Tuesday, October 9, 2018

The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership — AKA, What Your Pet is Really Thinking...

A note from SJ Francis: When you adopt an animal, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or other, it is a lifelong responsibility. They trust and rely on you for love, food, water and care. They have feelings. They love, they get scared and they need you. Always remember that. Every day I tell my furbabies, all six of them that I love them. I promise to take care of them, to never abandon them or harm them and I mean it. I hope you do too. Adopt. Don't shop. Always make adoption your first option. I always do. Thank you for visiting....

Originally from the Animal Rescue Site....

The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership — AKA, What Your Pet is Really Thinking

Most people know of the 10 commandments, and even if they aren’t strictly religious, attempt to abide by this timeless ethical code. In a similar vein, the “10 Commandments of Dog Ownership” is an equally classic adage for pet owners. Scripted in 1993 by UK-based dog trainer Stan Rawlinson, aka “The Original Dog Listener,” this endearing checklist details ten simple truisms from the family dog’s perspective.
While Rawlinson’s “commandments” were technically written at the behest of your canine family, they’re equally applicable to all of your household pets. Above all, Rawlinson’s list is a gentle reminder of how our furry family members will interpret our actions and, as such, remains essential reading for new and veteran pet owners alike.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF DOG OWNERSHIP

1. MY LIFE IS LIKELY TO LAST 10-15 YEARS; ANY SEPARATION FROM YOU WILL BE PAINFUL FOR ME.


Remember that before you buy me.

2. GIVE ME TIME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT FROM 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 AND NOT GIVEN AS AN INALIENABLE RIGHT.

Photo:  Flickr/Aidrias

4. DON’T BE ANGRY WITH ME FOR LONG AND DON’T LOCK ME UP AS PUNISHMENT; I AM NOT CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING WHY.

Photo: Flickr/Grant.C
I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5. 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.

6. BE AWARE THAT HOWEVER YOU TREAT ME, I’LL NEVER FORGET IT, AND IF IT’S CRUEL, IT MAY AFFECT ME FOREVER.

Photo: Flickr/evan p. cordes

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 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.

9. TAKE CARE OF ME WHEN I GET 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, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.
J. Swanson is a writer, traveler, and animal-enthusiast based in Seattle, an appropriately pet-crazed city where dog or cat ownership even outweighs the number of kids. When the weather permits, she likes to get outside and explore the rest of the Pacific Northwest, always with a coffee in hand.
 FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com



Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 


Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

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Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  
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Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?