I came across this last week via a friend on facebook (Thanks Timmy!) I’ve seen a lot of things in all my years surfing the internet and receiving e-mails but I’ve never seen this.
As soon as I read it I thought, this should go to every person who adopts from a shelter, pound or rescue; and breeders and (*shudders*) pet stores should include it with their puppies as well.
While I was searching for the rightful owner in order to give credit where credit is due; I found a beautiful website where you can leave tribute (at no cost) to your best friend who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. (I was too chicken to read any of them!) Michael (the website creator) describes it like this: This site is a little piece of cyberspace devoted to some of our temporarily lost ‘Best Friends’.
The credit for The 10 Commandments from a pet’s point of view goes to Stan Rawlinson.
- 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, but I only have you.
- Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do 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. It may be I am 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, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Mr. Rawlinson’s website says it can be shared if you give credit and link back to him.
Please note, I am not endorsing Mr. Rawlinson; I am simply giving him credit for his work.
Recent Comments