Meet Our New Foster, [Insert Name Here]

I think the foster coordinator knew we needed a rebound dog—and quick. After two long hauls with Jack and Karina, plus wedding day 9 weeks away, we also told her we needed a shorter-term foster. We went with our usual criteria—able to be crated during the work day, young adult, ideally under 35 pounds, and suitable for condo life.

As a result, we have a sweet, 2-year-old husky/shepherd mix headed our way this weekend. She was in a shelter in Virginia where she had a litter of puppies. All of her puppies have been adopted. Now it’s her turn.

But we need your help. Her current name is Chelsea. Don’t get me wrong, Bill and Hill, it’s a wonderful name for a girl. But I’m not so sure for a dog. [Yes, I realize Karina was no better. I know, I know.] As superficial as it is, I also know that names as they appear on Petfinder can make or break a dog’s appeal.  

The other problem is that one of the volunteers with the rescue is named Chelsea. Might adoption days get a little confusing? “How old is Chelsea? How much does Chelsea weigh? Oh no, Chelsea had an accident!”

Now, if the dog comes trotting through the door responding to the name, I don’t know if I’ll have the heart to change it. But if she doesn’t, we need to change it—pronto.

Do you have any suggestions? Please help!

Karina's Name Change

It's something about Karina's name. My co-worker has been hounding me about it. (Get it, hounding?) My mom has been bugging me to no end. It's time. Karina needs a name change. It just doesn't fit.

My colleague even went so far as to ask an expert if Karina is a good name for a dog. The expert unequivocally said, "Karina is a horrible name for a dog." That expert just so happened to be another colleague by the name of Karina.

And maybe they're right. Maybe something about the name is deterring adopters. Is it something about Karina the Ballerina that doesn't work with a BBD? I'm afraid so. It's time to mix things up.

So I tried calling Karina (ahem, not Karina) other names.

Shadow? No response.
Licorice? Not even a blink of the eye.
Raven? No way in hell, she said.
And then...
Toto? That's me, that's me! she seemed to say, as she barreled toward me.

And so, I present our foster dog, Toto.

April Fools! :) You didn't think I was serious, did you? Karina is 100% through and through.

And, with that, please go check Karina out on Pet Blogs United today. She's being featured for Foster Friday!