First Person
A Couple of Things
Dear Ann,
A couple of things. Confessions if you will. Announcements perhaps. Things to get off my chest.
As you know, I left Nashville early Sunday morning, after a few fun, full days filming our Knit Stars class on log cabin knitting. WE SURVOVE, once again, three days with manicured hands and hair that was texture-sprayed to a fare-thee-well.
We lived, laughed, and log cabined, and can’t wait for the season to launch this fall.
The morning after, I had sort of knitted myself out. At last Saturday’s pooch party at Nashville’s Urban Dog Bar, surrounded by chatty knitters, I did not knit.
Did. Not. Knit.
It was like I was on knitting Ozempic—the knitting noise in my head was silenced. I just…hung out. Wandered aimlessly, petting dogs and eating fried pickles.
After boarding the plane home on Sunday morning, the urge to knit came roaring back, but alas, I had no knitting.
Or so I thought. In a moment of magical thinking, I peeped into my Knitter’s Tote.
This is what I found.
Inside a pristine Shakerag 2021 pouch were the fixings—and a decent start—on a plain version of Amy Christoffers’s Ocean Waves Cowl. Two cakes of beautiful Freia yarns and a stitch pattern I already knew (it’s the same one as the Waffle Pullover).
Did the thought occur to me that you might have dropped your knitting into my tote at the pooch party, for safekeeping?
Nope nope nope. This was supernatural knitting, placed there by a benevolent higher power to give me something to knit on the plane. It’s not like the name tag was filled in or anything.
(If it’s your knitting, I apologize. I’ll give you the cowl.)
My other announcement:
Someone has come to live with me.
Meet Enrique Iglesias.
That’s the placeholder name that Waldo’s Rescue Pen gave him, but it made us laugh so we kept it. It suits him.
A man in our building has started calling him Henry Church. Family and friends are calling him Ricky Bobby and Ricky Martin and Little Ricky. The laughs keep coming! It’s a joyful time in casa de Kay.
Enrique is a few months shy of 2 years old and weighs in at a ribsy 13 1/2 pounds. He’s Mister Bon Vivant, rocking our world by being an easy-going, happy boy who loves eating, playing, and making new friends. We didn’t know that was a thing that small dogs could do.
His toenails are kind of long so we haven’t tried any sweaters on him yet. We’ve got time! It’s early days! Submit your nickname in the comments!
Love,
Kay
Iggy
Nickname: Fluffy
(after Gabriel Iglesias)
Love this suggestion.
Yes! Iggy!
I submit “Ruler,” because Google tells me that Enrique means “home ruler,” and, well, I think that’s where you’re headed. Plus Ruler is a pretty cool pet name.
LOL!
“(If it’s your knitting, I’ll give you the cowl)”!!!!
As for a nickname; I blame this on the photo and on your written intro…
Ribsy McFaceman because…
YOU called him Ribsy (and what a GREAT literary canine homage!)
and…
That nose (photo amplified no doubt)
Those eyes
Those ears…
Can NOT isolate any one part for ultimate adulation so…
Ribsy McFaceman is what just will not leave my early addled brain!
Congrats on your devine intervention knitting!
CONGRATS on your new housemate!!
<3
What a handsome guy! Those eyes! Congratulations to you both!
I agree that Ribsy is perfect!!! Beverly Cleary for the win
So happy for you and your little one.
Lucky
Cos he is such a lucky dog to have be living with Kay!
Congrats on the new member of the family.
Welcome to your new little buddy! Personally, I’d call him Enzio. My brother and sister-in-law’s new kitten, Lili von Shtumm, came home to them last night. My SIL texted me a photo of little Lili snuggled in my terminally ill brother’s arms, so she already knows her purpose. Thank goodness for little furry friends!
Lili is already the employee of the month!
Congratulations! He’s adorable ❤️
Love this story … and the rescue pup!
Congratulations Kay!!! And Enrique!! Lucky boy! Great miracle knitting story!
I don’t have a nickname (it takes me forever to name my own new pets) but those eyes and ears melted my heart. Congratulations Kay! So happy for you!
Oh my goodness, the magic knitting supplies!
And this dog. WOW! Immediately, I thought of Chachi on Happy Days. I love this dog!
What a handsome boy. Little Ricky.
D’anrique….
In honor of Dana, the Dog Sweater Whisperer…..
Because you know you will be talking to Dana about making a sweater for him!
