Who let the dogs out?
I did. Or at least one. I let the dog out.
While the Handy Graham is in Pennsylvania with his family for Thanksgiving, some of us Nashville stragglers are splitting dog-duty. It seems that this boy cannot turn away a stray, and last week, he found a delightful little red mutt that we are all still trying to name. Any ideas?
This morning, after I dropped off Julie at the airport at 5:30am, I headed to take care of the Dog That I Call Jasper For Now. And after he scarfed down his food, I sat on the kitchen floor and he crawled into my lap and we snuggled for an hour. I was saying things like “Who’s a good boy? Who? Yes you are. YES YOU ARE!” It was great, and terribly animal-nerdy (which is a Parsons’ trait). Then I put him in the backyard, and headed home to get ready for work.
Tonight, my friend Josh is dropping me at the airport, and I’ll fly to Kansas City to be with my family for the holiday weekend. Apparently, Micah (5) is learning to set the table, and Tyler (3) cannot stop talking about pie. It’s going to be a good Thanksgiving.
This year, I’m thankful for my Nash-life. I’m thankful for the friends who have surrounded me here – for being my airport rides and my running buddies and my emotional contacts, making the fuzzy things clear. I’m thankful for the friends who live far away, and yet still find ways to love me and encourage me across the miles. I’m thankful for a job that pays my bills. I’m thankful for a church that feeds my soul. I’m thankful for my trusty steed of a Honda that hasn’t broken down in over a year. I’m thankful for Whole Foods Market, and the fact that they’re serving free samples of stuffing and mashed potatoes all week. I’m thankful that despite that fact, I still fit into my black pants (booyah!). I’m thankful for musicians so much better than me. I’m thankful for magical blog moments, like happened yesterday. I’m thankful for the opportunity to pursue the things that I want to pursue. I’m thankful for a coffee pot with brew-pause, so I can pour myself a cup before the pot is full. I’m thankful for the cooler weather (sweet Mother of Pearl, am I ever thankful). I’m thankful for the chance to spend the morning snuggling with a sweet dog. I’m thankful for family members who, despite our idiosyncrasies and freakish moments, totally love each other. I’m thankful that the idea of spending the holiday with my family is a welcome, warm-fuzzy thought. I’m thankful for grace, because Lord knows that I need it.
And I’m thankful that this list could go on and on. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
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The dogs name shall be Rufus. It’s perfect. And for short, he can be Roofie.
I’m loving the group effort on the dog name! I’ve heard Jasper a couple of times and like it. But you just can’t beat a good dog name like Rufus either. I always go with color for animal names, which limits the creativity to names like “Copper”.
My vote is for Roscoe.
Happy Thanksgiving, Annie!
Pumpernickel?
Anyone? Anyone? No? Okay.
Annie — I am thankful to be able to read your blog, you are a gem. Thanks for taking a few of us Seattlelites with you on your journey!
Laura Remme (UPC)
Hee, Pumpernickel is a cute name, but for some reason, this dog strikes me as a… Sparticus. :P Just kidding. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Little AP
I love Sparticus! He’s got that look that declares, “I am Sparticus”.
Good call Little AP.
And Big AP (and I mean that in the most flattering sense) better introduce us when you visit Nashville! That would be a very fun day…
i want that dog so bad haha. anyone who resembles greebs!
how about banjo? or atticus. that’s what i was going to name gabe. or kip!
I think that Rufus Pumpernickel Banjo Parsons has a nice ring. And yes, “Parsons.” I secretly plan on stealing him.
ooooo, I like the classical names. Though if the dog is as rambunctious as he looks, maybe Hermes would be better. Or if he’s not, Octavian.
Personally, I’d vote for Dingo. Since he’s a mutt.
Joe Springer had a mutt that he referred to as his dingo.
MY dogs name is Atticus. There can be only one.
Dingo is pretty good. I was thinking Wally. Or, Gideon. There is a Chirstmas movie where the angel who looks after the family is named Gideon, and that might just be perfect if he’s a good watch dog. Let us know what you decide!
OH WAIT! The word verification below this text box is asking me to type “sworni”. Maybe Sworni? :)
I vote for “Doogan” just because he is one of my favorite patients! :)
~Diana
I love how opinionated we all are about a dog we don’t know…
Emerson or Newman? I like those. Also, my word verification is “Sinabi” which could also be a good pet name… Happy Thanksgiving!
I also like “Hueylene” from Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. I don’t remember if the dog was male or female.
I noticed another vote for word verification names… we may be on to something there – there’s a veritable treasure trove of obscure pet names: how about “Sativ” or “Enchic” or “Fristi” or “Loreta” or “Photine.”
Well, as the one housing & feeding this dog, I'm calling him copper for now. Especially because when I found him, he was sleeping on a pile of wiring I pulled out of an old house.
That being said, Copper's up for adoption now. I've gotta find him a good home, so pass the word around.
On a side bar: the word for word verification that I have to type to post this comment is: "facker."
I almost resent that.