Posted on 04/04/2008 6:07:02 AM PDT by Cagey
Fido and Rover are 'so' yesterday.
When it comes to naming dogs, Americans are opting for names that are downright human. A survey using data from the computers of Veterinary Pet Insurance says the top four male dog names are Max, Buddy, Rocky, and Bailey. For female canines, it's Bella, Molly, Lucy, and Maggie.
The trend is no accident, according to those who work with dogs and humans at the Animal Humane Society. "What strikes me most about the list is the amount of people names on that list, and it all just gets back to the human/animal bond," commented Kathy Johnson, AHS Director of Veterinary Services. "Animals are being valued more in our society. There are places we don't even refer to ourselves as 'their owners', we're their guardians now, so I think this is just a trend we're seeing, that they're a part of our family." AHS President and CEO Janelle Dixon agrees, noting that people who used to keep their dogs in a kennel out back are now pushing them down the street in strollers. "People say animals have moved from the back yard, to the house, to the bedroom."
An informal survey at the Lake of the Isles dog park generally supports the trend. While dogs named Snapper and Dasher sprinted around to their hearts content, they were accompanied by furry pals with human sounding names; Vinny, Rosie, Riley, and Pearl. "Don't most dogs have human names?" Riley's chaperone, Gretta Morrison asked. "I think they do." Even those who opted for less human names chuckled at the thought of calling for a dog named Jim. "I think human names are funny, actually," said Mark McMillan, as his wife Katherine nodded. "Whatever works, you know."
My cats are Norman and Betty.
Prior cats include: Vincent, Vernon, Mark, Morris, Popo, Sweet Kitty (I came up with that at age 5), and SamBob (we couldn’t agree on Sam or Bob).
Prior dogs: Otto (a Samoyed), Huff (blue heeler) (named for Mr. Huff, an eccentric family friend), and Chester (chow/heeler mutt).
OK - I’ll join the rest of you in sharing the names of our critters, and yes, I never was blessed with children of my own but have some wonderful stepkids and grandkids.
Current dog: Bubba Dump
Current cat: The Empress Mija Dora of Tzaneen
Past beloved dogs: Tori, Waldo, Poco Loco, Sadie, Keesha, Ebby
Past beloved cats: Pearl, Claude, Sister, Mouseabeth, Prissy
I never went looking for any of these critters - they usually found me or got left behind when kids moved out. But we believe in keeping pets for the duration & some even got moved to Idaho from Az.
No - it went something like this:
“And this is Blake (referring to the dog). He and I are out doing some shopping today - and his daddy Tim is out golfing!”
Used to have a Chihuahua named Amos that answered to both Fleabutt or Muttmutt.
Over the years I have had Odie, Hazel, Doc, Sally, Boss, Zoe, Bobo, Lolly, Jack, Tootie. I could go on but you get the picture, I have had many dogs some with human names some not.
*Colt (Great Pyrenees/Kuvasz)
*Joy (Lab mix)
*Aaron (black/gray tabby)
*Muffin (multi-color calico)
Previous edition:
*Sam (Yellow Lab)
*Butch (Maine Coon)
*Lucky (Himalayan)
I wish I had had this thread a few years ago when I was looking for names for my new puppy. I would never have named her Daisy! She was the “replacement” for my first dog, Molly (see my screen name.) I guess I’m just too predictable. LOL!
Usdi Waya for our male yorkie, Chuhga for his big mama mate and Chee Chee for their offspring. All are fixed now. Chee Chee means wren in the Cherokee language, Chuhga means flea (and she’s the biggest. Snorty Farty is another of her names) Usdi Waya means little wolf.
Here there’s a Rocky (aka Hank) and Fifi. Previously there was Gus and Sam, which I’m surprised weren’t names in the top list.
Guilty.
All of mine have ‘human’ names
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