IT’S K-E-M-B-A!

Kemba. KEM-ba. K-E-M-B-A. Seriously — is that so hard?

Robby named him. For Kemba Walker, of course — the ex-UConn star who is now, I’m thrilled to say, a member of the New York Knicks. It was Robby who also named Ricky the Beagle, for Ricky Williams of the Dolphins, his then-favorite football player. (Robby has always just assumed naming rights for my dogs. Not sure why.) Before we even had my current dog in the house, Robby had removed any question about what he might be called by ordering bowls, a placemat, and a collar . . . all engraved with the name KEMBA.

This is not to say that I, or anyone else in the family, had a problem with the choice. In fact, we all thought it would make an excellent name for a dog. Kemba Walker is a huge hero in our household — easily our favorite athlete. None of us will ever forget UConn’s miracle run in 2011 — five wins in five days to take the Big East title, then six more W’s to claim the national championship — led by the indomitable Walker, second shortest man on the squad. A fitting name, no doubt, for our super-athletic animal.

I also figured that the name would get a big reaction around town — especially at the dog park. Who in Connecticut wouldn’t be familiar with Kemba Walker? Who wouldn’t automatically make the connection — that that’s who my dog was named for?

Hasn’t exactly worked out that way, though . . .

Stranger on the street:  Oh, he’s so sweet!  What’s his name?

Me:  Kemba.

Stranger [with puzzled look]:  What was that?

Me [slower and more distinctly]:  KEM-ba.

Stranger:  Oh, Simba!  Like in The Lion King!

Or . . .

Dog walker in Winslow Park:  What’s your dog’s name?

Me:  Kemba.

Dog Walker:  Kimba?  Like, Kimba the White Lion — the Jungle Emperor?  In that Japanese anime series?

Jeez — does anybody follow hoops in this town? Do they really think I would have named my dog for a Disney character? Or an emperor in a Japanese anime?

My poor Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. First, nobody’s ever heard of your breed. Now, it turns out, nobody gets your name, either.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW BEAGLE MAN, KEMBA, AND RICKY ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.