Most people will name their dogs a common name without finding out what their much loved dog friend wants to be called. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the top 10 pet names are; Max, Sam, Lady, Bear, Smokey, Shadow, Kitty, Molly, Buddy and Brandy.
Have you ever felt that the name you are calling your animal friend is somehow not right, or doesn't fit them, or noticed that they didn't respond to it? Maybe you've got the wrong name.
You may not know it but animals do occasionally change their names. Different cultures traditionally have allowed individuals to earn a new name during rites of passage or in vision quests. Animals also can choose different aspects of themselves to embrace at different times of their lives as they mature or go through phases. It's not uncommon for a shelter animal to want a new name when they go to a new home or choose a new family.
I recently worked with a client who wanted to invite a new dog into her life (after her older dog gave his approval and support for the idea which is always a good thing to do, of course). So I helped them work with the first few dogs, who all turned out to not be right for them at all.
The next dog they attracted felt really wonderful even though she had some problems. A shelter foster dog, she came to them with the name of Sophie, but my client just got the sense that wasn't her real name. So she kept asking and trying different names.
Nothing worked until one day she 'heard' a name pop into her head. "Penny! My name is Penny!" When she tried that name with the new dog, she immediately got an enthusiastic response which proved to her without a doubt what her new friend wanted to be called.
There are many other critically important reasons to talk with your animal too, especially if you are considering taking in a new companion. For instance, only they can tell you their true history and background. Who else will know but them, right?
Communicating also helps them understand new house rules, and provides an opportunity to negotiate behavior. We also need to know about their training background, their learning styles, what they feel their purpose is, what they like or don't like.
You'll also want to know if they feel there is a good fit between you. Please don't take on an animal just because they are cute or remind you of an animal you had before. If they don't feel connected to you, then regardless of how hard you try, neither of you will be truly happy together.
Communication with animals also helps them heal from past trauma or abuse, eases the transition time, and supports them while they grieve the loss of the family they lost.
So do yourself and your animal friends a favor and give them a voice. You'll be glad you did.
Val Heart, Expert Animal Communicator, Behaviorist, Author, Master Healer -- Providing Communication, Clarity, Balance and Healing for You and Your Animal. Are you Ready? Take a pro-active approach to improving their relationships with themselves & their animals through improved communication, energy medicine, health & balance for body, mind & spirit. Working with chronic pain, illness, trauma, training, behavior, performance, euthanasia... sport horses: dressage, hunter jumper, reining, cutting... |
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