On this Valentine’s Day I have a special idea in mind. Here's some background in advance...
While in veterinary school, my class was lucky enough to enter clinics (late third year and all of fourth year) with a veterinary social worker's omnipresence as part of the curriculum.
As a group, my class (as many before it, I’m sure) entered clinics considering this ageless woman a tad creepy for her almost-smarmy social worker-speak and her eery ability to sniff out any sign of impending death. And yet I believe we all graduated having learned to cry for our patients, have compassion for our clients and love our own pets a little better...because of her.
One characteristically Kathleen moment was when my first patient died. (Here’s the whole story.) I was crying so hard I couldn’t catch my breath...and there she was, strangely helpful in an off-the beaten part of the hospital. How did she know I was there? How did she manage to say just the right things?
I learned so much from this woman. Sure, she might have been just a tad off her rocker...but aren’t the most sensitive among us?
With that in mind, here’s another characteristically Kathleen moment. It was perhaps our first interaction with her...and it’s one I’m sure all vet students who passed through clinics under her watch remember well.
It’s a simple exercise, one designed to put you in touch with what your pets mean to you...and by extension, to remind us to have compassion for our clients in their most challenging veterinary moments:
Make a list of all your beloved pets, present and past. Next to each name, try to list every term of endearment and nickname you can recall ever having used to refer to these loved ones.
On this Valentine’s Day, I can think of no better way to celebrate than to post your own answers to this exercise. Think of it as a love letter your pets will understand. Sappy, yes, but oh so sweet...
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I'll go first...but I'll stick to my present dogs for brevity's sake...(and forgive the Spanish)
Sophie Sue: Soph, Sophie, Sophster, Ludy, Ludy-Lu, Gorda, Gordita, Chicha, Chichita, Amorcita, Sohphie-Lu, Silly-Soph, Sophie-poo, Soph-monster, Sophie-love, Loquita...
Vincent: Vince, Vincester, Nevicet, Vincie, Vince-monster, Chicho, Chichito, Malportado, Concentido, Monstrico, Napoleoncito, Loquito, Plomito...
that's all I can think of right now.
Dr. Patty Khuly February 14th, 2009 07:29:47 AM
Caley - Cale,Boss, Boss Lady, Caley poo, Caley girl, Babe, Mom's girl
Chauncy - Chaunce, Mom's evil boy, Don't eat that, Chauncy Boy, Chauncy Poo, Dudley
Raider, Raid, Raidee, Put that down, Mom's boy, Me boy, Ball boy
I know there are....
Elizabeth - from Nova Scotia February 14th, 2009 08:01:20 AM
Rainbow-Bows, Bowsface, Fatman
Fizzgig- Fizzy, Bean, Fizzbean, Fizzwah, Mommy's Girl, Sweetie, Kitten
Kira- Kira Beers (I really have no idea how that evolved), Kira Bear, Commander K, Puppy
Trivial Pursuit- Trivia, Triv, Bonehead, My Boy, Trivi
Tribble- Piggy, Tribs, Squeeeeee!
Kiko- Keeks, Princess, Kiko from the Block, K-Lo, Kitten
Those are all I can think of...and that was more emotional than I anticipated
DrSteggy February 14th, 2009 08:33:30 AM
My current two: Teddy Boo Boo: Teddy Spaghetti, Boo Boy, Big Boy, Little Man, Mr. Fat Butt, Bad Kitty, Snuggle Boy Ida Star: Ida Schmida, Bunny Girl, Scooter, Lover Girl, Princess Ida, Snuggle Girl
2CatMom February 14th, 2009 09:08:11 AM
Current collies:
Fawkes - nicknames: Fawskesy, Fawkser, Goober, Puppy-Boy, Duuude, The Great White Dope
Lucy - nicknames: The Goose, Goosey, Lucy-Goosey, Luce, Laaaaaassssssiiiiie
Past collies:
Pablo - nicknames: Pabby, Sir Pablo, Pablo-diablo, Pabino, Stud Muffin,
Zephyr - nickname: Zeffie
Dino - nicknames: Dini, Dino-Bambino, Dinorino, Deanie-Beanie-Weenie, Steath Gooser, Weenie Dog, Bob-Dog, The Big Bobber,The Big Bobberino, The Deanster, Dean-meister and later in life: Jolly Old Coot, and Geezer
Silka - She wasn't with us long enough to get nicknames.
