There’s a commercial on TV that I have to walk away from every time it comes on with those poor little animals that have been abused. I honestly can’t see how anyone can watch it and not cry, it’s heartbreaking. No, I’m not going to rant about abuse or all those poor babies that get euthanized because no one wants them or they can’t be rehabilitated.
When I was looking for information about the little Westie Bill picked out to join our family I ran across the ten commandments for responsible pet owners. The author is unknown so I can’t give due credit, but I felt like posting it here. Thinking and reflecting about my Shadow they really made me cry. I miss my Shadow with all my heart and numbers 9, 10, and 11 really got to me. I’m trying to give Obie a good, happy, structured home and I’ll no doubt post updates as he grows.
Obie
The Commandments For a Responsible Pet Owner
- My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
- Give me time to understand what you want of me.
- Place your trust in me, it is crucial for my well-being.
- Don’t be angry with me for too long, and don’t lock me up as punishment.
- You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only YOU.
- Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it’s speaking to me.
- Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.
- Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to.
- 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, and my heart may be getting old and weak.
- Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
- 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!
Author Unknown
Original with Author credit
The 10 Commandments From a Pet’s Point of View
- My life is likely to last 10-15 years, any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
- Give me time to understand what you want from me, don’t be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.
- Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalieable right.
- Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment, I am not capable of understanding why? I only know I have been rejected, you have your work entertainment and friends I only have you.
- Talk to me sometimes, even if I don’t understand your words I understand your voice and your tone, “you only have to look at my tail”.
- Be aware that however you treat me I’ll never forget it, and if it’s cruel it may affect me forever.
- Please don’t hit me I can’t hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don’t ever want to do that.
- Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right foods or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak, I may be just dog tired.
- Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.
- Go with me on difficult journeys, never say, “I can’t bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.
- © Stan Rawlinson 1993
Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer
www.doglistener.co.uk
0208 979 2019 I changed this slightly from my initial 1993 poem
this is the final draft version 1998
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