Congrats on your new little boy❤️
I’m so glad Enrique found a spot with you! He’s a handsome Boyo.
He is so adorable. A bit soulful and a bit of whimsy.
Whatever you land on he and you have hit the jackpot!
Congratulations
Rique (Ree-Kay) seems appropriate.
Yes! Riqúe (ree-Kay)…
…then you can call him Riquecito
LMAO at Henry Church. Haaaaaaa…love it.
¡besitos al perrito dulcito!
I love this name! Rique is so cute! I have named all our dogs (our greyhound is named Rocket Man), but I cannot think of a cuter name than this. Kay, congratulations on the new dogo. I know he will fill a hole in your heart.
Oh my ! I love him!!! Congratulations!!! Rico!!!
Cutie pie! Congratulations!
I surprise myself about how happy I am for you. Henrí might suit him on particularly dashing days.
What a cutie and very lucky pup! We have had two grand-pups land at house over the last 14 years, can’t imagine life without them, they share life with our resident princess Eloise Charge It Please ( real name on papers, mostly she’s called Weezy) a Pomerainian diva. I pick Ricky …. ( teenage heart throb for me) showin’ my age!
And I forgot about Ricky Nelson, the dreamiest of Rickies!
Eloise Charge It Please is too dang funny.
No nickname suggestions, that may come later. I just wanted to express my absolute glee at the news of Enrique Iglesias! What a cutie! I am thrilled for you! Having used up my exclamation point allocation, just let me finish by saying I know what and how much this means. Happy bonding weekend.
So cute. Somehow I’m at Taquito. But you have to see if Enrique responds to that!
Hi puppy! Welcome home!
So happy for both of you. Match made in Heaven.
Nickname…Ricky
I think that the day a new fur baby comes home is one of the happiest days of your life! Sending my wishes for a long, loving, healthy life together – and he doesn’t need another nickname, your love is the whole world to him!
Gosh. Coming up with a pet’s name is almost as hard as thinking up a password. I do love his ‘given’ name (Enrique, etc.). I think it suits him. But for a nickname, he simply looks like a”Joey” to me (easy-going and gregarious – and for that matter, almost might fit into a kangaroo’s pouch). Any which way, he seems like a terrific addition to your household. So happy for you!
Congratulations and welcome home Enrique! No dog is family with fewer than 5 nicknames. What a joy to have the pitterpatter of tiny feet around the house again. And he will be settled in just in time for sweater season!! What a lucky little guy.
Rico Sauve. I just went down a rabbit hole on You Tube over it and, after all these years, it stills make me laugh.
He’d need a lot of gold jewelry and long hair!
[listens to the song for the first time] [dies laughing]
Is this what the MDK Getawayers will be dancing to next July????? LOL
I was thinking Rico too, but as RICO since you used to be a prosecutor (I think) or a lawyer anyway.
How about Rickitickitimbo? Our kitten’s nickname grew from Tig to Tiggy Tigerson.
Yes! That song immediately popped in my head after seeing this adorable dog. LOL
Oh, he’s adorable. PRETTY BOY!!
Like Karen, I was thinking Rico Suave. Congratulations on this newest member of your family, Kay! He has such a sweet face! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures together.
Welcome Enrique! Such a cutie!
As someone who has had several rescue dogs, may I offer some advice? Rescue dogs are more malleable for the first month or two – he is trying to figure out how to live with you so it is relatively easy to influence him. Be vigilant for anything you would rather curb and gently nip it in the bud now with positive reinforcement of different behavior. He might not be quite as anxious to please or as adaptable in a few months! You are lucky already he is well-socialized but don’t take it for granted and make sure he continues to meet lots of people in the coming weeks, and dogs, too.
Enjoy your new pup, he looks like a delightful guy!
Good advice that I am going to take, Tess! I’m seeing Enrique as an opportunity to learn from my mistakes with Olive, and do better with educating him during the malleable time. We’re going to school in September!
Precious pup! Lucky to have his forever home… enjoy your days.
Knitting lovely!
Nickname? Iggy.
Congratulations on the newest family member!
Mazel tov Kay, little man looks so devoted to you already! And I’m sure Ann will appreciate her cowl that you knit for her.
No name suggestions, just want to say I’m so happy for you! Both of you!
Oh how fun!!!! I vote Little Ricky! Now did you select that dog so the sweaters he will need will be small and quick to knit?!! LOL you could knit one on a one-way flight back to Nashville!!!
