A Rose by any Other Name
Dear Frankie,
Can you explain why the humans in my life keep calling me by different names?
My name is Charlie, and it has been my name for the 16 years I’ve lived with this family. I first lived with one momma and now with her daughter who is my present momma. My first Momma often called me “Sunshine,: but she was up there in years and sometimes mistook me for our other dog.
My present momma isn’t old, so I don’t know why she says, “Wake up, Little Suzie,” to me when it’s time for me to go for a walk or “Ready, Freddy?” when she opens the door.
I do know she is talking to me, and it’s not a big deal. I just don’t understand why she doesn’t use my name. I mean, who the heck are Suzie and Freddy?
I asked the other dogs in the neighborhood, and they said their humans do the same thing. Are we missing something?
Confused, Charlie
Dear Charlie,
I can understand your confusion. I can’t speak for your first momma, but I’m sure your present momma knows your name.
She is calling you Freddy and Suzie to be charming. She is using an expression as an endearing and humorous way to say time for a walk, here we go.
It seems to be something she likes to do and finds amusing.
Would you prefer, “Hey Charlie, ready to parlay?”
You said it’s no big deal. So, I would leave it at that. Remember a rose is a rose by any other name.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
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