Name This Dog, Terrier/Otter Edition
August 25, 2013 7:56 PM Subscribe
Dear AskMetaFilter, I never thought this would happen to me! My partner and I adopted a terrier mix and we are stumped for a name! (Well, strictly speaking, this isn't true; we each have ideas, but we can't agree.) Your collective wit, whimsy, and wisdom are required within.
She's about 2 years old, equal parts hilariously scrappy and heartbreakingly sweet, and (though you can't quite tell it from the obligatory adorable photo) appears to be a cross between a Cairn terrier and a sea otter. Names that have been floated include Otter Pop, Edie (as in Little Edie, because she is a S-T-A-U-N-C-H character), Moxie, Trixie, Lucy, Stella, and Pippi, among others. What say you, good people?
She's about 2 years old, equal parts hilariously scrappy and heartbreakingly sweet, and (though you can't quite tell it from the obligatory adorable photo) appears to be a cross between a Cairn terrier and a sea otter. Names that have been floated include Otter Pop, Edie (as in Little Edie, because she is a S-T-A-U-N-C-H character), Moxie, Trixie, Lucy, Stella, and Pippi, among others. What say you, good people?
Pippa
posted by katypickle at 8:06 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by katypickle at 8:06 PM on August 25, 2013
Awwww! She looks adorable...and spunky! I'm feeling an "O" name--She looks like she could be:
Odie
Opus
OtterPup
Ollie
Or--for some reason she also looks like an Annie.
I like Moxie, too.
Enjoy your new family member!
posted by bookmammal at 8:07 PM on August 25, 2013
Odie
Opus
OtterPup
Ollie
Or--for some reason she also looks like an Annie.
I like Moxie, too.
Enjoy your new family member!
posted by bookmammal at 8:07 PM on August 25, 2013
Tonks! She is a Tonks!
posted by msali at 8:08 PM on August 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by msali at 8:08 PM on August 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
Poppy!
posted by barnone at 8:09 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by barnone at 8:09 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Awwww! She's a Trixie or Lucy for sure.
posted by SisterHavana at 8:12 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by SisterHavana at 8:12 PM on August 25, 2013
Coalflag
Tarkelp
Paddie
Chinfart
But you are certain in your heart that you have already best named her (and you floated it in the question), and you're right (but with slightly different phrasing/capitalization); she is totally Otterpop.
posted by cog_nate at 8:12 PM on August 25, 2013
Tarkelp
Paddie
Chinfart
But you are certain in your heart that you have already best named her (and you floated it in the question), and you're right (but with slightly different phrasing/capitalization); she is totally Otterpop.
posted by cog_nate at 8:12 PM on August 25, 2013
I am getting some serious Sparky vibes from her.
posted by coppermoss at 8:14 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by coppermoss at 8:14 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Otterpop is the perfect name for that dog.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 8:15 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 8:15 PM on August 25, 2013
Otter Pop is already the best name. But since you asked, I'd add Roxie to the Moxie/Trixie options.
A friend of mine had a dog named Selkie; I think that's pretty and would work for Otter Pop.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:17 PM on August 25, 2013
A friend of mine had a dog named Selkie; I think that's pretty and would work for Otter Pop.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:17 PM on August 25, 2013
Response by poster: We do love Otter Pop, but for some reason we feel it's her nickname ("did you walk the otter pop already?" "yes, and she peed twice") rather than her proper name, which we keep feeling is a two-syllable name, probably ending in "ee," that will be easy to yell across the dog park.
posted by scody at 8:21 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by scody at 8:21 PM on August 25, 2013
Wellie.
You know, for Paul.
You're welcome.
posted by ApathyGirl at 8:22 PM on August 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
You know, for Paul.
You're welcome.
posted by ApathyGirl at 8:22 PM on August 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
Pippi is a good, easy name to call out to a dog, plus there's plenty of room for goofy nicknaming (Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking). It's a good name for a strong personality.
Whatever you pick, she's adorable. Congrats!
posted by Meg_Murry at 8:24 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Whatever you pick, she's adorable. Congrats!
posted by Meg_Murry at 8:24 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Wellie.
You know, for Paul.
You're welcome.
Heh... already tried it. I was shot down before I even made it to the second syllable.
posted by scody at 8:24 PM on August 25, 2013 [5 favorites]
You know, for Paul.
You're welcome.
