The Ten Commandments for Pets

Ten Commandments
For Pet Owners

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from
you will be very 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 have only 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. Feed me good food so that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding. 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.
7. Don’t hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily
crush the bones in your hand, but 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’ve been out in the sun too long, or
my heart may be getting weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too.
10. 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.” 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 love you.

(This is what I had printed with my name, cell phone and email addy on it to give clients.

I thought it was beautiful and on their worst days I could never imagine living without my furry boys. I still miss my beautiful Sandie who has been gone two years now. The intense pain of her loss is no longer fresh but her presence is sorely missed. )