NAMING YOUR PETS

Pet names have gone beyond the typical Spot, Rover, and Kitty. Proud owners spend long hours thinking of what to name their pets, and their decisions for their choice are varied.
Some name their pets after the dominant fur color (Blackie, Mustard, Snow White), others after the pet’s perceived personality (Sleepy, Jumpy, Yapster). You may even discover something about the owner’s other hobbies or interests, with music buffs naming their pets after rock stars, or film fanatics choosing a character from a film as a namesake. There aren’t any hard and fast rules, but if you’ve considered all those options and still haven’t found a name that “sounds right”, why not name your pet after yourself or a member of your family?
Your pet can be your “junior”. You don’t have to adopt the exact spelling or pronunciation. Try changing a few letters (Donna to Dana) or shortening it (Patrick to Patch). You can also look at a baby book to find derivatives of your name. If you’re a Michelle, you’ll discover other variations—Michelline, Marichelle, Mikhaela, Mitch, Mikki—all of which can be a lovely name for a pet.
It would be a good idea, however, to pick something that you’re not normally called on a daily basis. Otherwise, both you and your pet will be confused when someone shouts your names. Some options: a childhood nickname that you’ve long let go of, a second name, or your real name that no one but your mother actually uses (and only when she’s really, really mad).
Naming your pet after yourself doesn’t have to be literal, either. You can choose a word that’s symbolic of your personality or an important experience in your life. Are you a runner? Consider calling your dog Sprint. Did you always want to get into painting, but gave it up for a more practical job? Honor your dreams by naming your cat Van Gogh.
You can also name your pet after someone meaningful in your life—a favorite uncle, a best friend from college, a teacher who touched your life. That way your pet’s name will have double significance for you, and you’ll remember that person each time you’re with your pet.
You can also try combining the letters or syllables from several names. Charles and Diana may name their dog Chad, or alternatively, CD. Or why not take the first letters of all the members in your family and mix them up to form a word?
Of course, this is your pet, and you can name him anything you like. Let your imagination run wild! Just make sure that you pick a name that your pet can easily remember, or it’ll defeat the purpose of yelling it at the front porch and not getting any response from him. In general, pets will understand a name that is short and uncomplicated, ideally under two syllables. If you have more than one pet, make sure their names do not sound alike.
Still can’t decide? There’s nothing wrong with thinking it over for a few days, until you find a name that you really, really like.