Knit to This
Dog Daze with Ann and Kay
By now you’ve figured out that 2025 was the summer that MDK finally went to the dogs.
Early in the season, we launched the Poochbook, our guide to what the most discerning canines are wearing this year.
Just a few days ago, Dana Williams-Johnson taught us how to tailor a sweater for the fuzzier set.
In August, we’ll head to summer camp to get our tiny terriers (or toy poodles or treeing walker coonhounds) on the needles.
But how did this all come to be? Who was the poochtastic ringleader?
Pick up your craft of choice and let Kay and Ann share how it all came to be. Plus: an update on Kay’s dog situation.
Plus, plus: an introduction of our new Atlas x Madelinetosh flavors—
You can win one skein each of Afghan Hound and Fresh Mowed Grass. Leave your favorite dog name in the comments by midnight EDT on Tuesday, July 29, and we’ll pick a random winner.
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Has to be Snoopy! Or if you mean a name to give a dog, I like Milo/Mila.
That would have to be Enzo. ….It’s the name of the cockapoo that lives across the street and visits often. He loves to watch me knit. I’m a thrower and his head goes back and forth like he’s at a mini tennis match! Every so often he nudges my elbow for a neck message!!
I love all my dogs. But the smartest was Dakota, a Boykin Spaniel. She was ravished by a Springer Spaniel and had 8 pups. We kept the runt and my daughter,a fan of Shakespeare, named him Hamlet. After 14 years with these two we adopted Duke, another Boykin. Finally we are enjoying Becker, yet another Boykin ( my husband has hunted with these dogs – super retrievers).
We have Etta James a mini Aussie who had a brother named Rutherford Hayes.
Maggie Mae aka Maggie
I haven’t had a dog since I was a very small child, but one of my condo neighbors had a huge schnauzer who appeared to hate me on sight. Her owner assured me that the dog hated and wanted to kill everyone. It was a proud, proud day for me when I encounter the dog and her mom and the dog did not lunge and snarl at me. I love her name: Winnie.
It was a sad day for me when Winnie and her mom moved away, before Winnie and I became actual friends.
Biscuit – he is our sweet biscuit-colored floof.
I’ve had several dogs over the years… There was Referee, Ditto, Dash (Dash Dot Dash on paper), and Acadia (Acadia Sieur de Mont on paper), all Dalmatians. Now I have my Buddy, a mixed breed. All of these names are favs, as are the dogs that had them!
Charlie Arthur AND Lizbit
Like children, you can’t have a favorite!
Hairy Maclarey and Slinky Malinki from the story books. Brilliant
When I was a kid, we adopted a white toy poodle named Tiffany. Smartest dog ever. She thought she was just another kid in the family!
Funniest dog name was my aunts two dogs….she rescued a shaggy Lhasa Apso who came with the name Hoover. When he passed on, their next dog was appropriately named Roosevelt, because he came after Hoover!
My brother’s pit mix was called Diesel, because of his coloring. How appropriate for him to come to my brother, who is a semi truck driver. Diesel thought he was a 90 pound lap dog, once he adjusted to his new home.
My aunt had Perfect Dog ( P for short). When PD 1 died she had PD 2. Both were charming small terrior- like Pound dogs she rescued. She was right…they were the perfect dogs and dear friends of mine.
The Dog Daze conversation last week was THE BEST! And the break out room was even better!
As for a dog name, can any dog ever beat Scooby Doo (where are you?)
Sunshine is my choice. He’s a goofy adorable red color labradoodle. He became a knitter one night when my knitting group was over and someone asked what happened pointing to a big tangled skein of yarn. I replied “That’s Sunny’s knitting”and he joined the group. It’s a spectator sport for him now that he’s eight.
I love my pup’s names. Ruby and Violet. Ruby wears a red harness vest and Violet wears a purple one. We visit the neighborhood nursing home on our walks and the residents can remember their color-coded names.
The Dude Lebowwowski
Oscar, because it’s fun to say and it makes me think about how that dog named Oscar grumbled like the OSCAR on Sesame Street!
My mom had a black lab named Smudge, I have always thought that was a great name!
We had a huge golden doodle named Stuart, the perfect combination of 100-pound goofball and sedate gentleman. When he died a few years ago, we ‘downsized’ to two smaller dogs.
Daniel the Spaniel is an English springer spaniel and his partner in all crimes that dogs can get into is Nathaniel the Spaniel, a Brittany. These hoodlums go by aliases of Dan the Man and Nate the Great.
Noodles
Thundercloud.
Lucy, the Wonder Dog. Sweetest dog I ever met.
Our Beagle is Glinda. We always ask her,” are you a good bitch or a bad bitch?” It is a Wizard of Oz reference.