Heh... already tried it. I was shot down before I even made it to the second syllable.
posted by scody at 8:24 PM on August 25, 2013 [5 favorites]
You could totally yell O-T-T-E-R P-O-P across the dog park and I bet no other dog would respond.
posted by cairnoflore at 8:26 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by cairnoflore at 8:26 PM on August 25, 2013
. . . rather than her proper name, which we keep feeling is a two-syllable name, probably ending in "ee"
Wellie. You know, for Paul.
Radley?
posted by ryanshepard at 8:27 PM on August 25, 2013
Wellie. You know, for Paul.
Radley?
posted by ryanshepard at 8:27 PM on August 25, 2013
Oh my, she is adorable! What a face! Congrats on your new cutie.
As for names: three votes over here for Little Edie! (One of the voters feels his vote should count twice, because he is also a S-T-A-U-N-C-H terrier, but he is also methodically licking the edge of his dog bed, so....)
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:27 PM on August 25, 2013
As for names: three votes over here for Little Edie! (One of the voters feels his vote should count twice, because he is also a S-T-A-U-N-C-H terrier, but he is also methodically licking the edge of his dog bed, so....)
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:27 PM on August 25, 2013
Millie. Lilly. Truly.
posted by Celsius1414 at 8:56 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by Celsius1414 at 8:56 PM on August 25, 2013
The Mr suggests "Lucy", based on a resemblance in spirit to both Lucy Van Pelt and Lucille Ball. He says her eyes are very soulful.
posted by matildaben at 8:57 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by matildaben at 8:57 PM on August 25, 2013
A Cairn terrier named Terry played Toto in The Wizard of Oz.
posted by southern_sky at 8:58 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by southern_sky at 8:58 PM on August 25, 2013
Toffee the terrier, duh
posted by oceanjesse at 9:21 PM on August 25, 2013
posted by oceanjesse at 9:21 PM on August 25, 2013
Nellie, if for no other reason than calling, ”Whoa, Nellie!” when walking her.
But also Nellie Oleson.
posted by ApathyGirl at 9:36 PM on August 25, 2013
But also Nellie Oleson.
posted by ApathyGirl at 9:36 PM on August 25, 2013
Poppy. Informally known as 'the popster', 'poparoony', or your already-preferred-nickname 'otter pop'.
posted by Kololo at 9:57 PM on August 25, 2013 [7 favorites]
posted by Kololo at 9:57 PM on August 25, 2013 [7 favorites]
My boilerplate advice is to name the dog something that is meaningful to you. My fiance and I are BSG fans so we named our rescue terrier* Helo. Most people don't get the reference but it's awesome when a fellow geek does!
Google tells me that Edie is a Grey Gardens reference so I would go with that! And remember that dogs' names always morph into nicknames so you may end up referring to her as Otter Pop or just calling her that on a regular basis! We started joking that Helo is the Helo Monster (like gila monster...get it?) and now he responds to Monster!
*very similar looking to yours, when people ask I usually say he's part Schnazuer part Muppett
posted by radioamy at 10:16 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Google tells me that Edie is a Grey Gardens reference so I would go with that! And remember that dogs' names always morph into nicknames so you may end up referring to her as Otter Pop or just calling her that on a regular basis! We started joking that Helo is the Helo Monster (like gila monster...get it?) and now he responds to Monster!
*very similar looking to yours, when people ask I usually say he's part Schnazuer part Muppett
posted by radioamy at 10:16 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yup, I think Poppy is the best -- similar to Pippi, works well for Otter Pop. Plus it's the name of my awesome dog (and Rachel Maddow's dog's as well!) so it's owner-tested, dog-approved.
posted by katemonster at 10:18 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by katemonster at 10:18 PM on August 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Otter Pop is her name. She'll wind up with a billion nicknames within weeks many of which can be boiled down to dog park friendly calling.
It's the best dog name I've heard in days, and I hear a hell of a lot every day/
posted by mannequito at 11:46 PM on August 25, 2013
It's the best dog name I've heard in days, and I hear a hell of a lot every day/
posted by mannequito at 11:46 PM on August 25, 2013
Tootoo, because she is too, too cute (and many other things to come as well, no doubt) and like Toto, she is a Cairn terrier, too-- "and your little dog, too!"
posted by jamjam at 12:49 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by jamjam at 12:49 AM on August 26, 2013
I actually like Moxie, and it looks like she's got some.
