So we have two large and smelly dogs, Abby and Sally. Abby is a Golden Retriever and Sally is a Shepherd-something. After the Airbender cartoon, we call them Abby-tar the Great Furbender and her sister Sally-tar. They are also known at various times as Stinks, Stinker, Stinky Girl, Stink-butt, Fluff, Fluffs, Fluffy, Fluffbudget, and my personal favorite, Sisters-in-Fur. If we are in a hurry they become an amalgamation of Sally and Abby…..either Sabby or Bally…(and they respond to this).
Along with giving them various nicknames, we also engage in wordplay. For instance, we have noticed that Sally is growing a benign lump on her forehead that is pointing upwards. So we tease that she might need cosmetic surgery which my husband calls ‘Plastic Fur-gery’. Abby is becoming grey in the snout. So we tell her solemnly (as if she can understand, mind you) that she needs highlights and a mani-pedi to keep her girlish looks.
Why do we do this? Why this obsession with cute nicknames and funny plays on words? Why the persistance in ascribing human characteristics to these beasts? And what are your nicknames for your pets? Please…tell me we are not the only ones who do this.