THE
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF DOG OWNERSHIP
1.
My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will
be painful.
2.
Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit
with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience will
teach me more effectively.
3.
Please have me spayed or neutered.
4.
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is
more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don’t be angry with
me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. After all, you
have your job, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5.
Speak to me often. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand
your voice when it’s speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest
sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear
your footsteps.
6.
Take me in when it’s cold and wet. I’m a domestic animal
and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little
more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water.
Feed me good food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your
bidding. By your side, I stand ready, able and willing to share my life
with you, for that is what I live for. I’ll never forget how well
you’ve treated me.
7.
Don’t hit me. Remember I have teeth that could easily crush the
bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8.
Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if
something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right
food, I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting
weak.
9.
Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too.
10.
When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not
make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see
to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that
difficult journey when it’s time to say goodbye. Everything is
easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with
my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.
~Author unknown