...shortening a name is pretty common. Even if you prefer the long version. Usually it's other people, but sometimes us, as well, such as calling Abraxus, Brax.

Smiling is always interesting. We found a small terrier mix in the 80's. I called her Gauntlet. The lady who adopted her named her Ladybug, lol! Anyway, she would bare her teeth if you asked her to, but she wasn't doing it threateningly. It was a smile, but I don't know her motivation. You would say: Show me your puppy teeth, and she did! It was different!

I adored our Australian Shepherd, too. What color was yours? Ours was a red merle with bi-eyes.

You have had my situation, with having many critters to name. You get creative with that many, and many types from goats, to a pig, birds, etc.

You have had some terrific critters, with perfect and interesting names. :-)