In our house, there's a correlation between the dog's sense of humor and the number of nicknames. Dino was playful his entire life and had a well developed sly sense of humor. I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting some of his nicknames. OTOH, Zeffie, was a somber, stoic dog and even her play was done in a serious, deliberate manner. She didn't get her nickname of Zeffie until she was approaching her senior years.
chris February 14th, 2009 09:50:34 AM
I just remember two of Lucy's new nicknames: Pudgewumpus & Fatty McPlump
chris February 14th, 2009 09:53:25 AM
I don't remember for our finches, and it's easier to remember for current pets athan for past ones.
Peeper: Pooper, Poopster, Fluffball
Gabriel: Gabe, Spaz, Fluff'n'nutter
Kappa: Kapster, "Kapstar Runner, birdinating the countryside," Cranky-Pants
zandperl February 14th, 2009 10:01:10 AM
Winnie: Pooh, Pooh Bear, Bear, Boo, Barky McBarker, Pupper
Pipkin: Pip, Pippers, Mr. Pipkin
Megan February 14th, 2009 10:35:24 AM
Gosh, and I'm always soooo embarrassed when Bill calls them their pet names in front of the vet! Relieved to see other's have their endearments. I won't take a whole page listing them all, but I could! Posted some pictures, particularly funny one's of Bill in his PJ outfit with the doggies here: My Photo's
Mack:the skud attack, Macaroni, Willie: Wilburrr, Alice:Muppy, Dottie: Spotty, Pearl:Pearlie-Q,Fattyham Zoe: Zoweee, Xena:Agility=combined "Beanies",Tickles:woooo or woowoo,Ike:Ikester Man,buddyboy Pocket:whip,whippersnap
Bill and I had individual ones too, but we used the above as "joint terms"
Barbara A. Albright/Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!
Pocket's Story from NH February 14th, 2009 10:42:23 AM
Just 3 of the kitties, this could go on a long time... Kadiddlehopper- K.A.D., Buddy , Hopperhead, Stinky, Mamams Boy Widget- Widget Worm, Weezer, widget mcgidget, widget bean casserole, weezer mcgeezer, smidgetta, Dannon Wooster, wooster mcGooster Runt Runt - Little mr Sunshine, Orange Marmalade, Clubber, Sweets,R R, Crazy Boy,
Barb L February 14th, 2009 11:08:58 AM
I don't know who ought to be more embarrassed by this.. me or the boys. (Okay, let's be honest.. it's totally me.) Sticking to the present occupants: Nicholas- Nick, Nicky, Little Man, Mackers, Big Mac, Pudge, Einstein, Nicky-Boo, Booface, Boofus Maximus, Icky Nicky, Little Big Cat, Mr. Wonderful, Mom's Incredibly Handsome Seventeen Pound Pillow-Warming Device. Tyson- T.R., Dr. Destructo, Stinker, Pita Kitty (pain-in-the..), K.P., Fluffernutter, Nutter, Captain Spaz, Velcro Kitty, Trouble, Smooch, Mr. Handsome, Little Buddy, Bonks, His Obnoxiousness. Thomas- T, Teebs, Teebface, Teebster, Teebsnack (as in "that pancake syrup/bag of tortillas/week-old buffalo wing you stashed in my shoe is NOT a.."), The Brain, The Lemon, Napoleon, Beast, Beasticus Maximus, My Favorite Mistake, The Temporary Arrangement*, The Cautionary Tail, Most Awesomest Cat in the History of Ever. (* When I agreed to socialize Thomas for a relative, I was insistent that "this is a temporary arrangement- I am NOT keeping this cat!". We all know how that one ends..) Oh, the shame.
