Velvet Ears, Golden Paws, Angel Butt

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

22 Apr 2008 02:20 PM

Do you have nicknames for your pet(s)? If so, just one or more than that?

In Tabby, the Continuing Saga, I wrote about some of the nicknames I developed almost immediately for my stray girl. (Those have all now been incorporated into her unofficial full name: Lady Tabitha, Tabernathy, Tabberkins Pryor, but she's also picked up Tabbins, Tab Tab, Little One, and Stinker Princess.)

Mr. Meow also has his fair share: Gato Bato, Monkey Paws, Gorilla Arms, Crazy Cat, and the good old standby: Creepy Cat.

Then there's Murphy. He's got a whole slew of them: Murph Man, Murphy Jones, Pokey Joe, Wild Bean/Wild Biscuit (depending on my mood and his), Binkin Bachoo (who knows where I came up with that one from, but he likes it), Bing Bing, the Spotted Menace, the Grate Inspector ("Grate" because Murph is great at inspecting drainage grates), and the Mighty Rabbit Hunter.

There are probably even a few more I'm forgetting. Mostly I coo them to him on walks or say them really fast when we're playing to get him more rowdy. He seems to understand my crazy nicknames for him are terms of endearment.

But the one I think both he and I both like the most is the one I say to him right before bed. We have a little ritual where I'll snuggle up next to him, hold him, rub his belly while I thank him for all the things he did good again that day, and tell him what a wonderful dog he is. Then, when I kiss him goodnight, I say, "Sleep good my little Golden Paws, Velvet Ears, Angel Butt." (Or sometimes I'll say, "You're mama's goodest Velvet Ears, Golden Paws, Angel Butt boy. The ears and the paws are interchangeable in the saying, only the "butt" always stays in its rightful rear spot!)

But I don't just say the words. Very gently and deliberately I stroke each referenced part. His golden paws, his ears (which really are velvety to the touch), and his rump all get a nice massage before I kiss his cheek and tuck myself in.

It's such a wonderful way to end each day. Judging from the contented way he falls fast to sleep soon afterwards, I'd say that holds true for him as well.

Related Articles

How to Name Your Pet

What's in a Name?

What's in a Nickname?

Using Pet Names in Your Relationship

"You're My Little Love Bug" by Heidi R. Weimer

Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger