How to Choose a Name for Your New Animal Friend
In the world of rescue, many animals have established names that suit them quite well. Others have names that scream to be changed or they have no known name at all. When I volunteered for a small rescue organization, selecting or changing an animal’s name was an important step even though we knew it was quite possible, that once they were adopted, their name would change again. We had to consider how the name might resonate with a potential adopter and if we were doing justice to the animal.
Over the years I have encountered animals with TERRIBLE names like Killer, Mayhem and Hitler. PHONE IT IN names like Tigger, Midnight and Fluffy. LOVELY names like Lucy, Willow and Ricky. And BRILLIANT names like Blueberry, Jewels and Sir William. Often times, people allow their young children to select a name and that is how a 70# female, lab mix ended up being called SpongeBob.
Choosing a great name for your animal friend is important and you need to consider what that name will convey to the outside world. The name Killer for example, may hinder your ability to easily find a boarding facility or a dog sitter. At the very least, you may have to repeatedly respond to questions like, “Is your dog aggressive?”.
Having had the responsibility of choosing names for hundreds of animals, here is my advice…
Choose a name that is friendly.
Don’t limit yourself to classic animal names. Consider names that are usually given to people like Bob or Cindy. You can even look to the names of objects or places like Pickle or Paris.
Consider what type of nickname will come out of your choice.
If you are adopting an adult dog, find out how long they have had their name. If they have had the same name for many years and it is not associated with abuse or trauma, you might want to keep it.
Consider what the name will sound like if you have to shout it from your back porch, over and over. I guarantee that if you name your dog Sh*thead, your neighbors will complain.
Years back, I rescued a dog that was completely shut down. He was severely traumatized after being left in a trailer with fifteen other Chow Chows, in the middle of summer, in Northern California. They were not given food or water and could not escape. Sadly, they all perished except for one young Chow Chow. When he arrived to me, I contemplated his name and settled on Mr. Ed, after the 1960’s series Mister Ed that featured a talking horse. His nickname was Fuzzy Boots.
Every animal that has been a part of my life, has had a nickname that I often work into poems, songs or stories. To non-animal people, I would likely appear crazy but animal people know exactly what I’m talking about. Animals bring so much joy to our lives and I would like to believe that the feeling is mutual. When I remember the look on Mr. Ed’s face and how he would hop around like a little bucking bronco when I sang his “Mr. Ed has Fuzzy Boots” song, there is no doubt that I was entertaining him as much as he entertained me.