Ramen Connoisseur February 14th, 2009 11:12:07 AM
Sorry about the formatting on that one.. I'd forgotten that IE is a no-go.
Ramen Connoisseur February 14th, 2009 11:13:19 AM
I couldn't list all the animals from my home or work that have made a huge impact--because there are so many.
However, the one I did share I have reprinted for you--thanks for the suggestion to do so--awesome idea.
Excerpt from Creatures of the Divine:
"Losing a loved one is probably the most difficult thing we can experience. Nothing can fill the void left by the loss of his or her unique spirit, and nothing can describe the agony of the grief process. Although I've experienced many losses, none is so fresh or so deep as that of my Clyde. I never expected a dog to become my guardian, my companion, my playmate, my dog-training assistant, or my surrogate son, but Clyde was all those things. Clyde taught me important rules:
Ark Lady February 14th, 2009 11:43:36 AM
I'll give this a go...
Cambria: Baby Girl, Pretty Girl, Stinky Girl, Wiggle Butt, Momma's Girl (currently), Daddy's Girl (during the 1st year of her life), Stinky Butt, Crazy Tail, Killer (so named because of her utter distaste for the in-law's hyper-active bichon)
Snitty: Snitty Kitty, Snitten Kitten, Fluffy Butt
Jessica February 14th, 2009 11:46:59 AM
What a great idea. Love reading everyone else's nicknames. A few of mine are (and it depended on whether they were in trouble or not what name I would use): Muffin - Muffy, Sweet Pea, Punkin, Baby Girl, Skooch Butt (she was my one true love) Timmie - Timothy, Timmie Tiger, Piss Head (he pees where he isn't supposed to), Scar Face (he has allergies and has made scars on his nose by scratching) Duke - Duke Master, Duker, Houdini Candy - Candy Cane Gabby - Gabriella, Flabby Gabby, Chicken Butt Vincent - Vinnie, Stink Breath, Skinny Minny Bille - since she is a black cat with a VERY nasty attitude I have called her Witch Billie, Black Witch (substitude the W with a B) Gadget - Fat Boy Gizmo - Fat Boy Wannabe Bailey - Bay Bay Many more but these are the ones that come to mind.
Jan February 14th, 2009 12:13:56 PM
For the sake of brevity, will stick to current pets only; if I went to past ones it would take pages!!
Sadie: Sadie-bug, Saders, Bug, Buglet, Cuddle-bug, Buggie, Buggers, Chub-bug, Biggity-bug
Gracie: Grizz-bear, G-bear, Jeebers, Jeebs, Grizz, Bear, Snore-a-dor, Chubs, Pudge
Bailey: Mr. Bay-bay, Furball, Furby, Blue-eyes, Babes, Fuzzy-butt, Big boy, George
Lucy: Lucy-lu, Lulu, Wootie-Woo, Wootie, Wooters, Crybaby, Hopalong, Princess, Princess Wootie
Rocky: Rock, Rock-star, Rockers, Rocket-man, Little man, Whiner, Kangaroo, Roo-man
Sabrina: Brina, Bree, Old girl, Miss Mountain-lion, Miss Cranky-pants, The one-eyed Queen of Mean, Mrs. Winky
Shellie February 14th, 2009 01:07:08 PM
Lunch (the name itself an excellent term of endearment from my boyfriend) - Lunchy, Lunchies, Lunchies McMuncherson, Oh-Da-Lunchies, the skinny one, the baby, the slow one (in the head, not on her feet!)