Georgia!
A variation of George, one of Nancy Drew’s chums. Obviously a second dog in the family would be named Bess.
My dogs name is Lola – she was a rescue so she came to me already named. I’ve always thought Alan Cummings dog LaLa has a great name.
Rex at the moment, been a few years since our family included a dog.
I love the name of Shelley Brander’s dog, Sir Charles Barkley!
My rescued Yorkshire Terrier is called Chester Buster because when he came to live with us his name was Chester but we thought he looked like a Buster. We started calling him both names thinking we’d drop the first half eventually once he was trained but we just trained ourselves. Nine years later, he now answers to the above as well as Chessa Bussa and CB.
Sargent York a neighbors dachshund
Penny. My chaweenie!
Clover
I’ve had many dogs and loved all their names, but our first rescue was a springer named Mally. It was the only name I didn’t pick, but I think its a pretty name.
Sneezeguard.
NORM! (think: the George Wendt character in Cheers!) Norman was a big handsome yellow lab who, with no suggestion from us, liked to recycle. He’d pick up beer and soda cans and bottles he would find along the road, in the woods, sometimes in the garage, and bring them back home for recycling. I miss Norm AND George Wendt.
I think its safe to say that all dog names are favorites as are the dogs to whom those names have been given. That said, my MiL’s former neighbor had a fluffy little white pup named Miss Kitty–too cute.
Aww they’re all wonderful, I’m in a similar situation to Kay – lost my dear Abby at Christmas last year. Adopted a puppy at end of march, (OMG puppies are a lot of work!), named her Massey.
Ooops, stupid auto correct changed that – it should have read Maisey
Crixus
That was my brother’s 90 pound pit mix’s name, too. He was a rescue so was already named.
Doodlebug
The only dogs in my life right now are my dear friend’s Billie, a rescue from a puppy mill who is doing well now after a lot of loving care, and my step-daughter’s Cricket, who is so full of energy I will always think of him running circles around the back yard at a recent bbq.
For a boy, Kane. For a girl, Luna.
Milou was one of my most favorite dogs, dearly missed. It is the French (proper) name for TinTin’s dog, Snowy. Milou was also a small white dog, but unlike his namesake, extremely unadventurous!
Hopper, Cooper, Wendy, Riley, Molly, McKenzie, Charlie – in no particular order the names f the 7 rescued golden retrievers who actually rescued us. We only named one all the others came named.
We had a lovely mixed breed, farm dog named Clancy. Later, a purebred Airedale named Riley. Good dogs and good names.
Awe, my favorite is Barley after our first golden retriever boy. He was the best of the best.
My favorite dog name is Henri, in honor of my dog who passed away in October of 2024. He was 14.5 years old.
Riley, my daughter’s dusky rescue dog who has upended pleasantly our routines.
My Schnoodle, Bailey, is the color of Baileys Irish Cream. He is my shadow and his favorite pastime is playing catch while I knit outside.
Puppy is a great dog name!
Steinway! Steinway, was a friend’s Westie. For a bit there, we thought our friend had a weird relationship with their piano. Steinway lived to be 20 years old and was a highly cherished doggie.
I like that! I suppose for a violinist, the dog could be named Stradivarius.
My favorite dog name is Olive, that was the name of my black cocker spaniel that passed at the ripe old age of 16, last summer. She was the best dog- I miss her dearly.
My Pom/Yorkie mix (?) “bid” boy, all of 8 lbs. is named Diesel (actually, the vet suggested the name).
Our dogs are Pepelolo and Alegría. Pepelolo is a made up name that one of our small nephews called their sheep in El Salvador. We thought it was funny so we chose it when we got dogs. And Alegría means happiness in Spanish. What better name for an adorable puppy?
Tui; the Maori name for a New Zealand bird (and for a beer!), but it always felt to me like a great name for a dog. It’s pronounced ‘too-ee.’
Tui is also a chunk/bulky yarn from Zealana.
Well, this is tough.
In college one of my roommates (therefore all of us) had a husky named Sprog.
When I grew up we had a what German shepherd whose name was John. Sadly, John was female, but that is a story for another day.
Buster
Micaela, our Standard Schnauzer was from a litter named after the characters in the opera “Carmen.” Shadow, our Scottish Terrier named for “Shadowfax” from “Lord of the Rings” came next. Our next Scottie was Charlie named for the Bonny Prince. Currently, we are supervised by Max and Millie, two very smart Sealyham Terriers who know what they want and when they want it! All loved. ❤️
Favorite dog name (and dog), Flash!
Katie Ann also known as Little Bit
My niece had a Maltese named Chuckles and now has a part jack russell named Maren.
