Ten Commandments for Pet Owners

[M O]

Hello guys,

this is my first post, i salute everybody!

Chris asked me to post this and i am very happy to do so:

1)My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years or more. Any
separation from you will be painful.

2)Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not
break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive
you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.

3)Please have me spayed or neutered.

4)Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the
world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don't be
angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.
After all, you have your job, your friends, your
entertainment, I only have you.

5)Speak to me often. Even if I don't understand your words, I
understand your voice when it's speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I
ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.

6)Take me in when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and am no longer
accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting
me. Keep my bowl filled with water.

7)Feed me good food so that I may stay well to romp and play. By your side, I stand
ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I'll never forget
how well you've treated me.

8)Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand,
but I choose not to bite.

9)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,
my ear may hurt, or my heart may be getting weak.

10)Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too. When I am old, or when I no
longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not
having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that
difficult journey when it's time to say goodbye. Never say, "I just can't bear to watch it."
Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my
last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.

I found this on a wall at the Humane society.