
1044. Denae said:
Riley
Olivia - Ollie for short
Ripley
Dublin
1045. Anonymous said:
Betsy
Tui (sounds like "two E") - the name of a bird (and beer) native to New Zealand
1046. Katya said:
Marley :-) Cutest name ever for a dog, and super fun to yell!
1047. lelel said:
Abney
Cache
Delta
Fauna
Ravine
Skirt
Dakota
Piper
I included a few terms that have to with outdoors along with definitons.
Abney Level: Hand-held instrument that is adjusted like a sextant and can be set to a fixed gradient. The user sights through the Abney to a fixed reference (usually a second person) until the crosshair bisects the bubble, this indicates the preset grade.
Cache: A supply of food, water, or tools, usually buried or hidden.
Delta: The fan-shaped area at the mouth, or lower end, or a river, formed by eroded material that has been carried downstream and dropped in quantities that can not be carried off by tides or currents.
Fauna: The animal populations and species of a specified region.
1048. Anonymous said:
Carl, pronounced Car Rull.
1049. barbthebrief said:
My hairdresser's cat is named CARTOP....that would satisfy the kid who wants to name it "car" and be two syllables.
1050. Elaine said:
Delta
She was lost and now she's found.
1051. jobonga said:
How about Beulah?
I desperately wanted to adopt a dog named Beulah but I knew I didn't have the time for her. Somebody else got her and I bet she couldn't be happier but I still miss her.
(Also, it's a town in Wyoming which makes it outdoorsy.)
1052. M.K. said:
I totally vote for Fargo.
The only other one I thought of was Lulu, Or Billie, for Billie Holiday.
1053. Sara said:
I like Norah, Sushi ... and what about Carabiner - the for the mountain-lover in them?
This dog looks similar to my border collie/sheltie mix. It's definitely border collie and lab. SO cute.
1054. Anonymous said:
Outdoors: Granite
Political/Ironic: Palin
Geographical: Memphis or Utah
Other: Harley or Bandit
Midwest: Mustang
1055. julie said:
tundra
1056. Anonymous said:
Telluride
Trapper
Reebok
Timber
Splash
(Track,
Brighton,
Willow,
Piper,
Trig.....)
1057. Johanna said:
Comiskey, home of the White Sox.
Milan, pronounced my-lan in Illinois.
Orion, pronounced or-ee-an (not o-ryan) in Illinois.
Baraboo, a ski "hill" in Wisconsin.
Auggie, just because I like it.
1058. laurie said:
misu
roxy
asia
bella
piper
molly
1059. liz said:
Beauty. As in Black Beauty.
1060. Kate said:
Ok, this is a big deal, it's almost like naming a child! I have a name that I have always wanted to name a black dog - Jetta - kind of a play on Jet Black.
I also like
Fargo
Sawyer
Tahoe
Dakota
Good luck picking a name!
1061. kayLisa said:
momo
1062. OK Katrina said:
Becky
India--call name Indy
1063. Cat said:
What about Armstrong? Not as an homage to you (though sucking up to the woman who brought you your first dawg doesn't hurt) but as a reference to Lance, Mr. Outdoors-y Athletic-y guy?
1064. NeoCleo said:
She looks like a Bongo to me.
1065. caroline said:
looks like a jasper to me.
1066. Hlynna said:
Ella (as in Fitzgerald)
Rosie (as in Rosemary Clooney)
Etta (as in James)
Others from above I like:
Piper
Maggie
Sadie
1067. Nichole said:
What a beautiful puppy. My suggestion would be Zoey!
1068. morecheese.typepad.com said:
Penelope, as in (with Midwestern accent): "Oh Penelope, don't go eating that pie, bad girl."
I know its 4 syllables, but this dog has a Penelope soul. The two-syllable variation: Sweat Pea. But Penelope is better.
1069. Kim said:
As a fellow lover of the outdoors, I think the dog should be named Sierra!
1070. Debi said:
Sugar!
1071. Bebe said:
Biscuit. fun to say. It's best not to overthink pet names.
