Posted on 01/24/2010 9:35:58 AM PST by Daffynition
I want to share with you something I heard on Paul Harvey not long ago. Its entitled, Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner as dictated by the pet.
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. Dont be angry with me for long and dont 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 dont 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 have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, 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 Im 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 difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you cant bear to watch. Dont make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without Gods critters. Please pass this on to other pet owners.
"For what it's worth.........."
Thanks for posting this. It is one of the nicest things I have ever read. I wish everyone could read this.
I just recently had to put one of my three cats down; she was 19.5 years old...and just "ran out of gas".
At the vets, when told she was indeed dying, I told them I wanted to be in the room when they gave her the injection. My spouse, however, exited the room saying she "couldn't stand to watch"... (kind of lets me know where I'll be and who I'll be with (or without as the case may be) at that ultimate final moment!!).
As the injection went home, I was able to whisper into her ear words she'd heard her entire life with me (us?)...and I think that made things much easier on her.
Thanks for posting this!!
Not my dog. She forgets everything!
Glad you liked it GLB.
When I think about it, these are the things you try to instill in your kids when they are growing up and wanting pets. Wish I had this list years ago. ;)
I picked up my pomeranian and hugged him after reaading this.
Dittos to that. My wife and I have lost 3 dogs and two cats through the years, we we were present every time they were put down, petting and kissing each one, telling them how good they were, etc and crying buckets. We had a particularly tough one this past summer, as our little corgi Molly only lived to be five years old after a year long battle with lymphoma. I agree it has to be more comforting to the pet to have us there.
Pets are definitely something to thank God for.
I agree. I lost my beautiful loving little kitty girl last November. This brought tears to my eyes. If these rules are the test, I was a pretty good mom.
That's my favorite shirt with all the handy pockets she is sitting on, it's almost worn out but I still like it!
Having to euthanize a pet is traumatic and I'm sorry for the loss of your companion.
Before you mentioned it, I was thinking that the list above is quite appropriate if it ever comes to the care of a relative or friend who is dying.
"In the end, only kindness matters."
This is a cool sign.
What you said is true. My cat had cancer and was at the end of her line. After they gave the first injection I held her and talked to her and although the mass in her chest was pressing in on her lungs she purred at me. I was with her until she was beyond knowing.
You have a beautiful kitty.
Thanks for sharing. Paul Harvy’s words or not, it is a good reminder that they are only with us a short time so do not take them for granted. My Shiba Inu turns 11 years old next month and I am fearing the pain I will have to endure not that many years ahead. In the mean time he knows he’s loved.
For those needing a daily cute puppy fix you got to check out the live Puppy Cam.
The breed is Shiba Inu who have the cutest puppies in the World in my opinion. Ours is now 11 years old.
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