Butterfly Inspired Dog Names

When you think of dogs and butterflies, you probably can’t help but picture the Papillon. Those gorgeous, wing-shaped ears are hard to miss, and they actually give the breed its name. Papillon is French for “butterfly.” When you see this adorable small dog, you immediately are drawn to its beauty; they’re often multicolored and that wispy, silky hair is a dream. Even their tails are elegantly plumed. What a delight! They’re four-legged, fluffy butterflies for sure, and we’d like to introduce you to Greta in this feature. She’s a tiny Papillon with an enormous, unforgettable heart.

Before we hear her story, though, note that the title Greta is an abbreviated version of Margarethe, which is of Germanic origin. The name actually means “pearl,” and if you know your butterflies, then you’re probably already thinking about the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. You’ll find them mostly in Scotland, and they fly near the ground as they feed on a variety of flowers and grasses. Further, Greta oto is a species of brush-footed butterfly, commonly known as the glasswing butterfly. Its transparent stained-glass type wing allows it to camouflage itself. How cool! So, it’s a double-whammy: Greta is a Papillon, and her name is connected to a pretty, golden, pearl-lined butterfly, as well as a glassy one.

Greta hit the news with both heartbreaking and heartwarming stories. In July 2016, Greta gave birth to a stillborn litter in Nova Scotia, Canada. Naturally, she longed to feed her babies and, frankly, didn’t know what to do with herself when no puppy could be found. She stopped eating altogether and spent her time outside searching for her infant pups. She was utterly devastated but soon gained purpose in an unlikely way.

Shana Snow, Greta’s owner, contacted Pick of the Litter Society when she heard of three kittens in need of a mother. These three kittens had been rescued from a terrible owner who sought to drown them. Mother Nature (and Shana) had different plans in store, however. Shana introduced the adorable feline trio to Greta. And the plan worked. Greta had milk to give, and the kittens needed love and nutrition to help them grow. The dog and cat family kept each other company and kept each other alive.

The kittens absolutely fell head over heels for their new mama, a once-depressed Papillon beauty who discovered a love beyond her own kind. Her experience reminds us that love knows no bounds. When she encountered the orphaned kitties, she only knew they needed her. And she gave them all she had.