1072. schadenfreudette said:
looks like a rocky to me...
1073. ceci said:
romy
mercy
chippie
blue lu (or just the one syllable blue)
harper
rainey
lovie
charla
ceilie
boogie
1074. Denise said:
How about Dakota or Montana? If they only want a two syllable name, those names can be easily shortened to 'Kota or 'Tana and both roll easily off the tongue.
1075. Anonymous said:
I'll admit I did not read all 1048 comments, so this might have already been suggested, but....they like the Blues? Then she has to be named Lucille!
1076. Marcie said:
I love the name Car! I think Carol's son is on to something. Or Carlee! Carly. Carlie.
1077. Anne said:
Louise! Weezie, Louie, Lou Lou! My hubby wouldn't let me use it- turd.
1078. Rebecca said:
Doo Cee pronouced dough sea
1079. Anonymous said:
From a Minnesota-native...
another vote for Fargo (sounds so close to Fart-o)
another vote for Dora (as in "the Explorer" or adorable)
Carbon or Carmen (that way Charlie can call her Car)
Pipi (as in Longstocking character from the Swedish books)
Luna
Hannah
Trude (stretched out in two syllables)
Tova (it's my dear friend's name, but the wikipedia acronym is good too)
Blazer (as in trail blazer, not business suit)
Bessie (as in blues phenom Bessie Smith)
1080. Karin said:
She reminds me so much in looks and temperament of our dearly departed Lady (who my husband named after the Styx song). She was also black with a white chest, but our Lady had dainty white toes as well. Anyway, Lady is my suggestion.
1081. Ashley said:
I once knew the cutest black lab named Starbucks. And I thought that was one of the best names ever. (Then again, I'm addicted to coffee).
1082. Terry said:
Maya.... I saw that above, and that is perfect... Maya...Or, Precious.
1083. Emily said:
Lucy
Suki
Maya
1084. Anonymous said:
Ethel! Ethel!
1085. Kristi said:
Delta..my friend has a dog and her name is Delta, looks just like this cutie
1086. Anonymous said:
Bailey
Osirus
Orian
Kermit the Dog
1087. Snickrsnack Katie said:
This doggy definitely reminds me of my dog, and her name is Duchess. I would have never chosen that name for a dog, but it came with her when I got her at the Humane Society two years ago, and so it stuck. Duchess. It rolls of the tongue and I have turned it into MANY nicknames. Chessy. Chesa. Dutch. Dutchie (lots of pass the dutchie jokes inevitably ensue). It's just an all around good name.
I am so glad you got the doggy a great home! You rule!
1088. James said:
how about....
mcgraw.
or donut.
1089. kc said:
How about Ebbey?
She looks like our dog Ebbey. Which can be short for Ebeneezer or the japanese word for shrimp (although spelled Ebi).
I read through some of the comments and I like Tucker, but I owed it to Ebbey to suggest that since they look related.
1090. Anja said:
Lucky
Gracie
Oprah
Fargo
Pokemon
Tess, Tessa, Tessie
Sasha
And I used to have a black lab named Ubu. Like "Sit Ubu sit, good dog."
1091. jessicaAPISS said:
Carlie
Carli
Carly
Uses the "car" that the kids so adamantly loves and starts with a C like her playmates Chuck and Coco.
1092. Pam said:
Wow, this pup is precious. I personally love names that are plays on words. Two suggestions:
Lolly-Pup
Bone Amie
1093. Jilleen said:
Kara (pron. "Car-a". It's the name of a good friend of mine (we're from the Midwest) and I've always thought it was a strong yet feminine name.
1094. Erica said:
Mamie, Bessie, Trixie or Ella
1095. Michele said:
She looks like a Jasmine
1096. Katie Kat said:
Not that I think you'll make it all the way down here, but just for reference, not ALL Midwesterners pronounce words weird. AND, North Dakota is NOT IN THE MIDWEST. It' is in the North. As someone from the TRUE Midwest (Kansas), I have to take offense to that :).
