Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Little Dog Turpie

Katie & I were debating over the name "Turpie" for a dog.  I put it in my top 2 (right after Sam Evans), while Katie says even GARY is a better dog name.

History: when we were kids, we begged our dad to tell us the story of The Hobyahs.  We LOVED this story, probably because it is super-grisly and lots of people get killed/dismembered.  Great bedtime tale.  Anyways, the hero of the tale is Little Dog Turpie.  Our oldest sister, the 4-H Queen, had a cairn terrier whose 'official' name was something like Dutch King of Bothell.  But we always called him Turpie, which infuriated her.  So we'd make a point of doing it all the time, natch.

Well, our Turpie was a fine dog, who met a sad end thanks to his mortal enemy Sam Evans (see above: Dog Names I Love).  And if I ever get a dog, it's going to have one of these names.  Or Gary.

13 comments:

Meg said...

Okay, but think when you have to call the vet and say I need to make an appointment for "Turpie"...see, I'm already embarassed for you. Or envision yourself the crazy lady at the dog park screaming for "Turpie" to get back here. Gary is much more respectable. Shortened to Gar-Bear. Shortened to G-money.

Katie said...

i think she actually likes the idea of yelling "Turpie" out the front door or at the dog park... she's a freak. although i still think Gary is much more embarrassing for a dog.

Laurie said...

Gary = super embarrassing. Turpie = adorably wacky old lady.

Sue said...

I agree with you Lowdie! And meg - when does a 2 syllable word get shortened to 3 syllables???

zaideafraidey said...

oh I remember well the Turpie/Sam Evans days, and the grisly end. No wonder I did not stay in my bed for the whole third grade. Brought a smile to remember all those other "show" dogs we had to put up with...recall the Pierre days???

Lis said...

Turpie?! No. Hilarious. Probably about as bad as naming your dog rudder tho. Still cringe when I have to yell it. Don't ever let kip name a dog.

Meg said...

Sue...the Sundstrom way of shortening is always longening (made that word up). You know that better than anyone.

Laurie said...

G-Money is pretty good, but couldn't I call Turpie T-Money?

Laurie said...

also, Lis and Meg, PLEASE read this story to your children. I need to know if today's kids scare easily.

Sue said...

I stand corrected -

Unknown said...

Good point Megs on the longening of names (I'm totally trying that in my class to see if anyone calls me on a made up word). And mom, there's no way you're just calling it Turpie; you will be using the full name Little Dog Turpie every chance you get and you know it.

Laurie said...

true, P. It WILL be Little Dog Turpie at all times, OR Sam Evans. No name shortening foreseen.

Sue said...

I so remember Donna and Sharon Evans being red-faced with neck veins bulging yell at and for Sam Evans . . .