That is a lucky pup!!
Yay! I was hoping a new doggie had come to live with you! What a cutie!
“…knitting Ozempic.” Haaaaa. Perfectly put.
I’m so happy for little Ricky! And you! XO
Supposedly, your previous, much loved, dog sends you your new dog. If true, Olive has surprised us all with a real charmer. I vote for Sweetie because he’s a real sweetie pie. Those eyes are gorgeous!
They do bring so much company and joy don’t they? I call my beloved Toby the Wonder Dog, a vessel for love. He gives and garners love in a stunning and beautiful way. Toby is a similar color to your new fella.
Rick Roll! What a cutie.
I am most intrigued by this magic cowl of yours. It’s not your bag and not your knitting? It just… appeared? Will wonders never cease?
Well, “Bubba” of course. Because he’s a boy, and no matter what his given name is, he can also be called “Bubba,” or “Bub,” or “Bud” or “Buddy.” Also, “Pal.” These are all names we call our cat Griffen, and they are all fitting!
Just Plain Lucky. or. LUCKY. we had a dog (a Carin). A very satisfactory. Name and dog
.
What a cutie! I’m sure The Rickster is already ruling the roost!
So glad you adopted a new friend. Hope to see more pictures.
Those eyes!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The name? The man I have loved since I was 9 !
Sir ( beautiful) Paul McCartney ❤️
Congratulations on you and your little guy finding each other. Life will be so much better for both of you.
Congratulations on your new addition!
He’s adorable! He’ll pick up new names as you watch his actions. Einstein also came to us pre-named (and oh was he misnamed!!) and because of his penchant for peering on the deck (hey dachshunds are 6” tall on a good day and grass+weiner=no thanks, per Einstein) he is occasionally being called either Pissboy or Count de Money from History of The World, Part 1. A classic!
Definitely Ricky. I’m so happy for both of you.
I see no one has suggested the name, Rufus. It has always been one of my fav dog names, but my husband has never agreed. Love your new baby. Sara in ATL
Knitting and pets!! What can go wrong?? I love the eyes on Enrique also. I’m sure you’ve seen all the pictures of pets with knitted and crocheted FOs on Ravelry.
Blessings!!
Congratulations on the adoption! I’d suggest using the nickname Tricky Ricky if the pup is mischievous or finds zillions of ways to con you out of treats.
Yes, that is Ann’s cowl as it is green. It would be blue if it were yours. Kermt might have been the benevolent higher power.
Squee! You found your new little pupster! While I love all the Rique-Ricky-McRico Suave suggestions (!LOL!)…, when I look back at his pic after reading through all the comments so far, Dog Quixote comes straight to my mind! No idea why though?! Trust your gut on whatever you do name him, and(!) be sure ask for his bark or tail-waggle confirmation! And yay for mystery knitting just showing up in your travel bag. I see a pup-sized waffle sweater in your future!
Yes! Riqúe (ree-Kay)…
…then you can call him Riquecito
LMAO at Henry Church. Haaaaaaa…love it.
¡besitos al perrito dulcito!
Little Ricky all the way. Congrats!!!!!!
Congratulations!!! The name that immediately came to mind is BABALOO! Little sweetheart tgat Ricky sang about
Congrats on the new guy, and on the found knitting! That’s magic karma.
Ribsy! Rico Suavé! Sir! (I call our cat Calvin “Sir” sometimes.)
Congratulations on the new pup, looks and sounds like a sweetheart. No name suggestions, the nicknames can come organically over time. I do have to object to Lucky, my vet husband advises against it! It’s like a jinx.
Like others, I look forward to hearing about your adventures together. Enjoy!
How exciting for you and your doggie! It’s great to have a pet at home. I vote for Ricky too…maybe Ricky Bob. If I named a dog that, it would eventually morph into something like Ricky Roo because…
We have a standard Goldendoodle who I named Buddy. (I know, no awards for imagination). It went into Buddy Boo then Buddy Boo Boy and now mostly it’s BooBoo, like Yogi’s sidekick. He honestly doesn’t seem to care what I call him as long as I use the Buddy voice (high and cute)!
So so happy for you – he’s gorgeous. I’d probably already be calling him Ricky Ricardo by now…
Quique is short for Enrique in Spanish. He’s cute and looks like he could rock that name.
I don’t have any nickname but he’s so adorable I just want to squeeze him! Those eyes!!
