Dear Ann Landers: Thank you for printing the letter from “Emily’s Mom in Michigan.” She loves the name “Emily,” and that is what she calls her precious dog. She is now expecting a child, and if it is a girl, she wants to use the same name. You told her it was not a good idea. I agree.
My name is Molly, which seems to be a popular dog’s name these days. I cannot tell you how many dog owners I meet who say, “That’s so great! My dog’s name is Molly!” as if this were a compliment to me. I think I have a wonderful name and am not thrilled to discover how many dogs share it.
The last time someone made this comment to me, I replied, “That is amazing, because my dog’s name is Bertrand, just like yours!” He did not seem pleased.
— Human Molly in Los Angeles
Dear Molly: I heard from several readers who did not agree with me on this subject. They felt the child should be delighted to have the same name as the dog. Here’s a sampling of my mail:
From New York: I, too, gave my dogs names I liked because I did not foresee having a child. At the age of 40, I had a little girl. We named her Kelly Danielle, which were the names of our Newfoundland and Great Dane. I still love both names, and my beloved dogs are no longer with us. I say, if you like the name, go with it. Your daughter will be there long after your pet is gone.
Ontario, Canada: If Emily’s mom doesn’t want to name her child after the dog, she should know it is quite easy to change a dog’s name, and the dog won’t mind a bit. She ought to start calling her dog “Emily-Lulu” and then, after a few weeks, scale it down to “Lulu.” In a couple of months, the dog will be perfectly happy with her new moniker.
New Hartford, Conn.: We considered naming my son Charles after my late grandfather, but chose another name because our cat was also named Charles. A few years later, I read my grandfather’s memoirs and discovered that he had the same name as the family horse.
Haymarket, Va.: If Emily is her favorite name, she ought to use it, regardless of the dog’s name. I know some dogs I’d rather be named after than relatives.
Oaks, Penn.: Emily is a perfectly beautiful name, and there is nothing wrong with her daughter and her dog both using it. I could understand if the dog’s name were “Fido,” but how could a child object to sharing a name with a beloved pet?
Riverside, Calif.: Are you nuts? If that woman follows your advice, someday in the future, she will tell her daughter, “Well, I was going to name you Emily, but Ann Landers changed my mind, and that is why you are called Hortense.”
Lincoln, Neb.: I was named after my father’s dog and have never felt anything but honor to have a name that was so loved by the family. There was never any confusion. The dog was Peggy, and I am Peggy Ann. I am thankful, however, that I was not named Spot.
San Marcos, Calif.: My sister’s name was Heidi, and it was also the name of our black cocker spaniel. One day, during hunting season, the dog was run over by a truck and killed. My mother ran to my father’s hunting lodge and cried, “Heidi was run over by a truck!” My father began to cry hysterically. Then my mother said, “Don’t worry, dear. I buried her in the back yard.” That was when Dad realized she was talking about the dog.
More Top Picks Best Blue Light Free Lamps For Bedrooms
———-
When planning a wedding, who pays for what? Who stands where? “The Ann Landers Guide for Brides” has all the answers. Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $3.75 (this includes postage and handling) to: Brides, c/o Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, IL 60611-0562. (In Canada, send $4.55.) To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.