I came across this today and it really makes me emotional.
Someone not too far from me leaves their dog tied up outside morning, noon and night, its sounds are pitiful, I am going to put this in her letterbox, hope they have a think and that I can save this one dog from any more distress...
??1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Remember that before you buy me.
??2. Give me time to understand what you want of me, don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable. ?
?3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.
??4. Dont be angry with me for long and dont 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 - I only have you.
??5. Talk to me sometimes, even if I dont understand your words, I understand your voice and your tone - "you only have to look at my tail."
??6. Be aware that however you treat me; I will never forget it and if it's cruel it may affect me forever.
??7. 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.
??8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps Im not getting the right foods, or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak. I may be just dog tired.
??9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort and attention.??
10. 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, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.
That's lovely Jeannie, and so true! - thank you for posting it.
Thank you Jeannie i have shared this on Facebook with my friends. Am going to show it to the kids to help them appreciate our own wee dog.
Love
Linda x
This is so lovely and true.
I don't get why people get pets and then become disinterested.
Our cats and feathered girls are a huge part of our family, some peoples carelessness hurts me so much. GRRRR!
Good post Jeannie, I wish people would stop and think and do their research before getting a dog. Another post which did the rounds on Facebook that I also like is this, which although upsetting, hopefully gets the point across to some of the idiots who get puppies or dogs.
I died today. You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge . Would I still be at home if I hadn’t chewed your shoe? I didn’t know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys. Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door. Would I still be at home if I hadn’t brought fleas into the house? Without anti-flea medicine, I couldn’t get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days. Would I still be at home if I hadn’t barked? I was only saying, “I’m scared, I’m lonely, I’m here, I’m here! I want to be your best friend.” Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn’t make me learn how. Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me? You didn’t pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I still spent all my time waiting for you to love me. ... I died today.
Love, Your Puppy