That which we call a pup
By any other name would be as cuddly. ^.^

Still, a name is where it all begins, isn't it? Our sense of identity is bound to who we call ourselves. And I've never liked my human name. For quite a long time, I held this idea in my head that it would be my eventual owner who would name me. But days turned to months turned to years and no owner entered into puppy's life to claim me, to name me. In retrospect, that fact should have hinted of the reality that I have only recently begun to accept, which is that perhaps I won't ever find an owner.

Instead, another pup named me. And I like it. True, I wanted my naming to have some kind of special significance, to carry the weight of some deeper meaning such as my commitment to another. But maybe that's not so important. At least, it doesn't feel anywhere near as important as having a name that resonates with me.

So, after a trial period, I made the first step of modifying my Recon profile, summarizing myself as follows: "My name is a reminder of who I must be for myself, if I am to be what I hope to be for others." Someday, I hope I live up to that promise, to be good to myself and get my life in order so that I can be the best pup I can be for those I love.

Well, the trial period is over. Shortly after the new year, I went to my local pet store and had a tag engraved. I was excited and nervous and determined all at once. So many thoughts rushed through my head: would anyone be watching? What style of tag should I choose? What else besides my new name should be engraved on it? And as I watched the stylus slowly etch out lines and curves on shiny metal, I could feel my heart race.

The engraving finished, the tag fell down the slot with a sharp metallic noise. I pocketed the tag and as I walked out to my car, I rubbed the freshly-made grooves with my thumb. In the privacy of my vehicle, I attached the tag to my collar, and heard the soft clanging of metal against metal. It felt...right, somehow. This is me.

Hero.