The Name Game
Some pet names say a lot more about their owners than about the pets themselves. The ASPCA wanted to find out what names pet owners used most. So they contacted 42 veterinarians and gathered more than 300,000 pet names to come up with the definitive list of the top 500. I have to admit that I have owned dogs with names in the Top 30. When my Ginger was living, we lived on a street with 3 Ginger's, 2 Molly's, a Maggie and a Lucky. Having their names called from so many directions is so confusing for the dogs. In my life as a breeder, I am finding it harder and harder to keep the Lady's and the Charlie's apart. I started to find it discouraging to have a favorite and unique pup end up with a blah name like Sam. To combat this disappointment I have started giving out this list with my pups, suggesting the new owners chose a name that is NOT on this list. I have also added to the list a few common Rat Terrier names like Jack, Spots and Teddy.
The web is a great source from names also. Just go to any search engine and type in "Baby Names", "Pet Names", or "Dog Names". Another place to look would be at the Library: Look for any baby names book. I have even seen these at the check-out counter of my local grocery store. Network with your friends and their friends. Have a "Naming Party" that inspires brainstorming names. If a child is going to be in charge of the naming process, help him/her with the process. A little guidance now could mean a lot in 5 years time. A name lasts a lifetime. Sit down and really think about your new pet's name. The result will be a special name, uniquely fitting to your pet.
So, here is my plea to pet owners and future pet owners. With all the names out there in the wide world, WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE ONE OF THESE?
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1) Max 2) Sam 3) Lady 4) Bear 5) Smokey 6) Shadow 7) Kitty 8) Molly 9) Buddy 10) Brandy 11) Ginger 12) Baby 13) Misty 14) Missy 15) Pepper 16) Jake 17) Bandit 18) Tiger 19) Samantha 20) Lucky 21) Muffin 22) Princess 23) Maggie 24) Charlie, 25) Sheba 26) Rocky 27) Patches 28) Tigger 29) Rusty 30) Buster.