Kay the fact that you may have mistakenly stolen someone’s knitting have a new dog makes me equally joyful. Love!
The possibility that you are knitting someone else’s project and that you now own a dog, give me equal joy.
Kay the idea that you may be making someone’s cowl (giving it back), and have a new dog makes me equally joyful. Love! Rico or Ricardo. Depending on the fancy-ness level.
Awww, bienvenue Enrique! Bienvenido!
Congratulations, Kay!! My sister and I are in a hotel room in Seattle getting ready for Flock tomorrow, and I missed the dog news. Such a sweet face. Love all the nicknames.
Ricky Rolly
I am so happy for you and your family. Enjoy the new pup. He looks adorable.
Little Ricky just tickles me! He’s such a sweetie, with the most amazing intense eyes! A good boy by any nickname.
Rico Suave is my pick. I mean, look at that face! Congrats on your new family member!
Wolfie (for those ears!)
Congrats on the growing family! O-que Ree-que (ok Rickay). I’m sure he’s got some “splaining” to do.
Wonderful news about your new pup. Our hearts grow a little larger with every new rescue. Best of love and luck to you both!
Look at those eyes! This boy is a Latin Lover, for sure. I see lots of votes for Ricky, but to me he’s more of the Antonio Banderas type LOL. Congratulations Kay!!!
As to the mysterious knitting project that appeared on the plane, I am a firm believer in The Borrowers, especially when the only reasonable explanation for something I want/need suddenly showing up is that they decided to return it
Mazel Tov!!
I’m so happy for you, Kay! I think he looks like a Ricky! He sounds so cool and eminently (and imminently but only because I had to look up the difference) deserving of handknits. Wishing you both all the best❣️
Oh my goodness!! Congratulations on your new buddy!! He is sooooo huggable. I loved the name Henry Church. That made me laugh. I think your new pal will sort of telegraph his name to you. All of my cats, over many decades, have had pretty obvious names that they gave themselves. I’m so happy for you and your adorable new housemate. Hug him for all of us. You’ve rescued each other and that makes the universe a better place. ❤️
I would call him Chimi short for chimichanga.
OMG
I know this guy! Enrique lived on my block the last couple of months before you adopted him. He is a charmer. You are both lucky to have found each other.
Congratulations, Kay!
Wow, not every knitter has a live-in Latino in their midst!
Congratulations ❣️Enrique is adorable He’s a lucky fellow to find a loving home and you are lucky to find the perfect doggie companion
Wish you lived close enough for he and Tula May to be playmates ❣️❣️❣️
He has “bedroom eyes.” All the better to stealth onto your bed and snuggle in!!
What’s not to love!!!
Rescue dogs are the best! We rescued a pug in December and every day ask ourselves how we ever lived without him.
And I vote for the nickname Iggy, and I see several people agree with me!
Are you saying that someone else’s part-knitted cowl ended up in your bag?? Amazing.
I reckon your beautiful new pooch should be nicknamed Peanut, which would link back to fabulous Olive (types of oil!).
Rikki Tikki Tavi!!
I like little Ricky when not using his whole name to call him! His name does fit him!
I have a baby cat I rescued and her name is Sophia Loren (sometimes) but Sophie on a daily basis! My son just named his dog Coco Chanel! Sounds like so much fun at your house.
I love the cowl, I went to the link you posted. Would it be beginner friendly and how do you get the pattern and yarn for the cowl shown in the link?
Thanks,
Carol
Awww Little Rickie. I like that one.
My knitting mojo is limping along. Actually I am at the ice and elevate stage. I carry it around with me, hoping to be fooled into knitting a row. Just one repeat, I tell myself. I do not listen.
I have two knitting bags packed with everything I need but I am not budging. I do the same thing with all of my projects – kit up and abandon.
Maybe I need a knitting therapist.
“I heard you say…”
So happy you’ve found a new furry friend! What a cutie!
I’m late to the party…BUT I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
I have no suggestions for a nickname because we are lazy and have almost always kept our dogs’ previous or shelter-given name. I have always said I would only change it if they name they came with is stupid.
Congratulations on Enrique. I have to admit, I laughed at your admission that you didn’t know making friends was something small dogs could do. That is largely the reason we always have been medium and large dog people.
This is something I needed to see today, as we have an elderly dog more or less in hospice care at home now. I hope you enjoy many years together.