I am a large fan of this website. I think this website is the bomb. Honestly, I do. I read this blog regularly, and recently it came to my mind that most readers do not know one specific and important piece of information about our lovely dog, Berlin.
The correct pronunciation.
Very few say her name…correctly.
Several years back, I was employed as a rough construction worker in the southern regions of New Jersey. On our crew was a salty character who had some unidentified dialect; the closest I could ever get was Appalachian. He said words weird. Berlin, NJ was one of the towns where we framed houses. Much to the secret enjoyment of the crew, he would place the emphasis on the first syllable, making the town rhyme with the name of that wizard. Add that Appalachian accent, and you get a word that stays with you for years. This is where our puppy gets her name.
We’ve encountered some challenges since she’s come into our lives because of this unique name. Our vet’s receptionist can’t quite get it.
Receptionist: So, is this Merlin’s first visit?
Me: Berlin. Yes.
Receptionist: Merlin has such a nice fluffy coat!
Me: Berlin.
And so forth.
So please, in your comments, make sure you emphasize the correct syllable.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Lukey wants to know if BERlin is on the list of people he’s not allowed to kick.
I said yes, but I figured I’d better check.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Lukey can kick her all he wants, and she’ll stand there panting and grinning and licking him all over his adorable face!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Shoot. We need to get those two together soon.