Story 107: Laika's Many Names

This past evening, I just returned from my trip. Unlike every previous time, Laika was not here to greet me. This is the reality of life, the reality of parting from the ones you love. With this project of devotion and memory nearly complete, I wanted to make these final two posts highlight her best aspects. Today is also Thanksgiving, and it is in that spirit that I offer this writing as a means of thanking Laika for all she gave to inspire, teach and entertain me in both good and bad times.

Throughout Laika's life, she acquired so many names which were reflected in these stories. Since this is the penultimate tale, I think is a wonderful time to present the finest ones with small little descriptions of how she came to acquire them. Here goes:

Baby Girl - this was Laika's name when Missy's old boss found here on the street. Not a creative name, but that was soon to change.

Laika - the official given name of our loveable, incorrigible protagonist of these epic tales. Missy chose the name to be spelled Leica, like the brand of camera, but I decided to go with the spelling to honor the first dog in space. Little did we know that Laika was actually from another galaxy! Perhaps choosing a more terrestrial name would have grounded her behavior a bit more to the ways of this planet. However, I wouldn't change anything, especially her name. It just fit!

Freak Bean - one half of the Freak Beans, Laika and Heisa made quite a dynamic duo. This nickname for them came about because I got a record by a band of the same name. Not only was it fun to say "freak beans" in a weird alien voice, but these two were total weirdos. This name stuck for years and years. (Coincidentally. Heisa was, herself, dubbed Bean early on.)

Baby Mosher - this was reserved for Laika's semi-destructive streak as a youth. She moshed what she saw.

Big Baby _____ - calling Laika by part of her previous given name plus any other word was a clear formula for getting a wild burst of loving, wiggly attention from her. She somehow knew these were terms of endearment and would respond by endearing herself immediately. Popular combinations were: Big Baby, Big Baby Laika, Big Baby Idiot (when she did something particularly dangerous), and Big Baby Butthead (or its derivative Mrs. Butthead or just plain Butthead).

Mrs. Mouse - this was by far the best of her nicknames. Elaina gave it to her because of Laika's love of cheese and her lovely, mousey whiskers. There was never an explanation or even inquiry into whether there was a Mr. Mouse or what came to be of him. There was occasionally speculation, though. Regardless, it was the most popular of her aliases. She would respond to this nickname with wagging tail and a flurry of kisses.

The Queen (of Mellon Street) - no explanation necessary for Her Royal Highness Laika I.

Miss Laika - her more "proper" name given by her friends in the oncology department. She was such a good girl there that this formality was completely necessary!

Laika Bear - Chris and Steph's go-to for their term of endearment for Big Baby Laika.

These are just some of the more enduring and memorable names that Laika responded to with full joy and affection. Given the great depth of her character and quirky personality, she wasn't a one-name kind of lady. In each situation and to each person she loved, Laika played a special role that was always reflected in these terms of endearment that we chose to honor her place in our hearts.