Dutchess - because she "was." Dutchess, now living across the Rainbow Bridge was my first dog - a miniature, all black, poodle. My stepmother was a "backyard" breeder. However, the papers required by the American Kennel Club were not in order, so we ended up with a whole litter of poodles. Dutchess became my dearest little friend.

Sugar was a gift. At first, I didn't like the name that he came with. But he was a long haired Turkish Angora - pure white. And soon I realized that the name suited him perfectly. Sugar is across the Rainbow Bridge as well, but he was my first and only cat for eighteen years.

Within two months of losing Sugar we went out to adopt another cat. My husband selected Patches - a Calico. Patches is now sixteen and she has been a Prima Donna from the day we brought her home. She also came with her name.

It was so painful losing Sugar that I vowed I would never be a one cat home again. I wanted another cat to be a companion to Patches. And just like "Magic" he showed up. The dearest all black long haired kitty that is now also at the Rainbow Bridge. When I first took him to the vet he wanted to know if I had brought him in for his shoulder problem. I didn't have a clue, and the vet was referring to Magic Johnson's shoulder injury.

And last but certainly not the least, we have Rascal. Rascal just showed up about a year and a half ago. He is my ginger boy and he has attitude!! I gave him that name because he truly is a little rascal. He loves to hide behind doors and pounce on Patches. He also made it quite clear - I am going to live with you!!!! And I am in charge!! He was absolutely right on both counts.