Dog of the Day: ‘Hunger Games’ Pup Named Katniss Boosts Spirits, SEO

Finally, a dog of the day who is not only worthy, but will drive crazy, mad traffic to our Web site!
Meet Katniss, a pit bull mix who is named after Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of “The Hunger Games.” Now, we all know that this cute dog named Kat — rescued by Clinton Hillers Phil Bildner and Kevin Lewis — could have won “Dog of the Day” on her own, what with that cute photo (above) of her enjoying her morning workout.

He’s cute here, too.

But let’s face it, our “Dog of the Day” is just as sensitive to today’s modern media climate, where search engine optimization and keywords and verticals and brand identity are so important. So, yes, we’re moved by the story of how Katniss was saved by the Sean Casey Animal Rescue people from a pet-hoarding situation on Fort Hamilton Parkway, but we’re just as moved by the fact that when people type “Katniss and Hunger Games and dog” into Google, this story will come up.
Take that, Huffington Post!
Turns out, Katniss’s human companions were not thinking of our Web site when they named their 6-month-old pup.
“We both work in children’s publishing so we thought that would be a fitting name,” said Mr. Bildner. “The name also works because the character Katniss is a fighter and a survivor, like our Katniss.
“But unlike the Katniss in the movie,” Mr. Bildner added, ruefully, “she isn’t skilled with a bow and arrow … yet!