Just in time for Christmas, we found a puppy to bring into our home.

She is one of a litter of three cocker spaniel/Australian shepherd females acquired last week by Diane's Discount Pets. We "met" her in the pet store Friday night and she was home with us before noon on Saturday.

Trouble is, our family of five can not reach a unanimous opinion on a name.

I liked my son's suggestion of Smidgeon, because the peanut butter and chocolate candy in the form of Christmas trees is a favorite in our house during the holidays. And, we have long considered it a Christmas miracle that our beloved dog Holly survived binging on them as a puppy one Christmas Day when she found an unattended plate on a table.

I thought we could call the new dog "Smidge" for short. But I'm the only one in the family who likes that choice.

On Sunday, one day after we brought her home, we decided on Charlie. A tough, playful Charlie for a female. But as the day wore on, it wasn't working. It didn't seem right to say.

We toyed with Sweetie and Sparkie, because they are names that some of us call everything little and cute. We have listed names from Queenie to Taffy to Daffy and Prancer and Vixen, but none of them are sticking.

So, we call her The Dog.

I named her Winnie on Christmas, but the reception has ranged from lukewarm to "no way."

The debate rages on. So, if you want to have an opinion on naming a really sweet puppy, sound off in the comments.

We'll be checking for suggestions when we're not walking The Dog.