It's like the lobster tank, but much worse

You know that story, where patrons are at a fancy restaurant waiting to enjoy their lobster dinner, but while queued up in line, cute little pigtailed Suzy starts naming all of the lobsters and everyone changes their order.

My life has become like that...but worse. 

I love animals and even more than I love animals, I love naming things. So my recent job at a pet store has made me totally fulfilled because I am surrounded by animals, feathered ones, furry ones, scaly ones, and if they don't already have a name, they get one, or six, from me. Thus bonding me to said critter for life! Until, of course, someone comes in to adopt the animal (which is basically the point of a pet store) and give him or her a loving, nurturing and happier home...the bastards. 

Soulpatch McGillicutty (she has a spot of black under her chin....
I realize this is an unfortunate name for a girl)

Whiskers von Licktenstein

Most recently we've been inundated with cute kittens from the local shelter and I have taken it upon myself to rename from the dreary names they come to us with, into something magical...or just ridiculous. So without further ado I will share with you a few of my more recent victims.

Every one of these guys (with the notable exception of Soul Patch McGillicutty) have been adopted to wonderful homes and are looking forward to a wonderful life free from horrible naming and me generally shouting at them and carrying them around against their will.

We call this "socializing" the kittens so they are easier to handle when potential adopters come in. I like to think of them as work-day cat breaks. Its basically win-win. Well perhaps not for the kittens, but that's neither here nor there.

Boldy McBravery (literally the scardiest cat in the known universe)

There are more critters who have come and gone, been renamed and found homes, but they all hold a special place in my heart because for one silly moment we bonded before they moved on to the next adventure in their little lives.

Since I started this post (like three days ago, ahem), I am happy to announce the Soul Patch McGillicutty did indeed get adopted. 

She can now join all of the other kittens and critters in line at the courthouse to legally change their names. 

Esmerelda Cotton-Fuzz (c'mon...the ears) and Harley TurboProp (he purrs...loudly)

I have to admit that while it is fun to give them all silly names, they become more than just a kitten that needs adopting and are a part of my life for a brief, yet surprisingly powerful moment. 

Now I know how little Suzy feels...trying to bond with lobsters. Just as touching, but a little less pinchy, in my case.