Names ... revisited

November 27, 2012

Okay, naming pets should be a basic task of any pet owner. It's not like we're naming our first born, or at least it shouldn't be that difficult. One-word names that distinguish them from other pets, or names that highlight their color or a personal trait should suffice. Most of our pets were given names that were easy to say and presumably easier for the animal to learn. We shouldn't have to consult with grandparents, aunts and uncles to make sure the name fits properly into their genealogy.

Chester, on the other hand, was given his random name by someone at Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon. His foster family actually called him by another name, but it doesn't matter because he doesn't "answer" to any name. We call him Chester but he rarely even responds, blinks or turns his head when called by any number of names. Actually he doesn't even turn his head to look at you when you make kissing sounds or little whistling noises. We know he's not deaf, but he is very much adept at ignoring people and things around him, if he chooses. I'm sure that was learned behavior out of necessity for survival. Was he beaten when he responded? Was food withheld when he didn't respond? Did he live in a home where people screamed at each other all the time so he learned to tune out voices? Most of the time he's aware of too much, particularly when he's not in what he deems a "safe" location. 

Lately I've been experimenting with him on names and sounds. The only name that seems to even slightly get his attention is "Baby". I'm sure that wasn't his original name, but no doubt there are people who've called him by that nickname.

We don't know how many homes Chester was in or how many people considered him "their" dog. Since he was rescued from a puppy mill, we can assume he was there at least throughout most of his adult life because he was used for breeding. I've mentioned this before but I think he might have had at least some field training, or maybe he spent some time in a rural area as a puppy. As uncomfortable as Chester is in most situations, he seems at home on a leash in an open field. This is an anomaly because his comfort zone is generally small spaces where escape would be easy but where his back is always protected. Glenn and I have each noticed his change in attitude when he's out in a field or large dog park, as long as there aren't other people or dogs around. He's still fearful but definitely more relaxed than walking in the neighborhoods.

Maybe his name was Hunter, Remington, Buckshot, Scout or Sport. I doubt it, but it bothers me that he thinks we don't know who he is. I wish we knew what name he prefers. How would you feel if everyone called you by a strange and unfamiliar name? Hopefully he doesn't think we're just stupid for not knowing his name. Maybe he believes it's just a nickname we like. I will keep trying names and when he smiles at me in recognition, I'll know the truth. In the meantime, he's Chester, our "Baby".