That being said, I like Lucille (Lucy), and Piper!
1097. kimca said:
She seems to suit Sadie the most. But Mojo and Luka work as well.
However amusing I just don't see her as "Fargo". Shadow... a little lame.
"Puppy" is incredibly adorable and one lucky pooch whatever they end up calling her.
1098. Janet said:
Bunny.
1099. jmorin said:
Spotless.
It would be kind of ironic since she has that single white spot on her neck.
1100. Anonymous said:
Bonnie!
1101. Anonymous said:
It's probably bad Karma, but we had a CAT named Ashes, and we always thought it was a striking and simply wonderful name.
try it.
1102. Carrie Ann said:
Awwww, we had a smallish black lab mix when I was a kid (in Minnesota! Midwest represent!), and we named her Misty. She was the best.
I also like Frankie, Freddie, Georgie, Teddy. (Those are all the sister's names from that horrible '90s soap "Sisters", by the way.)
1103. Internet said:
Lucky.
1104. Andrea said:
TRIXIE!
1105. Anonymous said:
i have a small 12 year old black lab mix who is the best dog in the world and her name is KNUCKLES and when she is being supercute we call her knucklehead.
that is my recommendation... KNUCKLES.
1106. Talon said:
Rylie or Ninja!! Possibly Pirate!! :D
1107. Shrew said:
They pronounce everything wrong? Definitely name her "Crayon". Or "Crayola", which I think is cuter. :)
1108. Meg said:
She looks like a Billie to me.
Wow, she's gorgeous!
1109. Suzanne said:
Fig. (Figgy, for a 2-syllable nickname.)
1110. Mari said:
What an adorable face!
My suggestions:
Zarah
Lolo
Millie
Matilda (Mattie for short)
Nora
Violet
1111. Palesa said:
oooh call her Ruffy! My mum's dog is called that... Sounds a little ruff 'n' tuff :)
Or Ziggy. I love that name..
1112. kim said:
Bode (Bo-dee)
as in Bode Miller, the downhill skier
1113. Amy said:
this is the name of my future dog, which i'm only giving you because i don't know you and probably will never know you:
SATCHMO
you said you liked the blues so i figure you might also like really like kick-ass jazz trumpet players (Louis Armstrong... aka Satchmo.) i think it's a name that can be used for a boy or a girl.
or, how about ELLA?
1114. Olivia said:
She looks just like my own black lab mix that we rescued (Shiksa ... we named her after me - my husband is Jewish, I'm not). I read black dogs of any breed are harder to place because people are scared of them since they look more intimidating that say the brown or yellow varieties.
Kudos to you on finding a very deserving dog a wonderful family. As for names, I happen to love yiddish names (duh) so I'd suggest Mitzvah in this case - however, being in Utah AND from the Midwest, I'm guessing that wouldn't fly!
1115. Jodi said:
COOPER!
1116. Susanne said:
Hershey b/c she's sweet and chocolaty. BTW, she is absolutely flippin' adorable!
1117. Anonymous said:
Roxy!
1118. Chrissy said:
Alta
Millie
Vivie
1119. Jorge said:
My favorites:
Margo
Beauty
Mellie
Sable
Jedda
1120. Mary said:
I'm from the Midwest, does that count? I had a good friend with a beautiful dog who looked just like this one. Her name was Smokey. She was the brightest dog and so sweet, too.
1121. Stephanie said:
Denali
1122. Anonymous said:
Memphis.
Two syllables, homage to you for finding her, related to the blues, and the perfect name for a black lab-ish dog.
1123. Anonymous said:
Aldo
1124. Kage said:
#250 stole mine.
Cedar
Car with an ED added in....it's perfect.
1125. Beth said:
Has anyone said Midnight?
1126. Alyia said:
Yeah, my name is totally going to get picked. What am I, number 1069? I'm so in.
But what about Tannah? Heather would say it all drawly and they would say it all flat and nasal and to somebody, somewhere, it would sound like home.