Adding in Pixie (cute but mischievous)
posted by billiebee at 1:34 AM on August 26, 2013
Adding in Pixie (cute but mischievous)
posted by billiebee at 1:34 AM on August 26, 2013
Lottie? Has all the features.
posted by thinkpiece at 2:50 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by thinkpiece at 2:50 AM on August 26, 2013
She looks very knowing. How about Maisie?
posted by HandfulOfDust at 3:16 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by HandfulOfDust at 3:16 AM on August 26, 2013
I like Tarka, but you should name him Odin, so that Otterpop has some alliterative justification.
posted by notsnot at 5:56 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by notsnot at 5:56 AM on August 26, 2013
Dottie (Dottie the Otter Pop. Or, simplified to Dotter Pop)
posted by Fig at 6:25 AM on August 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Fig at 6:25 AM on August 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Mopsy
posted by pseudostrabismus at 8:03 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by pseudostrabismus at 8:03 AM on August 26, 2013
I agree that Otterpop is a great name (or Otterpup), but the name that popped into my head the instant I saw the picture was:
Burger
I don't know where it came from, but I have always gone along with what my brain tells me, and the names have always proved entirely suitable. It may be that the animal is simply telling me what he or she has already decided its name is.
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:33 AM on August 26, 2013
Burger
I don't know where it came from, but I have always gone along with what my brain tells me, and the names have always proved entirely suitable. It may be that the animal is simply telling me what he or she has already decided its name is.
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:33 AM on August 26, 2013
I fully support "Otter," as someone who named his own dog "Badger."
Also, Fizzgig.
posted by reverend cuttle at 9:19 AM on August 26, 2013
Also, Fizzgig.
posted by reverend cuttle at 9:19 AM on August 26, 2013
Another vote for Otter Pop. But take into account I once named a cat Catman.
posted by Dolley at 9:33 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by Dolley at 9:33 AM on August 26, 2013
Kishka, an adorable little sausage. She's ridiculously cute.
posted by theora55 at 10:59 AM on August 26, 2013
posted by theora55 at 10:59 AM on August 26, 2013
scody: "We do love Otter Pop, but for some reason we feel it's her nickname"
Louie-Bloo
Little Orphan Orange
Poncho Punch
Sir Isaac Lime
Alexander the Grape
Strawberry Short Cook
ryanshepard: "Radley ?"
Also good.
posted by boo_radley at 2:41 PM on August 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
Louie-Bloo
Little Orphan Orange
Poncho Punch
Sir Isaac Lime
Alexander the Grape
Strawberry Short Cook
ryanshepard: "Radley ?"
Also good.
posted by boo_radley at 2:41 PM on August 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
Googling tells me Dobhran is Scots Gaelic for male otter. I don't know the feminine.
Seaweed.
Kelpie
posted by brujita at 7:22 PM on August 26, 2013
Seaweed.
Kelpie
posted by brujita at 7:22 PM on August 26, 2013
Going with the otter/water theme combined with her Scottish heritage, here is a list of rivers in Scotland that has some jewels (too many to mention, but I'm currently totally in love with "Evelix," and "Wick" feels nice and cute and magical and mischievous and sparky).
posted by taz at 7:30 AM on August 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by taz at 7:30 AM on August 27, 2013 [2 favorites]
Sooooo? What stuck?
posted by ApathyGirl at 2:03 AM on August 29, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by ApathyGirl at 2:03 AM on August 29, 2013 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: We keep vacillating between Trixie and Otter. Everyone we survey seems equally split between the two, so I think perhaps her full name may turn out to be Trixie von Otter Pop...
posted by scody at 10:34 AM on August 29, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by scody at 10:34 AM on August 29, 2013 [5 favorites]
Glorious.
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:56 AM on August 29, 2013
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:56 AM on August 29, 2013
scody: "Trixie von Otter Pop"
You know you'll have to start showing her with a name like that, right? Just so you can hear it called out over the PA.
posted by boo_radley at 1:57 PM on September 3, 2013 [2 favorites]
You know you'll have to start showing her with a name like that, right? Just so you can hear it called out over the PA.
posted by boo_radley at 1:57 PM on September 3, 2013 [2 favorites]
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posted by ryanshepard at 8:01 PM on August 25, 2013 [3 favorites]