How Tikki Got His Name

In case you’re wondering why anyone would call their dog something that sounds parasite-infested, let me clarify, that’s not his full name. His full name is Tikki-tikki-tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.

Yes, thanks, Tikki. I was coming to that.

It’s origins? An old childhood story my mum used to read to me when I was little.

And yes, Tikki is right.

The most wonderful thing in the whole wide world. Thing. Not hubby. Not baby. (In case the other two start to protest.) Oh, and btw, we used to call our trusty old Honda Fit ‘Chang’.

In the story, some disaster befalls the beloved first and honorable son whose name is impossible to say in one breath after climbing up and down mountains. He nearly perishes because poor Chang couldn’t articulate the grand mounthful of multi-syllables. In the end, all treasured Chinese children are given short and sweet names. Like Tikki.

So there. That’s how Tikki got his name.

And no, he doesn’t have ticks or fleas. Maybe an ear mite or two. But other than that, he’s quite clean.

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