"What's in a name?
That which we call a rose
By any other name
Would smell as sweet"

W. Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

'Scooby' is my good friend Mary Lee's new puppy. In my expert opinion, I think Scooby is a silly name and I am going to tell her as soon as I see her. A dog like this needs a big boy name like Bruce or Shep or Butch or Magnus (from Latin, Magna, meaning great). Even though I prefer 'people names' for dogs ( MY dogs' names are Edward, Daphne and Hector), I could even accept something like Rebel or maybe Wiley.

Speaking of Shakespearean names (and we were), how about Benvolio (I am naming my next child Benvolio) or Dogberry from Much Ado About Nothing? Elliot might look good on this dog. I might even be open to Kareen or Fabian or Seamus. Scooby? How about Gregory or Hugo? Or maybe Jude, then you could say, "hey.... Jude".

You know Mary Lee, there can be pitfalls when you chose a name. Remember, you are taking full responsibility for creating an important factor in your dog’s identity. Your dog’s name must be suitable throughout all of phases of his/her life. Will Scooby be teased mercilessly at the dogpark? Will he be happy with his name when he is a teenager trying not to give into peer pressure? As a young adult dog trying to score with the ladies? Will his name suit him as he matures on into middle age?

What will your puppy think of your choice, Mary Lee? Will he thank you for constantly having to repeat and spell his name to people for the rest of his life? “Yes, ma’m, that is Scooby with a ‘y’ not an ‘ie’. “

Scientific studies undertaken by eminent psychologists suggest that dogs who have weird names, or names considered odd by those around them, can experience great difficulties in their normal social relationships! Think about this, Mary Lee! Will Scooby agree to take care of you in your old age or will he be so damaged by the stress of his name that he will put you in a home?

Mary Lee says, "He has been sleeping all night, and is really a good puppy". These people with their dogs, God love them, I could do dozens of blogs with pictures of my friends' dogs and their passionate, fanatical, crazy owners, including your dad and his Miss Lucy.

Mary Lee, please, before it is too late, go back to the drawing board on this one. Regardless, you could at least give him a good MIDDLE NAME!