by Erin Ahmed

Created on: July 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2009

What's in a name? Everything. A name says who you are to the world, and in many cases an instant impression of the kind of person you are is made simply from the name you carry. Compare for example, the name John or Michael with a name such as Moses or Herschel. Do you get a different image in your mind when you hear each of those names? Of course you do. Names are important; they identify you.

Names identify our animal companions too, and because our pets are important to us, it is only right to make sure their name suits them and identifies who they are as well. It's important to take your time in naming a new pet to make sure it's a good fit.

Allow me introduce you to my two cats - Moxie and Gabby. Did you get an idea of them from their names already? Both of them are rescues and no two animals could be more different in personality than these two are. Gabby is completely laid back and always a gentleman, but Moxie..... let's just say she is anything but a lady.

Gabby entered my life one warm summer evening as I was on my way home from work. He very loudly introduced himself to me from the branches of a tree, screaming at the top of his lungs. I would never have believed that a tiny, little kitten could ever make a noise that big if I hadn't heard it for myself.

I carefully removed the roaring kitten from his perch and he immediately began to purr and cast his spell on me. I was hooked, he was coming home to stay. As I thought about what to call this new member of the household I noted that every time you spoke to him, he answered you. Carrying on a conversation is definitely one of his more obvious talents, and that would be amusing if only he didn't always need to have the last word! Because of this little quirk, he was dubbed Gabby.

Moxie and I met in a somewhat different way, not far from where I first encountered Gabby. Whereas Gabby introduced himself very loudly, Moxie stalked and ambushed me. She was also a small kitten when I first found her, but she was extremely ill and in need of veterinary attention. She spotted me walking down the street and began following me, crying for my attention and insisting I do something about her situation immediately. No fear, no shame. That is moxie, and that became her name.

Her personality has remained true to her name. She is aggressive, without fear and cares nothing at all what anyone thinks of her or her antics. She chases off dogs, steals things from neighbors and pulls clean laundry down onto the floor so it has to be washed again. She's definitely got moxie.

So remember when you are searching for that perfect name, it's going to identify who your pet is. You might want to avoid nomers such as Killer, Scratch or Makesbigdoodoo the next time you're naming that adorable little kitten or puppy.

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