Pixel - Fatty, The Fats One, Chubby, Fatty-fat-fat-fat, Pixelation, Snoochie-Boochies, and The Girl One
Corey - The Boy One, the Orange Ball of Fluff, the Adventurous Mr. Corey, and when no one's listening I call him my Marmalade Man
Orli February 14th, 2009 01:53:31 PM
Tres: Tres-girl, Sugar bear, Sweetpea, Fluffy Butt, Monster Dog, Sweets, Pretty Girl, Princess, Pupperoo, Baby girl, Bear, Girly-girl
Precious: Boofur, Boo, Precious Baby, Mean Kitty!
Kim February 14th, 2009 02:02:04 PM
See me . . touch me . . spoil me . . . .
Happy VaLeNtInEs Day
http://tinyurl.com/bcy4oo
Evet February 14th, 2009 02:15:13 PM
Evets February 14th, 2009 02:17:06 PM
Ain't I purrrty?
Evet February 14th, 2009 02:20:56 PM
The Childhood Pets . . .
Budgie: Budgie boy (canary)
Tom Jones: Tommy (cat)
Comfy: Comfy Kitty (cat)
Scratches and Patches: Scratches, Scratch, Daniel (after the Elton John Song) (my first big kitty love, an unaltered male)
Mary Jane: May Jay (Cat)
Mustachio: Mussy, My Muss, What is Life for a Mussy? (Cat)
My grownup pets
Toonces: Toonie, Toonciarini, My Boy, T, Psycho Kitty Quest ce Que C'est (to the Tune of the Talking Heads Song), Rignon, Rignon Mignon, LoveBug, Wild Thing, Houdini, Bunny, Roo, My Love, Love of My Life (Cat) (RIP)
JuJu: Number 1, Juice, Juices Juice, Little Match Girl, Princess, Brat (said ever so affectionately :) (Adopted Italian streetkitten)
Miracle: Meera, Meera Mi Girl, Meera Mees, Pet Cemetery (for the time she bit through my fingernail when she was a bitty kitty, but she's really gentle now . . .), Gentle Girl, LoveBug, Sweetest Girl (Adopted Italian Streetkitten)
Moxie: Mox, My Mox, Girl, Gull, Gully Gull Gull, Moxes Mox (whose name describes her personality, she is not afraid of the vaccuum cleaner or anything else, and has the most well balanced attitude ever)
Quixote: Kee-Hotes, KiKiRoo, Kiki Roony Roo, Roo, Keeksteroo, Tay Tay, Tay Tay Roo, Roo Saa Saa, Ali (as in Muhammad)
And in memory of my former foster . . .
Gina: SweetPea, Pea, Peabean, Beanie, Beanie Girl (RIP)
Stefani February 14th, 2009 04:50:30 PM
Oh, I forgot little LaPlume . .
LaPlume, Lapis Loomies (persian chinchilla cat I had for about 18 mos, RIP)
Stefani February 14th, 2009 04:56:35 PM
Stella AKA Bhudda Belly, Princess, PRincess fluffybutt, Furrball, Furby, Stell Bell, Scarlet AKA twitchy, ScarBar, Crosseyed Redhead Biff, AKA booger, muttdog, killer, stinkybutt
Regenia February 14th, 2009 06:33:47 PM
Starting with my sweet departed Montana, aka nanamontana, sweetie pie, girly-girl, nanagirl, pretty precious Montana, sweet pea, kissy girl, cuddly muffin and towards the end just nana.
Her brother Dakota aka the Dakotanator, Popo, Koko, coconut, coca-cola, snuggy bear, dude, poopy-foot, my big black doggie.
Hershey aka Hershey bear, H-Bear, Mr. Hershey Von Schnauzer (no, he is not a schnauzer), Snuggly bear, little-orphan-Hershey, stinky dog, big ol' chocolate monster.
Nino aka Ni-ni, Nino Valentino, Mr kissy boy, Nino the clown, Snugglky-kins, Sir Marks-a-Lot
Boots the cat is just Boots.
Anne February 14th, 2009 10:25:45 PM
my list is too long and some wounds too fresh. But I have loved all my pets deeply. They are simply...my heart. my family
for those I wait to see again, for those I share this day with. I love you all.
