Sunday, November 2, 2008

Call Me Moxy

So for the literature fanatics out there, you should recognize that line as a spoof on the first line of a rather popular, classic book.

Today's post is not about literature.

You may find it difficult to find the definition for "Moxy" as in the phrase, "You've got Moxy." That would be because "Moxy" is a misspelling of a word that's not so much a noun as it is a brand name. It is more-appropriately spelled, "You've got Moxie." Moxie is actually a brand of soda invented in the 1880s (yes, that's 18 not 19). For those of you wondering what the devil "Moxy" (or Moxie) means, Meriam-Webster will be of little help as they only remind us that Moxie is a brand name. They give synonyms: pep and courage. A thesaurus would lead you to a synonym set including: adventure, courage, valor, stamina, guts, and backbone.

As a side note, I've always wanted people to say to me, "Tyler, now you've got Moxie."

Today's post is not about spelling, definitions, grammar, or even advertising—all notorious fascinations of mine.

Of trivial historic interest is that Moxie is the official soft drink of the great state of Maine; also the phrase, “You’ve got Moxie” comes from the heavy advertising of Moxie possessing the ability to calm one’s nerves. Hence the ability to gain control of one’s nerves is often referred to as having obtained Moxie. Thus the synonyms “courage,” “determination,” and “fearlessness.”


Today’s post is also not about history—another of my interests.

Today’s post is about a well-mannered, short-haired Chihuahua who left California because the shelter where she stayed was overflowing with animals. It’s about how she was scheduled to be euthanized, but somebody came up with some cash to transport her to another facility…in Utah. About how she sat in her cage for days, patiently enduring the yapping of the Chihuahuas and other small dogs as they vied for the attention of would-be adopters. And about how a family with four little girls walked through the door one day and their dad looked at all the other miniature animals and decided to take her for a walk. It’s the story of how she came to be adopted by these Oremites; and how they named her, “Moxy.”

Meet Moxy:

Yes, she's got plenty of attitude, and she's quite the adventurer. She's two and a half years old, and some say she looks like a mix between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. She's got a nice little asymmetric white stripe over her shoulders. You'll also notice her snout has two white patches—also asymmetrical. She appears to be house-trained, although I've already caught her peeing on the carpet. The girls love her and her first name (supplied by Tyler) was "Foxy" because she looks like a fox. I was later overruled in favor of the arguably cuter and cooler name of "Moxy." So as not to be overruled again, I immediately engraved them on her tags. No question now what her name is.

P.S. And now it is indisputable that I do, indeed, have Moxy.

7 comments:

K Cazier said...

You guys got a DOG!!! Oh, she is soooo cute! I hope that you really end up liking her. I think that it would be fun to have a small dog. I am thankful for Shelby (our dog) almost every day... and I totally regret her on the others :)...Just kidding. Having a dog is like having another child and so CONGRATULATIONS are in order. Have fun with her. Oh, and I like your choice in names. "Moxy" is cute and fun... I hope you bring her to Idaho next time you come. We would love to meet her!

Stacey said...

Dogs are the greatest ever. Maleen you are going to LOVE not having to clean up every little piece of food that falls on the kitchen floor. If she ever has extra energy that you need her to get rid of I have two pups that love play dates : )

meganmushrat said...

Do you have any idea how much pressure is now going to brought to bear upon me for US to get a dog? You had to go and get one of the cutest dogs I've ever seen. Actually, I can hardly wait to meet her in person. Great name, although are you sure you didn't pick it just so Tyler could brag that he has 'Moxy'?

¡Vieve! said...

Yay a dog! How fun!

I knew Tyler had written this because it was so long. *wink*

Chelle! said...

YIPPEE!! SKIPPEE!! YEA!! You got a dog!!!!

Stacy said...

I love it when Tyler writes on here because it is so entertaining. (Not that yours, Maleen are not, his are just distinctively Tyler). Dog is very cute. And Moxy is very trendy and fitting.
We have tried having a dog a few times and because of allergies (and my aversion to pet hair) it hasn't worked out, but I wish you and Moxy the best!
(And good luck on that nail polish...ouch!)

Emilie said...

I cannot believe that you got a pet! And a dog non the less! So, do you think June is allergic just to cats then? I am excited for you guys, and I love the name!