Today in the park I met this spaniel puppy. I was trying to play with him in my customary boisterous fashion, when Gail and I heard his owners calling "Hamish! HAMISH! HAMISH!"
I can't tell you how shocked we were.
Did they not know that in these parts, the distinguished name of Hamish (pronounced Hay-mish, in case you were wondering) is reserved for certain breeds of terrier? I think there is a law enacted by the Scottish parliament or something.
You will be acquainted with, or at least have heard of, my predecessor Hamish the Westie. You may not be aware that roughly 50% of the Westies in Aberdeen - and there are a lot of Westies in Aberdeen - are called Hamish. A fair few Scotties share the name, and we believe that it is permissible for Jack Russells too.
But a SPANIEL?
Oh, Gail has an explanation.
She says she thinks that spaniel Hamish was a 'wannabee Westie', already, in refusing to respond to his name being called, demonstrating mastery of the key breed trait of extreme stubbornness.
I am now wondering if any of my canine readers have names that are stereotypical for their breed? Or indeed inappropriate? Perhaps you can tell me what are the common names in your part of the world, and if they are associated with particular breeds or types of dog?
And while you are thinking about that, I'll show you some random pictures from my recent explorings in Aberdeen and surrounding areas. You will see our weather has been uncommonly nice just lately (but I'm afraid Gail failed to get a photo of spaniel Hamish.)
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| Admiring the late summer flowers in Seaton Park |
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| Sunny Sunday afternoon on Aberdeen city beach |
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| Aberdeen University - the new library building |
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| Aberdeen University - Old King's College |
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| King of Corgarff Castle near Strathdon |
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| Back on home territory in Duthie Park |
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| Observing the model boats in the Duthie Park pond |
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| And enquiring of the owners whether they are not a bit old for this sort of thing.... |
