Can I change my dogs' names?

When we first get our precious little pups, we have so many names we've chosen it's hard to pick just one. Finally, we do make a decision and our pup grows into a healthy dog with it's own distinct personality. And that's when we often find their puppy name just doesn't fit and we come up with all sorts of nicknames for them.

For example, our oldest is named Bruiser. Why? Well, he was the runt of the litter and typically had to fight for food, a place to sleep, a toy and just about anything. When all the other puppies were too frightened to venture into the backyard, our little guy took the lead and boldly went to inspect the concrete sidewalk. The other puppies followed hesitantly and, in the end, just dropped onto the concrete too scared to go any further. Our little Bruiser, though, dared to go where no other pup would go and ventured forth to the bedding plants where he found a wonderful place to dig.

Our youngest, Rocki, was named for the boxing movie (although I did take a bit of artistic license in changing the last letter) because when we got him, his left eye had a large, round patch of black and dark brown fur that looked like a black eye. Now, of course, it's pretty much disappeared.

Had we been able to wait until their personalities really came out, I think I would have renamed Rocki to Kato because, like Kato in the old Pink Panther movies, little Rocki is fond of hiding behind chairs or on top of them and attacking his brother as he passes.

As for Bruiser, he is the big boss. Even when he's visiting with his mother and other brother, he tries to control all of them. He needs to know what's going on at all times and is quite the little inspector when it comes to ensuring that everyone is doing what he thinks they are supposed to be doing.

In all, it doesn't much matter because over time, Bruiser's name has evolved into Brewsie Bear and Rocki has been labelled "Munchkin" by most people who have seen him. Bruiser responds to both names. As for Rocki, he responds to all names, including Bruiser.