In the Book of Genesis, God created the animals, then asked Adam to name them: donkeys, cows, cats, parakeets, turtles, mountain lions and gerbils...just for starters. I imagine it took awhile. But the number of animals is not the point. Rather, the naming of the animals represents Adam's dominion over them.
            The tradition continues to this day. Giving an animal a name is a way of claiming that creature as your own. It also indicates the quality and nature of your relationship with that animal. 
            Sometimes, this can get a bit touchy.
            Each year, horse owners need certification from a veterinarian that their horses do not carry a disease called Coggins. So, I scheduled an appointment as ususal and headed to town with my horse on the trailer.
            After the vet drew a vial of blood in the parking lot. I loaded the horse back on the trailer and walked to the office. On the way, two cowboys pulled into the lot with horses of their own.
            Inside the office, the lobby was crowded with small animal owners. As I stood in line to pay my bill, the receptionist called out the name, “Buttercup." She glanced across the room. "The doctor will see Buttercup now.”
            The cowpokes stood behind me. I turned to one. “You named your horse Buttercup?”
            “No!” He glared. “My horse’s name is not Buttercup!”
            "Just wonderin'," I said and turned back toward the counter. Had we been in a bar, I might have ended up with a broken jaw. The guy probably rides a horse named  Thunderbolt.  Or maybe, Black Jack or Diablo. I’ll never know.
            On the drive home, I glanced at the side mirror and saw my horse's mane waving in the wind. He's a gelding with a rough trot, but he's sure-footed and enjoys riding the canyons as much as I do.
            His name is Buddy.
            This horse of mine wouldn't bring much money at an auction, but I wouldn't be surprised if, some day inside a vet office, a youngster pulls my sleeve and says, "Your horse's name is Buddy?"
            I'll nod. And the kid will smile and say, "Can I pet him? Please?"