Loading ...A Pet’s Ten Commandments by Stan Rawlinson
I got this from Braodview Kennels yesterday when I went to pick up a new foster dog with my sister (that story coming later this week so stay tuned, it’s exciting!)…
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be 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 entertainments, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, 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 have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
UPDATE: 1/29/10: I have just found the original author of this work. His name is Stan Rawlinson, and you can see his original version and other brilliant works at his website: http://www.doglistener.co.uk/
This is beautiful.
I once had to take in a stray dog to be put to sleep. I cried the whole time, bug gushing tears, and sobs that felt like they were going to wrench my insides out. But I couldn’t bear to leave the poor dog alone…..
I had a 14 year old Miniature Schnauzer who died in my arms a year ago, and I still cry over her. I may never get over losing her or holding her when she left me.
my mommy has that hanging on our fridge. i wish everyone who has an animal friend in their life would live by these rules.
purrrrrs
Awesome!!
Wow, I really like this. Im going to print this out and keep it at home. Everyone who has a dog or cat shouyld read this and obey.
this is amazing. im a 16 year old whos dream is to become a vet, i had to put my cat of 13 years (nearly my whole life) down and i couldnt bear to leave her alone as hard as it was for me to be there and hold her. i tried everything i could to save her but it was her time. i cant stand to see the things that some people to do animals, it kills me. this is why i’ve chosen a career in animal health and safety, to better the lives of those who can’t speak and help themselves. i have this printed and in a frame with a picture of each of my pets since my first one on my wall. it means so much to me, i thank the author dearly for this and i think that every person should come in contact with it.
thank you,
This is one of the most important thing that pet owners will ever read. thank you for posting this. Im sending this to all my pet owning friends and family members.
Thanks for that!
Something to never forget!
This is AWESOME. I am totally printing this off and posting it on my bulletin board. Every pet owner should read this and abide by it. Its so important. POerhaps we could clandestinely send this to puppy mill operators all over the country…? hee hee
WOW…makes you think about how THEY feel about their lives!! Thank you…yes indeed a KEEPER!!
Those commandments almost make me cry because it reminds me of when i saw my babies, my cats Lady & Slipper get taken away from me and also when i lost my baby Autumn my little kitten i will always follow the commandments.
I just had to put my dog of 14 years down this past week, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I have printed this and will post it at the shelter where I volunteer. It is something every one should follow, I will share with all my animal loving friends and family
This was sad, it made me cry. It is true & yet a lot of us don’t realize or forget to cherish every moment! Especially with our animals because it’s true, we do have our work & entertainment but the animal/pet only has us. Opened up my eyes a bit. I let my cat always sleep with me or next to me & watch over her babies, now that she has kittens. It is fun to see them grow. She is a great cat. The best cat I’ve ever had & I’ve had quite a few. She is so lovable & loves to be petted, independent & likes to play & hide. My boxer had to go to a farm because he out grew the house & my boyfriend isn’t too found of animals. Now, my boxer is a proud daddy of several pups. They’re so adorable. I miss my Boxer too, because it reminds me of when I used to go jogging with him & play. He had soo many toys! I loved to buy him toys! I gave him baths, & he ate very well. I miss him because he was just as hyper as me! Pretty cool dog because he was a great guard too! I love my animals.
I whole-heartedly agree with the 10 commandments and believe if more people followed them (for their human family as well) the world would be well on its way to being the better place that it is supposed to be.
And a comment to Jasmine (March 20, 2009 posting)
You should have gotten rid of the boyfriend, instead of the dog. Animals belong with animal lovers and NON animal lovers don’t really make the best (insert your own category here). Of course, that’s just MHO.
I LOST MY CAT, WOJO, SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2009. I WAS WITH HIM TILL THE END. WE HAD HIM FOR 14 YEARS.
WHEN I READ THIS I COULDN’T STOP CRYING, A FRIEND OF MINE SENT IT TO ME VIA EMAIL.
HE DIED WITH SUCH DIGNITY AND I HOPE IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS WITH HIM.
When I first read the Ten Commandments I was awe struck. It took my breath away, furthermore it brought me to tears. I was ashamed of myself for being in considerate of my animal friends. Needless to say it has change me a great deal. I immediately made a copy of it and changed the title to ” The Ten Commandments I make to Riley,” Riley, my best buddy and friend pasted away this past week. My wife and I had to make that decision. A decision that came easier knowing that he was suffering. I sent a note to Riley’s and my friends, commemorating his passing and with it I pasted a copy of the Ten Commandments. I have received more comment about the beautiful attachment. All pet owners should be required to make sign this commitment before they purchase a pet.
This is so true. I have a dog that is getting older-almost fourteen and reading these commandments reminded me of the life we have had and how much I love him.
Yes, this is wonderful insight and caution….I have a shelter dog that I love very much…However, these same “commandments” should be applied to small children and the elderly…so soon we forget!
Beautiful commandments we should all follow!! I agree with D. Williams (May 9,2009), get rid of the boyfriend. A pet will NEVER let you down…
I just wanted to say great! I was clicking around on Yahoo when I found your blog. After checking out this weblog I’ve come up with some good ideas for a new site. I just thought I’d let you know
I had to retweet this. So many people forget their pets have feelings too….
I had seen this several months ago and it touched my heart, This morning I took that final trip with my best friend and held her for what seemed like hours, The vet was so good to her and helped me through this terrible journey. As she passed away in my arms I can say the last thought, sight and voice she heard was mine. Although I weep for her, and her to meet me at the door as she did every time I came home. She no longer has any pain and is in heaven, I am sure Dodge is running with Ubu,