
03/04/2025
The To***co Leaf Pups are Three Weeks Old!
These little ones are growing quickly! They're walking with more confidence, transitioning from the wobbly movements of newborns to the steady steps of young dogs. Their eyes and ears are now fully open, allowing them to take in the world around them. And with this new awareness, the time has come to bestow their names—a gift given in a traditional naming ceremony.
There is a sacred reciprocity that comes with the gift of a name. It carries not only identity but also a charge—a call to rise to their full potential as Medicine Dogs.
Some of you are already familiar with this tradition and eagerly await the announcement of the puppies’ names. Others may be hearing about it for the first time. In many Indigenous cultures, names are given at significant moments in life, meant to imbue strength, character, or purpose. It is common for a Native person to carry many names throughout their lifetime, each marking a journey of growth and transformation. These puppies are no different. They, along with the families they will one day join, have been prayed over, and their names reflect the medicine they are destined to bring into the world.
It’s important to remember that Native American Indian culture is vast and diverse, encompassing hundreds of sovereign tribes spanning from Mexico to Canada and Alaska. Each tribe has its own language, traditions, and worldview. As a keeper of the Chahta (Choctaw) language, most of my pups receive Choctaw names. However, when I choose to honor another tribe by naming a pup in their language, I always share the name’s origins with gratitude and respect.
And as always, we protect the sacred by keeping the ceremony private. What is Sacred is Secret. These photos were taken only after the ceremony was complete.
Now, Turtle Island, meet the To***co Leaf Pups:
1. Hakchuma Himitta Naní – "Sacred To***co Flower" (Choctaw)
2. Tanega Tsigatia – "To***co That Carries Prayers" (Cherokee)
3. Nuhka Nahkai – "Sacred To***co" (Caddo)
We chose to honor this litter with names inspired by to***co, one of the most sacred medicines in Native American Indian culture.
To***co is far more than just a plant—it is a bridge between worlds. In many traditions, to***co carries prayers to the Creator, strengthens spiritual connections, and serves as a sacred offering in ceremonies. It is used with reverence, never casually, and always with intention. By carrying these names, the To***co Leaf Pups are imbued with the spiritual significance of this powerful medicine, helping them fulfill their role as Medicine Dogs.
Additionally, the tribes we are honoring with these names—the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Caddo—have deep roots in the southeastern region of Turtle Island. This area has long been home to the Indigenous dogs who walked alongside our ancestors, serving as guardians, hunters, and companions. These dogs were not only integral to our daily lives but also to our spiritual and ceremonial traditions. By naming this litter after such an important medicine, we acknowledge the sacred bond between our people, our dogs, and the land we have shared for generations.
May these pups carry their names with strength, wisdom, and purpose.