1127. julie said:
It's gotta be Scout. I know, only one syllable. I like Lily, Lulu, Leeloo, Lola. LUCY! Juniper is lovely too.
My favourite name ever: Stormy. That could work with her dark fur.
Yah, you found a dog a home!
1128. Talon said:
Oh, and because she's all black?
Blizzard.
1129. Sue said:
My mom used to say that black dogs should be called "Cricket". I'm not sure what that's about, but I kind of like that for this puppy.
Or Hazel?
Delurking to say I've been enjoying dooce.com: the writing and the photography. Thanks for being awesome!
1130. Andi said:
Ever
Cleo
Tana
Russet
Miller
Gracie
1131. Tracy said:
I have always liked Scout. She's adorable!
1132. Mary said:
Luca
1133. Lisa said:
That dog reminds me of my first dog. She was the best pet ever. So good, in fact, that when I praise my dogs now, I use, "You're the best girl that's still alive!" and "You're the best boy dog" (because I don't want the boy cat to get all hissy). But I digress.
I named that dog Benjamin and, being the unworldly ninny I was, I called her (yes, at first I thought she was a boy and gave her a boy name but she was really a girl. Shut up!) B.J. I was so popular with the neighborhood freaks who hung out at the playground where I took her and called her, from afar, using her nickname.
1134. monica said:
Prairie, Taylor (for Koko and Houndog).
She's a beautiful pup. It's great that you are volunteering your time at a shelter.
1135. russ said:
She looks like Roxy to me.
1136. Laura said:
That dog's name is Cleo.
1137. Olivia said:
I had twin black cats growing up, both girls, named Smudge and Pepper. I know you had already mentioned Pepper, but how cute would Smudge be? We called her Smudgy sometimes, so that meets the two syllable criteria. The other name I've seen here that I like is Ripley. Very cool.
Keep up the good work at the animal shelter! I wish I had more time to volunteer. :(
1138. Andra said:
Juno!
And not just 'cause I love Ellen Page. It's a cute name!
1139. Heidi said:
Maple
Oakley
Marley
1140. Anonymous said:
doocie
1141. Juliann said:
Chaco
Very outdoorsy - both for the canyon in NM and the sandals.
1142. Robin S. said:
Petunia
1143. Anonymous said:
Frankie
1144. Beth said:
Whatever you do- PLEASE don't give your dog a people name. My friend named her dog Peter, and I still can't take them seriously.
You could do something funny-
Hair Ball
Newman
Tinker
But whatever you do- no people names!
1145. Shawn said:
We had this same problem when I adopted a dog from a shelter last year. My 53 year old mother and 8 year old son camped out in the yard and came up with a list. Mom's first choice was Asheville (we got her there and I drove home to IL alone with the dog and 3 kids, yeah, good planning) and son's was...
Poo Loop
Yes, your friend can have that, shockingly I didn't go for Poo Loop and ended up with Poppy Moonshine.
1146. Amy said:
"Lickles"
(rhymes with Pickles)
1147. Laura said:
Fancy
Zephyr
Trixie
Lola
Marley
1148. Crys said:
She looks like a maxine or madeline.
1149. Heidi said:
She looks like a Shotsy to me.
1150. Elizabeth Baddeley said:
I've always been a fan of Donna.
1151. beth said:
I have not read thru the pages of names but when I saw her jumping thru the air.......MAXINE screamed out at me!!!
1152. Stephanie said:
Sundance
1153. Anonymous said:
Barock or Obama. Strong and black.
1154. Anonymous said:
Spencer...(yesterday's post reference) tee hee
1155. Libby said:
Great suggestions I've seen:
Fargo
Aspen
Lola
1156. Smackumup said:
I am a fan of naming dogs people names. I think she would make a great KAREN.
Or she looks a little like a dog I once had and we called her MURPHY. (named after the family we got her from - totally unique..I know.)
1157. Carly said:
I'm sure someone said this already...Etta. She looks like an Etta.
1158. amigurumigirl said:
CHARCOAL!
