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Name change for Trapper John?
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Member Since:
24 February 2012
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1
30 April 2012 - 3:05 pm
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Hi Everyone!  I know it's been awhile.  Life has been quite busy and I just haven't made it to the forums lately.

 

However, I have a question.  I have been seriously considering changing Trapper John's name.  For those who don't know him, he was named by IL Shorthair Rescue who saved him from being put down by providing all his medical care and rehabilitation after he severely injured his rear leg in an animal trap.  He had a very rough recover as he developed tetanus and lockjaw as a result of going a week on a "stray hold" with no medical attention in an animal shelter.

 

Pretty traumatic all around, right?  I know they meant well.  His name was changed from just Trapper to Trapper John MD (like the character in MASH) after an animal psychic said he didn't like his name.  Well I also know an animal psychic and she says he still doesn't like it.  Whether you believe in psychics or not, it still does seem like a harsh reminder of his tragedy, and not his triumphant recovery.

 

Every now and then I call him Jonathan.  It turns out it means "'God has given; gift of God".  I think this is much more appropriate for him! 

 

What do you all think?  Does anyone know how long it would take to teach a 5-8 year old dog a new name?   And does anyone have any other suggestions?

Wherever the Wind Takes Me, Dude

Member Since:
25 July 2009
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30 April 2012 - 4:35 pm
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Hey did you know we have an animal psychic on Tripawd Talk Radio every couple of months? She's great!

I agree. Change his name.

My first name was "Chopper." Now, I really didn't like it because it reminded me of getting my leg chopped off, because I was a "guard dog" in the 'hood and some dumb people didn't care about me. So when the nice rescue lady saved me and called me "Wyatt" I said "Hey, lady, that's a kewl name!" Now I got respect and I like being thought of as Wyatt "aka Sheriff " Ray Dawg.

He definitely needs a new one. Go for it!

Wyatt Ray Dawg . . . The Tripawds Leg-A-Cy Continues!

Read all about my adventures at my Tripawds Blog

Member Since:
25 March 2012
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30 April 2012 - 5:02 pm
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I agree, change can make you feel better.

krun15
4
30 April 2012 - 5:58 pm
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Just the fact that you are questioning it seems to me that you want to change it.

I adopted Obie from a local pug rescue organization when he was 4 years old. His first owners did not treat him too well so I think it was a blessing for him that they gave him up.  His original name was Diego, which not only didn't fit him, but to me was a reminder of his bad start in life.

It took him less than a week to learn his new name.  I kept some treats handy and called him by his new name when he wasn't looking at me, in all different situations.  Every time he looked at me when I said 'Obie' he got a treat.  Then I started subbing praise for treats. 

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

 

p.s. you will have to send a new ribbon!

Rock Hill, SC
Member Since:
28 November 2011
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30 April 2012 - 6:26 pm
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krun15 said
I kept some treats handy and called him by his new name

Our dogs were puppies, but we also used treats and it worked well.  Okay, maybe that's a stretch.  Let's just say it worked ... eventually.  Our problem was that we adopted two littermates and they would both come whenever we called either name.  We finally resorted to Greg holding both dogs and letting the appropriate dog loose when I called his name.  It took days and days and about six boxes of treats but they finally got it! smiley

Trapper looks like a very gentle dog.  I think Jonathan is a very regal name and would suit him beautifully.

Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11.  A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/

St. Louis, MO
Member Since:
16 September 2011
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6
30 April 2012 - 9:08 pm
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Changing his name sounds like a great idea and what a fitting name you choose!  Give Jonathan a hug from us!!

Hugs and chocolate labby kisses,

Ellen & Charley

Charley's Blog:  CHOCOLATE KISSES


DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab  
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10

Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10

Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin

Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing

♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥

Member Since:
18 January 2012
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30 April 2012 - 11:56 pm
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I love the idea of changing names.  Fresh starts are fabulous!  I always practice yelling the name to see if it's a good one to call him with.  Jonathan works well, but then I've had practice yelling that one with a couple 'gosh darn it' students I've had.  

I think when you find his name you won't even want to ask... it will just feel right.  Trust your feelings Luke.

Gosh it feels good to talk about name changes instead of illness.  Yay!

 

Hugs and Slobbers

Judy and Baby

Edmond, Oklahoma
Member Since:
7 January 2011
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8
1 May 2012 - 6:10 am
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Jonathan is perfect, and it won't take more than a few days for him to respond to his new name (maybe a few minutes if he's super treat motivated!)-- remember Trapper wasn't his name until he was rescued, so he's already proven he's a clever guy and can learn a new name. 

Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011

Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011.  Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs.  If love alone could have saved you…

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