Humans are imperfect.
Regardless of who it is we hold in high esteem—teachers, scientists, parents or partners—within each one of them is a foible, at minimum, or character flaw that renders them less than perfect (though, maybe relatable).
It’s with that in mind that we should reconsider our practice of naming highways and parks and buildings and other public facilities after people we deify.
No one is perfect.
Not even Ronaldinho. Or even Lionel Messi.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District is welcoming suggestions for names to a new school it is planning to open in 2022. Undoubtedly a fine list of candidates will be offered. People who have served the community or contributed to the cause of education will be suggested as namesakes.
Given the age we live in there is a very real chance that no matter who the school is named after something problematic about their behavior will be revealed.
But a dog?
Who could ever find fault with Sami, the chocolate Labrador who howls with excitement every time they see us walk through the door—whether it’s the first or 10th time?
Or there is Queenie the Lhasa Apso-Chihuahua mix with breath so ferocious it makes onions cry. What she lacks in hygiene she more than makes up for in affection and knowing when a well-placed head on the lap is just what’s needed after a challenging afternoon.
Cats should be considered as well. While Lady McFoofie has the annoying habit of jumping onto the keyboard while we’re working on deadline and Tiberius the Tiger meows loudest while on Zoom conferences (and even louder when tossed into the hallway), they each keep our laps warm and let us pet them to sleep, relieving us in turn of stress built up over time.
Dogs and cats and birds and all manner of pets have been a source of comfort to many us in our times of need and even more so during this last year of pandemic. It would be quite the gesture to see their selfless behavior rewarded, whether in the form of a school name or other public gesture.
In fact, if that four-year university ever gets built in Chula Vista, Whose A Good Boy U, has a nice ring to it.
