I’m watching a movie. One of the characters is named Molly. Molly also is the name of the terrier-German shepherd mix sleeping on my carpet.
A human Molly once stopped by. I told her my dog also is Molly. That felt awkward. Did she mind that I found her name suitable for my dog?
I did not name Molly. I rescued her and she came with that name. I didn’t change it. I didn’t want to confuse her.
I once read Molly is one of the most common names for dogs. I hope this doesn’t bother human Mollys. But I don’t know. I never met a dog named Keith. I honestly don’t think I would mind. But I might feel weird if I met a dog named Keith Yaskin.
When I was growing up, pets had pet names. My Dalmatian was Bandit. My orange cat was Frisky. His mother was Bootsy. After college, I adopted a tabby and named her Chicago after the city.
But if more pets are taking human names, should humans take pet names? I can imagine an old man named Frisky or a cowboy named Bootsy.
I must acknowledge in the past, when I worked with someone I really didn’t like, I sometimes day dreamed of adopting a pet and naming it after that person. I smiled, thinking of walking into work and explaining to that co-worker I just adopted a really ugly dog. You see where I’m going.
Molly is a very good dog. She brings a few bad habits to the dinner table. I think if human Mollys met her, they might appreciate the connection to such a good-hearted and loving creature. Molly is protective. She stands her ground against anyone or anything when necessary. But she doesn’t hold a grudge. She’s patient and by your side. She is comfortable with who she is and doesn’t mind having a beard.
Maybe it’s Molly who should wonder if some humans are worthy of her name.
Have you met a pet with your name?