Names

Why would anyone call their dog "Betty"? And a Jack Russell at that. I heard someone call their little pet by that name the other day. Got me thinking.

There's something about humans and our relationship with animals that compels us to give them a name. Cows, chickens, lizards, pigs. No pet is exempt, it seems. Perhpas it's because we recognise something in them that we want for ourselves but can't have, so naming them keeps them close. 

Maybe.

In addition, naming them might give us some sort of imagined control. Like: 'You're name is Betty and that means you're just a little more special than the rest of the nameless wild creatures but you're also mine and that puts me in charge.' Dunno. Sounds a bit heavy.

Or perhaps that's not it at all!

Betty, the miniature poodle, tied to her owner by a lead. Pulled from time to time, albeit relatively gently, along a path that suits her human master. She resists for a moment and then trots alongside, waiting for her next opportunity to bark at a poodle. 

Does Betty really mean that initial resistance or is it purely for show? Does she know that her momentary pull against the lead pleases him, that he prefers a bit of "personality" in his animals (and his humans) so that his control over her feels like power? Probably not. He named her Betty, after all. But then, Betty is a sentient being. Perhaps its she who's really in control?

It's perhaps even likely that he doesn't make this connection himself.

Or it could be nothing like that.

Betty spends most of her time inside, like a good girl, but she needs her exercise and so does her master. They do this together. Betty is a well-trained little thing. Perhpas she just wants to please her master who is lonely. So she listens, follows his voice and gestures, obeys, because she feels his pain ease. Some dogs are like that.

She may even shiver at the sound of "Betty" vibrating through the air around her, but let's the impression it leaves fade of its own accord just to see the shape of his face shift into what she has learned is a smile.

But that could be way off the mark.

What's in a name? 

What might the world be like if nobody was given a name? Would a number do, or a colour perhaps?

What would it mean to you (and your pet) if it was merely Dog or Cat or Lizard, Rat or Cockatoo?