Narek

It's actually Nerak.

I believe Nerak is boy for the cat, and girl for Karen. It's been awhile, but I remember her writing the name on the dustbof the window, and naming the cat Nerak. I vaguely remember the little girl saying "Nerak told me" or something, referring to Karen.

Do you mean that the family/kids refer to Nerak as both "she" and "he"? I can't remember; I'd have to go re-watch it. I always assumed "Nerak" was supposed to be a male dog, but maybe they do call it both a he and she?

In any case, it's made a point that it is "Karen" spelled backwards, and Ellie was given the message from the watcher to name the dog as such.