Katie Bell...

is the name of our family's black labrador retriever. She's really not even named for the Quidditch player in the Harry Potter novels, despite me being that much of a dork. We got Kate in early '99, and I didn't even read the first JK Rowling novel until June of 2000. We named her Katie Elizabeth. That's a mouthful. And I went to high school with a girl named Katie Bell. She was a few years older than me and had lots of charisma, outgoing, and was one of those people who, when you say their name, you say first and last. Katie Bell.

And so it stuck for the puppy. Who we've had longer than either of our kids. It's a toss up some days which one I love more.

( She's really the best dog in the world. )