One thing I don't understand is so many women (here and outside PetTalk) say they want to keep their own "family" names. Well, isn't your family name actually your Dad's family name? Where does your Mom's family come into play
Keeping my birth name had nothing to do with my father... it had to do with ME.

Shortly after we were married we visited an accountant to discuss some financial matters. I had an account that wasn't wisely invested. We discussed alternative investments and selected one. He completed the paperwork and passed it to me to sign. As I was about to sign he told me to sign on the next line instead. The reason why? I would be co-tenant...the account... MY ACCOUNT... would be in my husband's name. We did not open the account.

On the way home I asked my husband if he now understood WHY I did not change my name. I am willing to share all that I own with him but I am NOT willing to become invisible...merely an extension of him.

Plus... I like being able to say that both my names are four letter words....