Dog Names Ending in z

The human/canine relationship, displayed in many ways and many components of pop culture, is one of deep love, loyalty, and dependence from all parties in it.  While some of our featured pop culture spotlights live in fictional pieces, films, television series, and cartoons, some are real-life dogs interacting in real-life situations with real people.  Phiz is such a featured spotlight.  Phiz, a Boston Terrier, was gifted to a well-known blind lady by her college contemporaries near the turn of the century.  Initially named "Sir Thomas," Helen Keller nicknamed him "Phiz," and he became one of many dogs who were at her side throughout her life.  Helen, known for promoting Braille to become a worldwide standard in 1932 as well as political activism which encouraged governmental assistance to the blind, was a premier dog-lover.  According to pictures and her biography, she always had a dog at her side from a young age up until her death in June 1968.  While Phiz wasn't the only dog owned by Helen Keller, his breed is often in question, being described as an oversized Boston Terrier or a small Pit Bull with a short muzzle, creating the perfect partnership for Helen's journey.  

The conflict encompasses the Pit Bull breed's struggle for acceptance which continues today.  Throughout his life with Helen, he was at her side, reportedly accompanying her everywhere she went, supporting her with his love, loyalty, and companionship as they overcame many obstacles during their journey together.  Though frequently viewed as a service dog, Phiz, was much more of a companion to Helen, and as such, was much more valuable to her development, both emotional as well as psychological.  His companionship, love, and loyalty helped Helen with her overall general work for the disabled, blind and deaf population in the United States as well as across the globe, during her lifetime, which continues today.  While this oration may seem like a tribute to Helen Keller's accomplishments, and perhaps it is, the hard truth of the matter is that Phiz's story indeed can't appropriately be told without connecting him with her.  Her love for him and his love for her, coupled with the loyalty and acceptance which is so much a part of pet ownership or parentage, create the basis for the lessons to be learned from such relationships.