My dog Rio. He is 9 pounds. Chihuahua,Rat Terrier,Pekansis and small Poodle. Every week we vist my Dad at a nursing home. Rio is loved by many people there as they hold and pet him. Rio brings joy to many people.
So many dogs over the years and now many grandpuppies all with the best names. If I have to pick one I will say Schultz. A wonderful German shepherd loved by my kids when they were little. And to this day 40 years later I still miss him .
Sammie…the dog I had growing up.
Our two mini doxies – Emmett and Clara. Named for Back to the Future’s Dr. Emmett Brown and Clara Clayton.
Famous
Our first dog was D’Ogee, pronounced D -O -G, a big female German Shepherd. She was followed by Beauty ( German shepherd /collie mix), Knick ( purebred yellow lab), Max ( Maltese) and currently Misty ( miniature poodle). They were ( are) all well-loved!
When I was a small child in the 50s a stray dog showed up. Our dad, who had no patience with dogs as pets, was out of town and my sisters and I begged our mom to let us keep him. She relented under pressure but said we should name the dog Mr. Chips because when our dad got home it was “Goodbye, Mr. Chips.”
(I think you have your bd a certain age to appreciate that.)
Sure enough, Dad called the dog catcher to come get the pup when he got home. But that clever Mr. Chips managed to escape and returned to our house. He was rewarded with a home for life and was my best friend for many years.
My sister-wife had a rescue pup with huge ears that perked up to every small sound. Of course she named him Radar.
Heinz or Schnitzel
Noodle McGee
Arne was our sweetest black lab who died much too young. He would have rocked a sweater in these colors.
My daughter lives in New Orleans, and her husband is a big fan of the football team. They have two cockapoos, a beige one named Fleur de Lis, for the symbol of the city and a black one named Brees after the team’s former quarterback. She’s sometimes called Brees Louise because she’s a female. They are my beloved grandpuppies.
Laddie. Many reasons and best dog ever.
My favourite dog name is the name of my favourite dog – Sherman. he was the best dog & I would be knitting for him is he was still here.
My favourite dog name is the name of my favourite dog – Sherman. he was the best dog & I would be knitting for him is he was still here.
We adopted a sweetie named Roosevelt! Small but much like Teddy R we think!
Oh the comments will be lit!! I’m a fan of Barkles McHowlerpants
Atomic Dog
It would have to be our rescue dog, Totti! He was the best; so smart! Wonderful companion when our son was growing up. We still talk about him:)
My favorite dog name is Dolce, my Maremma Sheepdog. Dolce was a super responsible livestock guardian for my small alpaca herd. Dolce loved to play in the snow and take naps on the iced-over driveway.
During our marriage, we’ve had three dogs — Potter, Lucy, and Diggory. Our grand-dog is called Kenny. He’s coming for a visit next week. With his people, of course. Kenny and Diggory are a bit of a handful (Kenny is a Goldendoodle, Diggory a Lowchen so there’s a size differential, but we’re not sure if either of them know it)
Our best family dog name was Taliesen — a Welsh Springer Spaniel named for a Welsh poet by a precocious 9 year old.
Personality is everything when coming up with a dog name. I have considered the names Chicken (bonus, there are many songs about chickens), Charger and Supper in the past. Supper would have worked nicely for our Daisy, she’s a good eater.
I’m loving the Dog Daze! I hope some day to have a dog that will want or need a sweater.
We adopted a Lhasa Alpso from a puppy mill rescue. She was shaved down to the skin and trembling. We brought her home and named her Chula. She never completely recovered from the atrocities she endured but she seemed happy with us. She went by many variations of her name including Chula Lou, Chuly Louly, ChooChoo and my favorite Chuchy Poochy Patchy Poo!!
All time favorite large dog name– Howard.
The name of my favorite dog is Jenny, my cocker spaniel rescue! (And of course her predecessor Cosmo).
I couldn’t make the DWJ workshop in real time but I’m looking forward to watching the recording today.
Waylon and Tammy
Aurora, because as a Samoyed, she was trained to ‘tell them your name’
Auurrr ra ra
Rebel (Siberian Husky and completely sassy), Eloise (French Bull Dog who thinks she is royalty) and Bullet ( a rescued who-knows-what breeds, who runs circles around the yard at the speed of a bullet)! These are all my grand-pups and I love babysitting them all!
My 3 grand-pups! Rebel (Siberian Husky and completely sassy), Eloise (French Bull Dog who thinks she is royalty) and Bullet ( a rescued who-knows-what breeds, who runs circles around the yard at the speed of a bullet)! I love babysitting them all when my kids travel!
Hard to pick between the names an old neighbor gave their dogs – Miss Pork Chop, Tater, and Catfish Po’Boy.
