Shadows are rarer than used to be in the Central Okanagan. Harleys have apparently ridden into the sunset. Buddies are fading but Lunas are rising.
So it is in the world of dog names, according to licensing lists maintained by the regional district. As with names for newborn human babies, there’s an ebb and flow to the popularity of canine monikers, though a few demonstrate remarkable resilience over time.
These names appear on lists of the 10 most popular dog names in both 2007 and 2023: Charlie, Daisy, and Bailey. Buddy, which was top dog 16 years ago, is now barely hanging in on the Top 10 list.
Popular names from 2007 that don’t appear on the latest list include Max, Jake, Maggie, Shadow, and Harley. Names that risen from relative obscurity to be on the Top 10 list include Luna, Bella, Lucy, Lilly, and Copper.
The list of popular local dog names was generated to remind the approximately 23,000 Kelowna-area residents who collectively own about 35,000 licensed dogs that its’ time to renew their pets’ licence.
Until Feb. 29, a licence for a dog that is spayed or neutered is $20. If the dog isn’t fixed, the cost is $60. On March 1, licensing fees are boost to $40 and $80 respectively.
Renewals can be done online at rdco.com/dog, or purchased in-person at local municipal offices.
Of course, as in most communities, many people own unlicensed dogs. The regional district says licensing fees help pay for and maintain dog parks, help reunite lost pets quickly with their owners, and pay for services like dog control and excessive barking investigations.
People who license their dogs can also get coupons to redeem at various dog-related retailers.
As to the names of unlicensed dogs, only the Shadow knows.