LorriM February 15th, 2009 01:13:53 AM
Dusty - Dusty Dawg, Lady Dusty Dawg Monty - Montagu, Little Lord Montagu, Chew Chew Charlie, Montazuma, Woogie Bear Chloe - Chlo Chlo, Wabasso Pound Hound, Fruitcake Sally Dusty Dawg went to the Bridge four years ago. Montagu is still with us and will be 13 years old this August. Chloe was adopted from the local shelter three years ago. She apparently was never an indoor dog, so discovering furniture and TV was quite amusing to us. I started a journal for her, noting all the funny things, or new things she does. Yesterday, Valentine's Day, she came up onto the couch to sit next to me. She raised her paw and I thought she was going to put it on my shoulder along with her other paw to give me a hug and kiss, which does does all the time. However, this time, she looked into my eyes, her paw gently pressed against my left cheek and she leaned over and kissed me. Then laid down for a mid morning nap. I just wept with happiness and love.
Maria February 15th, 2009 07:25:41 AM
Cooper - gone just over a month now - Coops, Coopster, Cooperfritz, Clumsycoop, Buddy boy
Fritz - Fritzi, Fritzl, Fritzter, Tough Guy, That D**m Dog, NoFritz, Buddy
Zeke - joined our family 9 days after Cooper passed - Zekial, Zekester, Sweetie, Buddy, Bud, Zekel
Thanks for this, Dr. Khuly. This helps as I still grieve for Cooper while welcoming Zeke to the family.
Sassy February 15th, 2009 08:50:55 AM
Annie was named after Ann Boleyn (she had double dewclaws - AB was said to have had an extra finger), but the wire that had to be cut off/out of her neck lead to her first nickname. She had staples to close the groove (if stitched it would have taken hours and the vet was...not good), so she became Annie Monster, and still answers to Monster. That became Silly Monster, then slurred to SiMonster. She always insisted on being out front on walks, so she became Lead Sled Dog. As she got older, she became the Supervisor, and Grumpy, because she barked at other dogs having fun - she couldn't participate because of her arthritis, which lead to her being called Toddle Girl, and Old Lady.
My second grey was O'Toole, aka the Schnoze, Schnozola and Croc O'Toole.
My greyhound girl is Lily - named after Lily Munster (we got her close to Halloween), but she's really Princess Lily, or LilyBrat, Bratgirl, Brattygator, and Soft Gator Girl (7Nations reference).
Grendel is my heart dog and has many names. A few are, Moo, Mr. Moo, Moo Cow, (that name again is Mr. Cow), Cowdog, Stinky Boy, Tail Gunner Joe (long story), and the Monster in the Car.
Lastly, there's Daisy Jane aka the LabraPig, WigglePiggle, PiggieWiggle, Piggie, Piggles, and Soft Ear Girl.
KateH February 15th, 2009 01:47:43 PM
Sorry for the extra post, but my friend's dog shouldn't get left out. He's Partner, named after the Clint Eastwood character in Paint Your Wagon. We also call him Camouflage Dog, and Mr. Personality, as well as Special Ed (we're not trying to be mean, he's just 'special' that way).
Our first grey was with us less than a year. He was named Starbuck, and I chose him, sight unseen, because of his name (fan of Dirk Benedict, you know). He was very dignified, so his only nicknames were Big Brother (to Annie) and Big Dog.
There was another grey who was supposed to be mine, but there was no way he would have gotten along with Grendel (you can't have two heart dogs at the same time). He was Less Gravity, call name Callie. He was the most gorgeous greyhound, and I called him Robert Redford and Studly.
