My boys' friend needed to find a new home for one of their dogs. We decided to make their dog our new pet. The kids wanted to call him by another name and I said that was fine ( due to the dog's name is also the same name of their cousin). The next day my son told his friend that we re-named the dog which was this boy's pet. The boy called me at home, confronted me and asked me to please not to change his name because he really likes that name. I reassured the boy that we did not change the dog's name, that we just added a middle name. He then was fine with it. I know it sounds silly, but for some reason I'm feeling bad about letting my kids "change" the dog's name. Should we have left the name alone or is it not a big deal? The dog is a 1 1/2 yrs and comes to anything really. Funny how mom's worry about silly things..... Comments?
Don't worry.
How old is this boy anyway? Did the Mom know he called? Well, he is just a kid.
I think he is probably just having to get used to the idea that "his" dog is now someone else's.
You gave a good response to him... quick thinking!
Don't feel bad... keep the name that your kids name their pet with.
J.,
I have to echo what most Mom's have said. I think you found a great compromise with the "middle name" concept. That helps the young boy who used to have the dog feel connected, but also helps your boys bond with the newer name.
I really wouldn't think about it again. You're a great mom (thanks for taking a dog who would have ended up in a shelter!!) for even worrying. Congrats on the new four legged addition to your family! Our dog brings us and especially my daughter SO MUCH joy!
It's no big deal. I have been working in animal rescue for over 10 years now, and switching homes is a lot more traumatic for a dog than having a name change. Your son's friend is young, and it was probably hard for him to give up his dog. By keeping the name, he feels like he is keeping a tie to the dog. I think adding a "middle name" that you call the dog is a great compromise.
In our grownup minds, changing a dog's name is no big deal. In your son's friend's mind, it IS a big deal. To him, it's a major part of the pup's identity. We don't realize how important a name is until we run into something like this.
I think you handled it well, and you don't need to feel too bad about it. If it comes up again, assure the boy - who obviously has a heart for his family's former dog - that you had to change the name a little so your boys wouldn't be calling the dog by the cousin's name, and that would help keep peace in your family! Be sure to tell the boy that you appreciate all he did for the dog (even if it was just playing).
I love the "middle name" business!
Actually, I laughed when I read your note, because I'm, um. definitely not a kid, but I ran into that. We raised a wonderful pup for Canine Companions for Independence. She was named before we got her, and she was - and is - a terrific dog; however, she had to be released from CCI for medical reasons. A wonderful couple with whom we are now friends adopted her, and she couldn't have better owners! However, the first thing they did was change her name to something that was very similar but sounded less old-fashioned. There was no real reason for me to have trouble with it, but I did have some, because she was one of my four-footed babies! I call her by her new name when I see her, but I still have her old name in the back of my mind!
The dog will get used to whatever you call it.
The boy didn't want to see his dog go and it will always be Rover to him. Adding the middle name to the dog's was nice. And I think you hit on a great compromise.
It sounds like you really are more concerned about the transition for the friend and his dog, than the name of the dog. If this was the boy's dog, it has to be hard for him to see his "buddy" at your house and watching your son play with and feed his "buddy".
Your answer about the "middle name" was well thought out as well as so gracious and caring. And your worry, it shows you have a heart.
Nah! no worries. Your the dogs owner now and you have to name the dog to what works for you. If the dog is around the old owner since he is a friend then you can call him by his initials. The old dogs name and then this middle name you gave him as his new name. T.J. for example. Then when the friend goes home call him by his new name you all gave him. Just an idea but depending on the dogs smarts it might not work. Good luck!
