In a post I did a couple weeks ago I listed The Commandments For a Responsible Pet Owner which I had observed on many sites when I was looking for info about Westies with Author Unknown. Of course I should have done more checking. I like to give credit for other people’s work and I had even made a comment in the other post that I didn’t know who to give credit to, well now I do.

Today I received a comment from Stan Rawlinson/doglistener.co.uk, he informed me that he was the author of the 10 commandments for pet ownership, which is actually titled: The 10 Commandments From a Pet’s Point of View. He also asked that I post his original commandments because the ones I had posted had been modified over the years so you will find the final draft of his modified version below.

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 inalienable 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 Behaviorist 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

Those commandments are great and more people should adhere to them. Just this past week they found a female Westie in the trash that had been severly beaten and a 12 inch stick had been rammed down her throat. Someone had left the little thing to die. The little girl who found her is going to be able to adopt her. I don’t understand how people can be so cold blooded and heartless and so damn cruel and sadistic.

Tags: pet commandments, westie