What's in a Name?

Surprisingly, a lot.

Names are one of the few things that help to define us for life. For most people, the name you're brought into this world with is the same one you go out of the world with. Last names change - sometimes often - but generally, first names stay the same.

We get nicknames, pet names, abbreviated names, but our names are still the centre of us. One of the first words we learn, the first things we learn to write. Names play a big role in human life.

However, it's not only human life. As a pet owner, I know that naming animals can be a very tedious task, but a necessary one. And, just like with people, animals names are important. They respond to them in a manner very similar to human children.

My hedgehog, Bella was named after Bellatrix Lestrange from the Harry Potter series, when I got her three years ago. We call her Bella for short, but we've always called her Bellatrix. And, like her fictional persona, she's a snarky, nasty, mocking brat.

Names are important for everything, and I'm having a difficult time deciding on a name for my kitten, which I'm getting for my birthday. I guess I'm going to have to meet him or her before something really stands out to me. I'm hoping that the name I choose will fit the little critter well enough! I'll be sure to do a survey once I get pictures of the new addition.

Blessed be,

~Erika Lee