1159. Katie said:
Favourite doggy name of all time: Nishka
So beautiful!
1160. Anonymous said:
I think the boy is on to something. She looks like a Carla. Maybe Carley.
1161. #99 said:
What is that term used when someone is rope climbing?
Belay?
"On belay!"
"Belay on...climbing..."
I first thought of Jumper, when I saw the photo of her running after Coco (get 'her girl!), but then thought of the family being outdoorsy and all, and well, I think Belay might be a lovely name for a very lucky pooch!
Then again, Lucky's not a bad name either!
1162. Anonymous said:
LUCY!!
1163. EM said:
My husband and I have agreed that our next dog will be named Remy, aka Rem-Dawg. But I think that only makes sense if you're a Red Sox fan.
My sister has a similar Lab-ish shelter dog named Ginny, which is an awesome name. I'll second that one.
1164. Megan said:
i agree with lola!!
or maya.
1165. Kristin said:
Dunno, but looking at her face, that dog is at least part border collie.
1166. Kali said:
Peppy or Kaylee
1167. Missy H said:
We have four dogs and my husband said "No dogs!" before the first one even showed up and he brought the last one home. Eventually they cave. Except the one he brought home is much like Coco. Go figure. The three I picked out just sleep. Well, except for the pocket beagle that howls. A lot.
We have three boys (Bernie, Willie, and Bandi)but we named our girl Zoe. Or Zoezsha Grey for when she's in trouble but we're not sure where that came from, it just showed up and stayed.
The point is I like Zoe.
1168. Anonymous said:
Delurking just for the adorable puppy and nominating the name Mavis. (I also like Fargo)
1169. Laura said:
Also...is that one person kidding with the pronunciation guide for the name Zoe? Who doesn't know how to pronounce that?
There are a lot of unoriginal names listed...I bet you all have kids named Madison :P
Have to say though, I like Cleo. But my favorite suggestion, far and away, is CRAYON!and they can drive you nuts by pronouncing it properly!
(I am from NC and I have never pronounced it "crown")
1170. jamie said:
Emmy
Polo
1171. Stef said:
She looks like a Candy to me.
1172. Karen said:
just to get you riled up, maybe Palin?
or maybe just Lucky.
1173. Erin said:
You will probably never get to this one but i think Oliver is a cute name for a black dog, i say that because i ran into one today.
1174. Nichole said:
Zuzu. (As in "Zuzu's petals! Thar they are!")
Now, regarding Sarah Palin and her daughters. My daughter's name is Piper. She's a good, sweet girl, and she's never used saliva to smooth down her brother's hair. Please don't name the dog Piper. Thank you.
1175. Shelley Noble said:
Well done, Heather! Good on you!
That adorable little puppers is so velvet-y soft looking, rich and dark.
How about Velvet?
It's sensuous for the female, two syllables for the requirements, and has a good animal recognition sound; "velle-vit", long "e" then a short "it" sound, easy for the doggie to identify.
1176. Rachel said:
I have no suggestion, just wanted to say thanks for rescuing a dog. She seems perfect. :-)
1177. Anonymous said:
indy/indie
1178. Kathryn said:
Riley. (That is B.B.'s first name, you know.)
1179. Megan said:
I like the name "Billie" after Billie Holiday. I'm partial to my own dog's name which they can use..."Maren" (rhymes with Karen).
1180. Guess said:
What ever you do, do NOT them them name the dog Molly!
1. It's the most popular dog name in country. Totally unoriginal.
2. It's way girly.
3. They will say "I have a dog named Molly" to every human Molly that they ever meet. And that Molly might just have to punch them in the face. Even the little kids. It's just so hard to be taken seriously as an individual when the person you're talking to likes you because you remind them of an animal that might potentially like to eat it's on feces (and you know all about that, don't you?)
I think the best thing you can do when considering naming a dog is to go stand in a field and yell the names you're thinking about over and over again. I can't have a dog yet, but when I get one, I will name it "Beandip" because that is just so much fun to yell across a field.
