Our dog Samuel who was always called Sammy went unexpectedly to the bridge last month.

We have adopted a new dog and we are in the process of renaming her. My family wants to name her Samantha and call her Sammy as a way of honoring the old Sammy.

I want her to have a completely different name because I think it would be too much of a reminder of the dog we lost. To me it just seems wrong to give the new dog his name.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

I absolutely agree with you. I always suggested to people that they get a new dog that is completely different from their last dog, just for the reason you site

Well our new dog is totally different. Sammy was a boy boxer/beagle mix and our new dog is a girl chow/retriever mix. We purposefully chose a completely different gender and look. But I still don't want her to have his name.

I agree she should have a differant name.--Aggy

[lil mutt]

i agree with you... i rather name the new dog other name aside from the names of my dead pet.

thats right..i think it would be great....if you give other name...

You replied by saying renaming "HER".If its female how about Samina.You had wonderful memories with your beloved pet who passed away so I think something close to his name would be wonderful.My shih tzus are named Jake & Chloe.Enjoy your new baby.I just love my dogs sooo much.

I think your new dog deserve to have her own identity...
being a new pet...
it's good to named your pet after your decease pet...
memories was always remembered...
but your new pet deserve to have her own memories for you...

Agree with the majority, have her a different name...

I don't think that is nice because it feels like you are replacing a dog.

Having intentionally chosen an entirely different kind of dog, giving her the same name is counterproductive, yea?

[wishbone]

My uncle's playful huskie was named after memory of his grandfather...

I agree that it would be too much or a reminder.

Also it seems like both dogs should be able to have their own identity.

I know people that name dogs after past dogs, and that's all fine and good, but what I have against it is that people sometimes have a problem of realizing their old dog cannot be replaced. A lot of times people will look to replace a dog that has passed with as similar of a dog as possible, and that comes with inherited expectations for the dog. And while you might have a completely different dog, you might still find yourself expecting this dog to replace Sammy. I think it's best to give the new dog its own identity.

As I have already mentioned in another thread on this website, I had a dog called Ruby. She died some years ago. For a long time, we couldn't bring ourselves to adopt another dog. Last year, we finally did. We had this similar debate about naming her, however we finally decided to go with a whole new name! Ruby is and will always be someone very special to us.

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My Beloved Bichon,Ralph died last summer. At first I said no more dogs, then I said no Bichons. I have since rescued Mickey and Minnie, two 5 year old Bichons, from the spca in upstate ny. They were surrendered from a backyard breeder. I agree with the majority, new name for your new dog. You will see Sammy's spirit in your new dog and will think of him often. She needs to start off on a clean slate with the family. P.S. I still sometimes call Mickey and Minnie by Ralph's name, it's human nature. Good luck
janiceck