KateH February 15th, 2009 02:04:54 PM
OK so now I'm going for the goats:
Poppy: Pop, Popster, Poppy-goat, Nanny-girl, Queen Doe, Popita
Tulip: Tulip-girl, Tulipita, Tulipan, Silly-girl, Black-girl, Fatty
Dr. Patty Khuly February 15th, 2009 07:17:03 PM
Gilgamish: Tabby, Tabs, Tibbers, Tibs, Tabbykins, Tibberkins, Tabbykun, Tibbercat
Behemoth: Behebo, Behemo, Fatkins, Dumbface, Mothokun, Mothocat, Behemothokun
Otto: Ottokun, Ottoface, Alley Cat
None of our childhood pets had nicknames, even the ones whose dignity may have allowed it. I didn't think my pets would have nicknames either, but it's hard not to fall into it when they seem to respond to it. DH especially has been a bit of a nickname generator, though I only listed the ones that have stuck.
Great idea, Dr. Khuly!
Sarah February 15th, 2009 10:14:15 PM
I didn't see this until Monday, but had to join in - just for me even if no one else sees it!
Duchess (1st dog ever, helped to the bridge 3.5 years ago): Duchie, Dooochessa, NO!, Beast Monster, S**t-head (she was not an easy dog to live with. We had her 16 years)
Sabrina (also gone to the bridge, my heart dog): Sa-beeena, Beena-beena Buzz-futt (started as Fuzz Butt, got twisted), Little Princess, Miss Beena, Miss Bee
Laurel: Laurel Lou, Lou-Lou, Loooocille, Loo-loo Moo-moo, Noo-noo, Daddy's little girl
Flash: Flashman, Flashie, Mommy's baby boy (he's five now), Baby Boy, Mr. Flash
Pepper: Pepperoni (comes running when we order pizza!), Dr. Pepper
Daisy: Madame Daisy, The Daze (as in, don't mess with The Daze!)
Kenzie: Kenzie-girl (not many nicknames - she was a puppy mill mama and it took 6 weeks for her to learn "Kenzie" meant her)
We had a cat that never learned his name - he was just "Kitty" his whole life. Cats always know they are kitties.
robinsdogs February 16th, 2009 08:06:36 AM
Panther I: Loco
Panther II
Feisty (Little Man, My Boy)
Purr (originally Frisky; also Purple Eater and Purr Cat)
OCTA (found at the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association production; also Octapussy)
Panther III
General Dammit
Sugar
Ebony Black Gold (Ebs and Ebo)
Bubba
Princess (Princessa, Kitty Queen)
Tigger
Spooky (pooky, insanicat [poor baby has brain damage from being thrown from a car as a kitten])
Queen Sheba (Sheba, wiggle butt)
Lady Bryde (baby girl)
And with apologies to those I can't name off the top of my head and the multitude of nicknames I'm missing. Mini strokes really muck up one's independent memory recall!
PJBoosinger February 16th, 2009 11:43:20 AM
Audrey-dodrey Maggie-Magster-Saggie-Saggy-ComeOnNowdammit-Margaret Geronimo-Gmoe-Momo-Memo Bro-Brobers-Broser Chuck-Charles-Chollie Beau-Bokitty Keisha-psychokitty-devil cat Rebel-RayRay Foggy-Foghat Henry-Henory
Hobson February 16th, 2009 08:23:26 PM
Stanley: Stanner man, Big fat kitty, Tre-men-dus boy, Big Kitty Man, Sammie, Big sweetie Oliver (who I lost 12/12/08): Ah-bee-dur, Little buddy, Sqweets, Stinkerman, Midda Toad, Small buddy, Peet-peet, Smeetus or just Smee
Ellen February 26th, 2009 02:46:44 PM
شات كام , شات سعودي
ksacamat May 3rd, 2009 02:59:58 PM
شات
amal_ May 22nd, 2009 04:44:53 AM
قلبي
bnt aboha May 22nd, 2009 12:48:33 PM
النبراس
alnebras July 3rd, 2009 10:49:54 AM
شات
دلع
يوتيوب فيديو
العاب 2010
Azoz November 19th, 2009 02:00:17 AM
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