|
We’re
working on a website addition, a "Hall of Fame" with pictures of
animals named Baxter. It includes many dogs, horses, cats, and some
steers, but also included are mules, swine, reptiles, ferrets, snakes,
fish, birds and one beetle…black, of course! In my case, I’m not
sure if having a hamster named after you is a compliment, but naming
your first-born after a dearly departed good hunting dog is surely meant
to be an honor. "Eat your Gerber’s, Badger, you want to grow up big
and strong and be able to drool."
Naming
after animals is an ancient traditional ritual. I had a Chinese
virology teacher named Fu Ho Chow and a pharmacology teacher named Dr.
Heron. There’s a state in Mexico called Chihuahua, a country called
Turkey, a river named Salmon, and of course, states christened Carolina
and New Hampshire.
I’ve
always been intrigued by the popularity of naming kids after towns in
Wyoming; Cody, Douglas, Cheyenne, Kaycee, Sheridan, Jackson, Powell and
Laramie. So far they’ve avoided Thermopolis, Chugwater and Baggs, but an
unusual name can make a kid unique: Englebert, Dweezil, Pinky, Elvis,
Ejulio, Bunny or Babbette. Indians are perhaps the most ardent
practitioners of naming after animals: Sitting Bull, Little Squirrel, Roan
Horse, Buffalo Bill (sorry), Crow, Elkhorn, Deer Slayer, Eagle Feather,
Big Foot.
So,
regarding the east Texas Lady’s concern about her husband’s choice of
coon dog names for kids, it could be worse. She could have married an
astronomer who insisted on naming his children after constellations, or a
doctor naming his kids after surgical procedures, Mike Kroscope, Lipo
Suction, and Angieo Plasty.
Or
a geologist who chose names from natural formations. "These are
my children Alluvial, Tectonic, Strata and our new baby, Hemisphere."
Or
a corn farmer – Hy and Stubbie.
Enough,
Enough! Stick with names that are named after a baseball cap and a
ceremony – Bill and Mary.
Baxter
Black is a former large animal veterinarian who can be followed nationwide
through this column, National Public Radio, public appearances, television
and also through his books, cds, videos and website, www.baxterblack.com.
|
