Wander & Wonder

If you have been following my blog for a while, you must know about Ghost the golden (or “Ghostie” if he is being extra cute). I remember the day that we decided to get a dog; I was BEYOND excited. Despite the fact that the timing was not “ideal” (I was just beginning medical school hihi), when I saw a photo of the-then-unnamed baby Ghost, I was instantly sold.

The stressful part was not which type of toys or food to get, nor was it finding a vet or potty-proofing the house…the real stressor was finding a name that held special meaning for us. I remember one night I was laying in bed and all of a sudden it popped into my head. It was the most perfect name and the minute I told Tony, he was hooked.

Our love for Game of Thrones played a big role in this decision. Throughout the pandemic, Tony and I had spent countless hours curled up on the couch, engrossed in the epic adventures of the Stark family (who was our favorite house). MINI SPOILER ALERT: we particularly loved the episode where each child received their own direwolf. As the show went on, we quickly realized that Jon Snow got the best direwolf: Ghost. Ghost was not just any direwolf; he was fiercely loyal, brave, and always by Jon’s side, no matter the danger. We felt a deep connection to this character, who represented the perfect combination of strength and gentleness.

Our little pup, though he may not be a real direwolf, grew to share many of these traits. He was fearless in his explorations around the house, yet gentle and loving when he nestled into our laps for a nap. His presence brought a sense of comfort and protection, much like the way Ghost did for Jon Snow.

The first time we called him by his name, he perked up his ears and wagged his tail, as if he knew it was the perfect fit. So, Ghost became more than just a name for our dog. It was a tribute to a character we admired, a symbol of the loyalty and love we cherished, and a reminder of the countless adventures we looked forward to sharing with our furry friend. Every time we call out to Ghost, it brings a smile to our faces (and his), knowing that our own little direwolf is by our side, ready for whatever journey lays ahead.