FOR THE DOGS
Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner
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 of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, you entertainment. I only have you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
6. Beware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I chose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it,” or “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
Author unknown, From Ann Landers’ Column
The dog’s unconditional love was memorialized in a well-known speech given in 1869 as part of a closing argument in a court case involving the death of a dog.
“The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take the wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens . . .
A Dog’s Prayer
Threat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness that the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should like your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I would not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to ramp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest—and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
QUOTES ABOUT DOGS
A lot of people spend time talking to animals but not that many people listen. That’s a real problem.
-Winnie the Pooh
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.
-Ann Landers
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
-Will Rogers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
-Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
-Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
-Andy Rooney
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare.
And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
-M. Acklam
Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are
incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.
-Sigmund Freud
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.
-Rita Rudner
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three
times before lying down.
-Robert Benchley
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
-Franklin P. Jones
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have
known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.
-James Thurber
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.
-Unknown
I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness (in Heaven). If it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.
-Reverend Billy Graham
It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.
-Unknown
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money.
-Joe Weinstein
Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back
from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow.
They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!
-Anne Tyler
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and
get used to the idea.
-Robert A. Heinlein
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you;
that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
-Mark Twain
You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says,
'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'
- Dave Barry
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket
and then give him only two of them.
-Phil Pastoret
My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
-Unknown
Money will buy you a pretty dog, but it won't buy you the wag of its
tail. --- Henry Wheeler Scott
________________________________________
Dear Pets (Cats or Dogs),
When we say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two of you in the way.
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain our food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of our plates and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do we find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating us to the bottom is not the objective. Tripping us doesn't help, because we fall faster than you can run.
We cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. We are very sorry about this. Do not think we will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort. Look at videos of dogs and cats sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. We also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out to maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm.
Compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle we beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. We must exit through the same door we entered. In addition, we have been using bathrooms for years, pet attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell other animal's butts. We cannot stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you.
To pacify you we have posted the following message on our front door...
Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
3. We like our pet(s) a lot better than we like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To us, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
5. Dogs and cats are better than kids. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant we can sell the results.
________________________________________
Humankind is drawn to dogs because they are so like ourselves --
bumbling, affectionate, confused, easily disappointed, eager to be
________________________________________
Humankind is drawn to dogs because they are so like ourselves—bumbling, affectionate confused,
Easily disappointed, eager to be amused, grateful for kindness and the least attention. -- Pam Brown
Man is troubled by what might be called the dog wish, a strange and
involved compulsion to be as happy and carefree as a dog. --- James Thurber
________________________________________
God, Bless the Animals...and
especially those who
have no homes and families
of their own tonight.
Shelters and Rescue Centers are
warm and safe but they
are also very impersonal.
Domesticated animals need
homes and people to love who
also love them. Thank
You God, for putting into
the minds and hearts of
kind and caring people -
the thought - the intention
to take a sheltered animal
home today, to
live with them for good.
Amen
________________________________________
Speak Kindly
Speak kindly to your dog, my boy!
All things that live know pain and joy.
Speak harshly to your dog and see
How sad and shamed he seems to be;
His head, and ears, and tail all say,
Oh! Let me go far, far away!
Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner 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 of me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, you entertainment. I only have you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. 6. Beware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I chose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak. 9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old. 10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it,” or “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you. Author unknown, From Ann Landers’ Column
The dog’s unconditional love was memorialized in a well-known speech given in 1869 as part of a closing argument in a court case involving the death of a dog. "The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take the wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens . . ." A Dog’s Prayer Threat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness that the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should like your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I would not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to ramp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest—and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
QUOTES ABOUT DOGS
A lot of people spend time talking to animals but not that many people listen. That’s a real problem. -Winnie the Pooh The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -Ann Landers If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. -Will Rogers There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. -Andy Rooney We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate. -Sigmund Freud I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. -Rita Rudner A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. -Robert Benchley Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. -Franklin P. Jones If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. -James Thurber If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. -Unknown I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness (in Heaven). If it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there. -Reverend Billy Graham It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. -Unknown My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' -Dave Barry Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. -Phil Pastoret My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. -Unknown Money will buy you a pretty dog, but it won't buy you the wag of its tail. -Henry Wheeler Scott
Dear Pets (Cats or Dogs), When we say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two of you in the way. The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain our food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of our plates and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do we find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating us to the bottom is not the objective. Tripping us doesn't help, because we fall faster than you can run. We cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. We are very sorry about this. Do not think we will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort. Look at videos of dogs and cats sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. We also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out to maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm. Compact discs are not miniature Frisbees. For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle we beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. We must exit through the same door we entered. In addition, we have been using bathrooms for years, pet attendance is not mandatory. The proper order is kiss me, then go smell other animal's butts. We cannot stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you. To pacify you we have posted the following message on our front door... Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets: 1. They live here. You don't. 2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. 3. We like our pet(s) a lot better than we like most people. 4. To you, it's an animal. To us, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. 5. Dogs and cats are better than kids. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant we can sell the results.
Humankind is drawn to dogs because they are so like ourselves -- bumbling, affectionate, confused, easily disappointed, eager to be amused, grateful for kindness and the least attention. -- Pam Brown
Man is troubled by what might be called the dog wish, a strange and involved compulsion to be as happy and carefree as a dog. --- James Thurber
God, Bless the Animals...and especially those who have no homes and families of their own tonight. Shelters and Rescue Centers are warm and safe but they are also very impersonal. Domesticated animals need homes and people to love who also love them. Thank You God, for putting into the minds and hearts of kind and caring people - the thought - the intention to take a sheltered animal home today, to live with them for good. Amen
Speak Kindly Speak kindly to your dog, my boy! All things that live know pain and joy. Speak harshly to your dog and see How sad and shamed he seems to be; His head, and ears, and tail all say, Oh! Let me go far, far away! |