Should we change her name?

[Roscoesmommy]

We will be rescuing one of two girls within the next month. We will be meeting one of them on Saturday and the other one in a few weeks. I was wondering if others that have rescued have changed names or just left them what they were when they got them. Right now, the two girls names are Neala (pronounced neelah) and Blayne (means "thin"). I actually think the names are kind of cute, but I have heard some people give new names for a new start, and others keep names as to not confuse the dog even more. Any opinions??? They are both listed on the website as fawn, but Blayne looks like she might be a very light Brindle. Neither of them have very much flash, if any.

[4everdogs]

I prefer to change their name. Who know what their past could have been and if their previous owner always used their name to yell at them then I don't want them associating their name with something bad.

[lisasentous]

Are these names that were given to them in the shelter or did they arrive at the shelter with these names?
I don´t know how it works where you live but here in the shelters some of the animals are given names if they arrive there after been found wandering or what ever.
I would see how they respond to their names plus if you like the names why not keep them plus see if they fit with their personality. If they are young enough it would not matter if you changed them. Just my opinion.

[Roscoesmommy]

Originally Posted by lisasentous

Are these names that were given to them in the shelter or did they arrive at the shelter with these names?

I think they were the names given to them at the rescue, they were both strays I believe.

[lisasentous]

Originally Posted by Roscoesmommy

I think they were the names given to them at the rescue, they were both strays I believe.

Well if they haven´t been there along time, I don´t see anything wrong with changing them.

[Roxy'sNewMom]

I changed Kayo's name from Ceaser....and he figured it out.
Shaunna

[DiverDiva]

I did not change either of my rescued dogs' names. Oscar was named by his foster for Oscar de la Hoya and although I didn't like the name when I first saw him on on petfinder, from the moment I laid eyes on him he just looked like Oscar. Steve and I were thinking of changing Mali's name until we learned her orginal owner named her for M. Ali. Steve is a fan of Ali's so we kept her name, too. To dogs, their name is not so much their identity as a call for attention, so I don't think it is too upsetting to a dog to have their name changed. Use the new name, then the original name, and pretty soon the dog will anticipate that the new name is a call for attention just like the old name. Using yummy treats always helps. You're an for giving a rescued boxer a good life.

[x19er]

Our Sophie was a rescue and Sophie is not a name I would choose myself for a female dog but it was the only thing she came with so we decided to keep it, new surroundings, new people but at least she had the same name

I think we all have nicknames for our dogs and they answer to all of them, so if you want to change I'm sure the dog will pick it up very quickly.

[Hobart Ave.]

The only reason that I would keep a rescued dogs name is if I really, really liked it. I'm just super picky about names and I like them to have special meanings behind them. Dogs always figure it out if you start calling them something different. Think about how many nicknames you have for your dogs...I bet they respond to most if not all of them. I know mine do!

[Chiefsmom]

Whatever girl you choose will be your dog now. She will be in a new home with a new life (you're an , BTW)!!!! Nothing wrong with giving her a great new start with a great new name if you choose to change it! As others have mentioned, you don't know if their previous names may bring negative thoughts??!!!