Leave a comment below, or comment/vote via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, for a chance to win a free copy of Raccoon Rescue! (Read on for a full set of rules…)
The day job takes me roughly once per quarter through Toronto Pearson International Airport. Headed home from my previous trip in January, I spotted a rack of stuffed animals for which Canada is known: moose, bears, and — surprise! — raccoons.
Toronto is known for its burgeoning urban raccoon population, of course, but not necessarily to an extent where I would’ve thought they ranked up there with the national animals. It was a pleasant surprise, but since my sons are too old for stuffed animals, I somewhat reluctantly bypassed the display.
I forgot all about it until my most recent trip. As is my routine, I stopped at a little shop to pick up some ice wine dark chocolate for the fam. Around the corner from the counter, there again was a rack of raccoons! Almost without thinking, I grabbed one.
I was still thinking at this point that my 11-year-old might like another raccoon for his collection regardless of age. I posted a photo to my social media sites anyway:
And then a rehab volunteer friend asked me what I’d named her. Of course I hadn’t thought about it before then. The raccoon wasn’t going to be mine… right?
Meet (and name!) my new mascot
As a marketer, I’m always looking for fresh ways to market — both books and digital forensics software. And taking that one photo made me realize what an opportunity this little raccoon presents. I can take her with me most everywhere I go, with a copy of my book, to help educate followers about raccoons and wildlife.
To do that, though, she needs a name. Now, I can barely name my own stories, and naming my children was naturally a collaborative effort. Names are powerful; they have to capture the essence of whoever or whatever you’re naming. In this case I’d like to turn to my small but growing fanbase: what should I call this sweet gal?
(And yes, the raccoon is a girl. As my rehabber friend put it, “She is radiating such feminine beauty.” Further, my dog and I are outnumbered by the males in our household, so a third girl would bring some welcome balance… even if she is inanimate!)
Some contest rules
- I’m soliciting names throughout blog comments below, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Reply to my posts there with your suggestion!
- Both girly and gender-neutral or -fluid names are welcome (but please nothing vulgar, off-color, related to trash, etc).
- I’ll collate entries into a poll that I’ll share on Facebook and Twitter. Assuming I get more than the two choices that Instagram Stories would support, I’ll post a screenshot of the poll there and ask for votes for your favorite name through comments.
- The person who picks the winning name gets a free copy of Raccoon Rescue! (Note: I have to be able to PM/DM you for your address for where I can send the book.)
Ready? Comment with your favorite raccoon name!
Name your Raccoon “Reese”.
Oh dear. I closed the contest. But! The book’s sequel introduces four more baby raccoons, and Reese is a great suggestion there! Thanks!
You’re welcome.