How Did You Get Your Name?

Take one look at me and you'll see how my Mom picked my name... She and Big Mama saw my raccoon eyes in a photo on the shelter's website and knew that I would be a "Bandit", and I do my best to live up to this name every day. It took a little longer for them to decide on a name for my sisfur, Lucy. But between a trip to the emergency vet her very first day at home and various other misadventures, Mom know that this was a dog who would cause nothing but trouble... Just like one of Mom's favorite TV characters, Lucy Ricardo from the I Love Lucy show.

There are many ways that humans go about picking pet names. Like mine, your human may have decided to give you a traditional pet name like Fluffy or Sable. A lot of humans avoid names like this though, because they are so common. But I say that if you are a princess, then it's ok for you to be called "Princess". It's more important for a name to fit than for it to be fashionable.

Other times, humans give their pets "people" names like my Mom did with Lucy. This can cause great confusion (and humor) when others don't know that "Charlie" is a cat and not another person. When your Mom or Dad gives you a name like this, they have to make certain that others know you are a furry people not a human people or else they could get in big trouble with the authorities for putting "George" in a cage.

If your human is having trouble naming you, then they shouldn't try to rush it. One way to choose a name is based on physical characteristics. This is how so many doggies wind up named "Spot" and kitties get the name of "Socks". They could also try naming you based on your emotional characteristics. After spending a little time observing your habits, they should easily be able to come up with a name based on your personality. For example, if you are the snuggly type, then "Cuddles" would be a great name. If they need more help, there are lots of websites on the Internet that have pet name suggestions. They even offer different names depending on whether you are a girl or a boy!

For humans needing help to name their next furry friend, here are some Do's and Don't of pet naming:

• Do let the whole family participate in the naming process. This will help cement your pet as a new family member.
• Don't pick a name that is embarrassing for you or others to use in public.
• Do pick a name that is easy to understand with only one or two syllables.
• Don't pick a name that sounds like any commands. "Stacy" sounds so much like "stay" that this could lead to confusion.
• Do try the new name out for a day or two. It will be easier to change in the first week, rather than after a month or so.