“Max”-a-rooni is our loveable Beagle/Bassett mix. He definitely rescued us!
Scaramouche (aka Mouche) and Celly Bean both precious Frenchies
Our dog growing up was a rough collie named Sue-sue. Dad had actually named her Zsa Zsa, after Ms. Gabor, but I couldn’t pronounce that so she became Sue-sue. Great dog, very smart. Because of her, I couldn’t see what the big deal about the show Lassie was. Of course the dog understood! Sue-sue always did, so of course Lassie did, too!
Anyway, now we have Gobbie and Echo, GSD puppies. I’d forgotten how hard house training is, because our previous dog, Murdock, trained so quickly.
I love the new colors! I’m not reknitting the Blanket of Joy to include them, though.
Maud. She was a very hauty, very big black standard poodle who lived down the street in my childhood. After her people moved across town she would make her way back to her old house, like a suburban Impossible Journey.
My first dog was a snippy little dachshund that I named Flipper after the TV dolphin show.
Moses! as in the name of my beloved Airedale-Welsh Terrier mix! When he came into my life 9 years ago, I wanted a feminist name for this guy. A clever young colleague suggested, “Moses! for Grandma Moses.” It is an excellent name for my favorite companion.
My favorite dog name is Cedar Chip. Cedar Chip was a darling cocker spaniel named after the filling in his bed (no longer used because of cedar’s toxicity).
My husband has the gift with naming dogs – our most recent dogs – The Colonel, our departed but never forgotten English Bulldog; Triple and Cheddar our current Brittanys. Both are baseball terms appropriate for the high energy dogs that they are. The late, great Detroit Tigers announcer, Ernie Harwell called the triple the most exciting play in baseball. All parts of the field are in motion to cut off that hit! And cheddar refers to a high, fast pitch, the high heat and if you saw our Cheddar in action, you’d agree!
Sissy. My first dog?
I have so many favorite dog names. But my current ones are Brownie (for a curly haired BLACK dog) who came with that name. He is a super mutt who looks like a Muppet. Perhaps the best though is a pug I adopted from Mexico named Gordo. His full name is Gordito but he only answers to Gordo. And he does look like a little fatty. Who is the most adorable inside and out.
We had a springer spaniel named Willie. We had a friend who named his dogs Bark and Wallet which I liked.
I have had two dogs in my life – one my father bought from a nearby family while we were at a picnic. Her official name was Rubo’s couquet but for some reason she was not show dog quality, but my she was a loving addition to our family whose name when my dad picked her was Judy and so she remained. My puppy was a gift from my husband near Christmas when he brought home in his pocket a mutt who we named Flicka, girl in Swedish. Both lived long good lives and added so much to our family.
Rhett Butler. A beautiful, soft, spaniel who lives on our street.
I’ve heard some great names of dogs owned by other people and my family’s dogs have had an assortment of names. But my favorite right now is Buddy, the name of the terrier mix that we adopted six years ago. It’s a very common name for a dog who is unique and much loved by us.
Mortimer
The current pet is always the favorite-
We now have Bertie, an English Cocker Spaniel.
His name is inspired by Bertie Wooster, another Brit who is well meaning but not too bright.
Good description of my Bertie!
I love my two rescues, Indy Bindy and Poppy Zou Zou, but I will never forget our beloved Guffman, who loved everyone and would stand on his hind legs looking out the screen door to bark at the squirrels scampering along the fence.
Coneyhotdog
My favorite dog was a super intelligent Shiba Inu named Mika. I miss her daily.
Birdie! Our bernadoodle. We have also had Chief the yellow lab, Ginger the Carolina Wild Dog, Charlie the black lab, Bebe (aka Barbara) and Jojo(aka Josephine) sisters—the black lab/Great Dane mixes(per the Humane Society), and EJ the yellow lab.
We usually have two dogs at a time – first there were Rowdy and Quinn, then Cooper and Riley, then Skye and Blue and now Blue and Rose. Quinn was a rescue Catahoula hound, Riley was a Border Collie – all the others have been blue merle Aussies. Blue’s official name is Captain America but we have kept that from him. He has enough of a super hero complex.
Our daughter named our dogs Cassiopeia and Andromeda when she was in middle school. Of course , the dogs didn’t know those names since they were shortened to Cassie and Andi very quickly. The dogs drove me crazy, but I loved the names.
My coworker Sarah has two boys, Charlie and Henry (age 4). When we were at the Minneapolis Pride Parade in June, I asked Henry if he read the Henry and Mudge books. He didn’t know about them! It’s such a cute series.
And Mudge is such a great name for a 182 lb. dog.
Duke
A rescue dog with a brain
He survived cancer with an amputation, lived for 4 more years and I don’t think he ever realized his leg was missing