Nahoika, an Australian cattle dog mix, came to my family in a very special way - as a refuge of the 1995 Midwest Flood. Her then current family had adopted her after an abusive owner dumped her in front of their house. They were forced from their home and, since they were close friends of ours, moved into out house to wait out the flood. Along with them, they brought Nahoika, her seven puppies, Honey (her older daughter from a previous litter), and an entire family of barn cats. And we live in the middle of a town, without a fence, with and grumpy neighbors on four sides. We had our work cut out for us.
In a couple of weeks, the puppies were ready for homes, and the cats went to Iowa to live with some relatives. This left Nahoika and Honey. They stayed until the family was allowed to return to their house, but they decided they didn't want the responsibility Nahoika required, so they left her with us to be disposed of at the Humane Society. Obviously, that never happened. Nahoika and I struck up a bond and she became my best friend. We have now had her for three years, and she has blossomed. She no longer shies at every slight noise, and even follows me around the house and yard.
Now, I know what your're thinking.(Even if I don't, just play along) What kind of name is Nahoika for a dog? Let me explain. About the time of the birth of Nahoika's second litter, I was reading a book on American Indians and discovered that the Cherokee word for "mother" is "nahkoa". I've never been good with pronunciation, though, so when I recommended the name to Mrs. Gaddie, it came out "nahoika". How many dogs do you know that got their name in such an original way? (Not many, I hope)
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