The Doggie Name Game

Ever wonder what's in a name? Well, Veterinary Pet Insurance has released it's findings for the top male and female dog names. Calculated from the names of insured dogs in their database, the top names have determined one major thing. Gone are the days of "Fluffy" and "Beauford", 2008 is all about dogs of the human kind (or at least their names).

In today's world, pets are becoming more and more a part of the family. And why not, pets offer companionship and comfort that most of us look for in this crazy world. The big question is, does this new role effect how you name your new furry friend? Check out the top doggie names to see if your pet name made the list.

For a fun quiz, make a list of the number of dogs you know that have these names and send your stats to Polkadotpupblog@aol.com. We will blog the results to see what names stand supreme with the Polka Dot Pup viewers.

Top Female Dog Names
1. Bella
2. Molly
3. Lucy
4. Maggie
5. Daisy
6. Sophie
7. Sadie
8. Chloe
9. Bailey
10. Lola

Top Male Dog Names
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Bailey
5. Jake
6. Charlie
7. Jack
8. Toby
9. Cody
10. Buster


Want to learn more about the new evolution in dog names? Check out the USA Today article Names for dogs miss the Spot

The Easter Puppy

HAPPY EASTER!

The Easter Bunny has arrived at the Polka Dot Pup digs. Check out some of the Easter-inspired gifts he left behind.



See more of my The Easter Puppy list at ThisNext.

Irish Dog Breeds 101

The day of green is upon us. Time to celebrate St. Patrick by decking ourselves out in green attire (to keep from getting pinched of course!) and gathering with friends at the local pub for a pint or two.

There are many things that I love about St. Patrick's Day and Ireland in general. The tales of leprechauns and the dream of finding that big pot of gold, delicious dishes passed down from generation to generation like corn beef hash and cabbage (yum!), lovely lucky clovers and of course who can forget all of the amazing varieties of canines that come from this land of rolling green hills.

Below is a quick reference guide to some of Ireland's finest breeds -

Irish Terrier
Irish Setter
Irish Red and White Setter
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
Kerry Beagle


For more information on the dog breeds listed above (history / characteristics / breeder information), please check out the following sites -

AKC.org, The American Kennel Club Celebrates These Irish Dog Breeds

Petplace.com, Irish Dog Breeds

St. Patrick's Day Pets

Let your pet go green this St. Patty's Day!

Polka Dot Pup has searched high and low and located some lucky charms. From clover collars to shamrock treats, your pup will be feeling the luck of the Irish all year long.

Know of a great green product that we left off the list? Drop us a bone at polkadotpupblog@aol.com.

See more of my St. Patrick's Day Pets list at ThisNext.

Dogs In the News

Dog Saved by Marine Gets Permanent Home

Having a brother who served in the Army, I have always considered the men and women in the armed forces as hero's. A recent story circulating in the news really shows another side of what is going on in Iraq and how our troops are not only trying to protect people but also animals.

Marine Maj. Brian Dennis, stationed along the Syria-Iraq border, befriended a male German shepherd-border collie mix while on patrol whom he named "Nubs" after learning that someone had cut the dogs ears.

Constant runs-ins between the two created a deep bound which only deepened when Dennis found Nubbs near death and helped him recover. Military policy does not allow pets in war zones so Dennis decided to send the pup to his home base in San Diego. With the help of his Iraq interpreter and family and friends, he raised $3,500 to get the dog from Amman, Jordon to San Diego where colleagues will be watching over and training Nubs until Dennis's safe return.

This is such an inspiring story about how these two found each other in the middle of a war zone.
Get the Full Story Here


Have an inspiring pet story that you would like the world to hear about? Share it with Polka Dot Pup and it maybe featured in our "Dogs in the News" segment.