Gail and I are discovering that humans can be divided into two distinct groups, not by gender, race or class, but by their reaction to learning my name.
In the first group, those younger than Gail, often female, and people with absolutely no interest in the game of football (soccer) predominate. They tend to put on a polite but quizzical look, hesitate, then ask: "Nobby? Er, where did you get that from?"
We get a different reaction from those Gail's age and older, especially if they are male, English, and long time football fans. They smile broadly as my name jogs a distant memory, and they say: "Ah yes, Nobby, like Nobby Stiles, of course!"
I leave it to you to read up more about Nobby Stiles the footballer, a famously distinctive member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team who sadly died of dementia in 2020, and to guess whether or not I was named with him in mind...
we love your name and we love that you have such a famous name-brother. one of our friend has a weim girl named merkel... he named it after his gun... all people think about the politician first LOL
ReplyDeleteYou learn something every day. We had never heard of a Merkel gun!
DeleteDearest Nobby,
ReplyDeleteWhen my human first heard your name she thought you were being named, like Bertie, after a P.G. Wodehouse character as there is a Nobby in his book "Joy in the Morning". Of course, 12,000 miles away here in New Zealand, when we first heard Gail was getting a new pup, we'd already heard the perfect first or second name for you which had been given to one of our golden retriever friends. A name we thought sounded dignified, but reminded us of Gail, Hamish and Bertie and their many adventures in Scotland, so Nobby if you ever need a middle name (even though some dogs only get a first name and surname) we suggest the "Munro". As well as your pedigree name, Gail could privately call you "Nobby Munro (plus Gail's surname)" when you have done good or bad. Regardless of how many names you have, we know you will be a very memorable pup with lots of adventures! xx (PS Munro also refers to a speedy NZ man who Anthony Hopkins played in the movie "The World's Fastest Indian").
Thanks for this great suggestion. However, Munro is the surname of Gail's good friends and neighbours Neil and Yvonne, so we feel it's already been taken!
DeleteIt doesn't really matter where it comes from, as Nobby is a nice short name, and easy to shout if you're ever a naughty boy!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Inca xx
I was wondering how Gail had chose your call name! I think it's a lovely tradition to name a new family member with someone (human or canid) in mind.
ReplyDeleteand we still do not KNOW why Nobby and Now that it has been discussed, I wondered about the Nobby name and thought it might be because it goes well with nice or naughty. LOL... at age 8 I named my first dog, Sticky Baby. when we called for Sticky people got a strange look on their face.. simple answser was I loved syrup and pancakes, so did he. What ever the reason, Nobby fits you well
ReplyDeleteNobby I googled your name when I read it. I learned that Nobby is often a nick name for Norbert and I think I recall your given name is Norbert with lots of other names after it.
ReplyDeleteHugs and quite frankly if fits you too
Cecilia
A great person to share a name with.
ReplyDeleteA great athlete…..yes, we’re sure you will be that. A ‘destroyer’ not sure, though the recipe in the Guardian might be an indicator.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteOh, I missed this post (the Blogger issues) - Not being a soccer fan I had no idea. I mentioned it to Mac1 your name just the other day and that you are blogging. Before I could say anything else she said, 'oh, is that for Nobby Styles?'
I am none the wiser, but clearly others are!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx