Everyone’s on their best behavior when someone comes down from corporate—even when that someone is a farm pup named Molly from Corporate, here to make sure that scritches are scratched and tails are wagged.
A high energy pup, Molly is enthusiastic about her job as head of hooman resources at her fur-ever home, to the degree where her puppy energy can be difficult to contain. “I think sometimes it's a pain to calm her down—but honestly, that's my favorite thing,” says Tyler W., pet dad for Molly. “When I come home and I can hear her feet skidding to a stop at the door, just sitting there waiting with the butt wag like, ‘Okay, get excited, let's do it.’ The feeling you get is that everything is wonderful and new and amazing to her. It's always rad, all the time.”
We sat down with Tyler to talk about the “corporate culture” at their home.
What was it like being a Wacky Pet Name nominee?
At first, Tyler was surprised to find out Molly from Corporate was nominated for a Wacky Pet Name award. He quickly got over the shock and got to work building up her base of support among friends, family—and even more unfamiliar colleagues.
Tyler says, “I'm telling everyone that I know [to vote]—people that I loosely am acquainted with at work, so on. It's like, “You barely know me, this is a picture of my dog on my phone. Look at her. Go vote for her.”
Did you have another favorite Wacky Pet Name nominee?
“Midsize Sedan,” Tyler says. “[There was also] a cat named Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator. The other dog name I like: The News. I love it.”
He continues, “Mr. Pizza Puff is also a favorite of mine, because I love any pet name that includes a title or a rank. I had a friend years ago whose cat was Lieutenant Pancake. I don't know why, but that was the best.”
He adds, “I really enjoyed seeing the other pet names. I was pulling for some of the other pet names, too.”
How did you choose a pet name for your dog?
“There was a whole list,” Tyler remembers. Some of them were more conventional, others were decidedly wacky in their own right. “The front runner for a while was ‘Ketchup,’ because she was like a dark, ruddy red color, which she kind of grew out of when she stopped being a puppy.”
He continues, “I was pushing for ‘Mike,’ but my wife said, ‘You can't name a girl dog Mike.’ I still think you can—don't let your dreams be dreams—but she shot that one down.”
The couple eventually landed on the name Molly for their new pup. However, they still felt like it was a little too—normal.
“My issue there was that we already know like five dogs named Molly,” Tyler says. “When we had Molly in her puppy training class with us for new puppy parents, there were two other Mollies. So, before we went with Molly, we've got to have something to make her different. What will make her unique and show the world she's not just another Molly? I was like, ‘She's Molly from Corporate, because that commands some respect.’”
The name was the perfect match for Molly’s uniqueness. Tyler adds, “You go to whatever pet store or your vet, Molly from Corporate's here. And that was the whole plan, go to that store, ‘Molly from Corporate? Corporate sent someone? Who's Molly? Why did corporate send someone?’ And then it's just this big eared goof trouncing along the side of us.”
What is your secret for choosing a great pet name?
When it comes to crafting a truly wacky name, Tyler recommends taking your time. “Don't stick to one right off the bat, let your dog's personality figure some of it,” Tyler says. “She was almost ‘Brenda from HR,’ but she doesn't have ‘Brenda from HR’ vibes. So, we couldn't do it. She's not a Brenda—she's a Molly.”
He continues, “I would say get something that sticks out a little bit. Because, again, you probably know or could find a dozen Mollys that are dogs easy enough. There’s only one Molly from Corporate. Same thing, whatever your dog is, give them something you can say quickly. But then make the full name a little more fun.”
Do you have any other advice for pet parents?
When it comes to pet parenting, the more support you get the better. It’s why Tyler loves VetHelpline®, a 24/7 telehealth health service that’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance plan. When Molly from Corporate ate a tennis ball during an ice storm, Tyler got the advice he needed instantly.
Tyler says. “You can Google any kind of symptom or thing, you can Google and find all these different things you're supposed to do—but the ability to get a vet on the phone at 7 at night on a Sunday in the middle of an ice storm means a lot.”
That added protection comes in handy when the unexpected happens. Tyler continues, “[We have the] ability to take her where she needs to go after hours. Frankly, not having to super worry about the cost also means a lot. To alleviate that kind of stress and pressure, take it off your mind and go, ‘No, I'm just going to get her the care she needs, and I'll be able to afford it’—that really means a lot.”
Testimonial provided by an actual Nationwide member. Views expressed by the member belong solely to the member and not Nationwide, its affiliates, or employees. Actual insurance plan availability and coverage may vary.