1181. jess. said:
Lulu
Sheila
Snoop Dog
Fae
Poppy
1182. Rebecca said:
I have a Lucy (aka Lu-lu, aka Luce, aka, The Goose, aka Short for Lucifer, aka...the list goes on with great phonetic nicknames).
I friend has a black lab mix, female, named Rufus. I think it's awesome.
1183. Simone said:
Happy.
In all the photos. She just looks happy.
1184. Lexi said:
I love all the Twilight fans and "Bella"
they have Bella and Edward on the brain...
I second Fargo and Bridger
1185. Stefanie said:
Since you are in a Tennessee frame of mind, and I'm from Memphis married to a UT alum and fan, how about Smokey? I'm sure the midwesterners won't be able to properly draw out the Smooooooo-key so that should be worth a laugh.
Or if you want a really good laugh, just name him Ya'll
1186. Jessica said:
I look at those pretty brown eyes and her seemingly sweet temperament and the name that pops in my head(and out of my mouth making my hubby believe I've lost my mind) is Pumpkin. Just roll it around. Here Pumpkin, Pumpkin roll over, Stay Pumpkin.
1187. judi said:
i can barely type this i have such chills right now...
she looks EXACTLY like the dog i grew up with - down to the random white patch on her chest - who i got to name b/c i was so insistent. i had just read edgar allen poe in school, and i named her RAVEN.
wow, i miss her. but this dog is beautiful. i offer up raven as my suggestion, she has a GREAT namesake.
1188. Alicia A. said:
Isla. (like Ees-luh.)
1189. Kami Fancher said:
Aspen
Blessing
Bossy
Checker
Cougar
Domino
Dr. Pepper
Gladys- it's the first word in my reCAPTCHA :)
Glory
Hiker
Jubilee
Liberty- Libby for short
Lucky
Otilia- Tillie for short; means “battle heroine"
Panther
Penny
Pilot
Racer
Raider
Raven
Rowdy
Ruthie- Ruth means friend
September- Ember for short
Spirit
Sinclair
Tivo- who's not going to want to play and replay with her?
Waller
Walker
Wilder
Zoe
Someone mentioned Armstrong because of Lance Armstrong... I think Armstrong works well because of 1) biking, 2) jazz, as in Louis (don't you think she's singing What a Wonderful World in her own heart right now?) and 3) that you were the catalyst to get her home. Maybe she could be called Ari for short (ARE-ee). Or maybe use Armstrong as a middle name, if they'd like.
Best wishes to both your families.
1190. AngelaB said:
BESSIE!!!
1191. Mariel said:
I'm a fan of full names for dogs soo..
Carmen Lolita
Georgia Moon
1192. Susan s said:
Looks like Shirley to me.
1193. Liz said:
I like River.
1194. Jennifer said:
I'm gonna help, because I'm caring like that...
Both my pets have long names, and always have a title.
Lady Delilah "Granter of Wishes"
Admiral Walter Seamus "Master of the Ocean"
Here are my offerings, in no particular order:
Sugar Booger
Rhonda (seriously, who DOESN'T like that name?)
Trixie
Anais
Calypso
Harley
Camille
Ingrid
Starla
Enjoy!
1195. Tina said:
Edith
1196. southerngirl said:
Amelia.
Because she flew in and captured their hearts.
1197. Annapolitan said:
I second (third, forth) "Nora." Excellent name for a sweet faced girl like this one.
I love a "dog finds home" story. Thanks. This one made my week!
1198. ...loveMaegan said:
Sadie. Elizabeth. Jordan. Jade. Jada. Cat. Kitty. "here kitty kitty" ahahaha .
I usually like funny human names for dogs ...my frenchie's name is LeRoy ...and yes, he's black. come on.
That said: La'Wanda. Shikita. Jamila. Shonelle. Taisha. La-Von. Tya
good luck
happy weekend!
1199. Michelle said:
Lucy
Congrats on the new dog, friends of Dooce. She's perfect!