1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU.
5. Talk to me, Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that 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 old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Remember, I love you.
I love #2, "give me time to understand what you want." If our dog doesn't do what we want, chances are we haven't communicated very well. Also, #8, because it shouldn't be about imposing our will on the dogs. Sometimes in the evening my dog sits in front of me and barks at me. I really want her to stop doing this! But I know she is trying to communicate a need. So I always get up and go figure out what she needs.
ReplyDeleteI've read this before. I think that every pet you have should come with these commandments. Maybe if people actually took the time to read and understand them, there might be a lot less animal abuse in the world.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I love the list... all new pet owners should have to read and agree to these.
ReplyDeleteYou have to love the 10 doggy Commandments. I think everyone should be given a copy if they adopt from a shelter.
ReplyDeleteI'm tellin' ya... sometimes I feel like people just really don't understand #1. I feel like it is just so important to be there with my "babies". I hate leaving them for more than one night at a time. We have only ever left them for one night (when we both left) and that was the night we got married. Other than that one or both of us is always at home with them at night. (Come to think of it... I bet they wish we would take a vacation! lol)
ReplyDelete~Maggie
I agree with all of them!
ReplyDeleteYour buddy,
Bocci
Left you an award on my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://thelittleblondegirl.blogspot.com/
Absolutely true - every word!
ReplyDeleteWags N Kisses,
Wrigley
Wise words! I like the idea of requiring all new dog parents to get a copy of these!
ReplyDeleteHey, we'd like to feature you next Wednesday at BlogTrotting! Can you have a tour post ready?
Aw this is so sweet. Helps me with my dog :}
ReplyDeleteLoving us furry creatures is a life-long committement. Thankfully so many wonderful owners get this. But a wonderful reminder list
ReplyDelete<3 Miss Kodee @Bark'n About
So true...I love this! I have seen it before but I still love reading it. I wish everyone treated their animals the way we do with love, kindness and tenderness. Thanks for sharing! :-)
ReplyDelete