In almost every culture there is a belief that one’s name has magical properties. There’s no question that I respond much quicker when I hear my name. I can hear my name being used in situations where it’s impossible to understand the other words being said. When my wife says my name she has my full attention.
That response gives someone who knows my name significant power over me. Like it or not, I respond to the sound of my name. Because of the power knowing your name confers to someone else, some cultures have developed elaborate schemes of nicknames, adult names and true names.
Thus it is that I come to you with a tale. So far the latest addition to our family has refused to reveal his name.
He’s nine weeks old. A male Australian Shepherd exhibiting a high degree of curiosity about his world. He’s also a future Agility champion just entering the training phase of his life.
He knows he’s being closely observed for clues to his true name. Maybe a spy’s name? James, Matt, Ethan, Harry, Jason…?
If I don’t make eye contact, they won’t guess my name. The coloring around his eyes looks like he’s wearing a mask. Maybe a thief’s name? Jessie, Robin, Zorro, Billy…?
Here, in true puppy fashion, he’s exhibiting the proper stance for playing to Bryce. A teacher’s name? Ichabod, Walter, Albus, Rupert…?
How about a famous athlete? Babe, Wayne, Wilt, Jim, Arnold, Oshie…?
He was quick to show Shelby how to play with a ball. Maybe a coach’s name? Vince, Bela, Herb, Bear, Tom…?
Sundae seems a bit surprised that he’s already proficient in the Force. How about a Star Wars name? Yoda, Obi-Wan, Luke, Lando, Han, Mace …?
He exhibits a very direct approach to problem solving. Maybe he has an engineering name? Thomas, Henry, Archimedes, Daniel, Nikola, Blaise…?
Here he is ignoring us. Something he feels free to do until we discover his true name. And we call them dumb animals. A little help here. Albert, Mark, Sheldon…?
Updated March 8, 2014: After much discussion, he has accepted the name Ronin. Not from the Keanu Reeves movie 47 Ronin but more like the Robert De Niro Ronin. Time will tell if he lives up to his name but he certainly uses those baby teeth like short swords.
© 2014 – 2019, Byron Seastrunk. All rights reserved.
I like that you have discovered his name to be Ronin.. fits him.. and you..
I know his name as he exhibits all the qualities of that name. Cultured, cunning, resourceful, diplomatic and best of all charismatic with obvious leadership qualitied. Luai of course. Luai in arabic means leader of lions.
I actually considered Luai, for about 30 seconds. The Luai I know exhibits all those qualities but would have me doing all the Agility obstacles while he barked orders at me. Too much power in that name.
Clearly his name is Merlin…the magical being sent to entice us with his wisdom and confuse us with his ability to move through time and trials with speed and grace! Reminds me of my older brother, in fact…
Appreciate the suggestion but the name is already in use. Besides, how could one hope to give Merlin commands that would be obeyed? Tell him to take one jump too many and you might find yourself a toad.