A Dog's Ten Commandments

Mollywolly

I've just come across this and thought I might share it with all of you who love your dogs.

A DOG'S TEN COMMANDMENTS............

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 impatien, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalieable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't 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 don't 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'lll 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 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, I may be 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, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.
© Stan Rawlinson 1993


I know it's old, but it still has some meaning.

Whispered

This makes me cry, it makes me think that one day, I'll have to see my harley die. I can hope it's when he's old and ready to go but the thought kills me.

Has anyone read "pieces of my heart"? It's a book of stories & verses inspired by animals and nature and I would defy the hardest of hearts not to be touched.

Mollywolly

Whispered wrote: »

This makes me cry, it makes me think that one day, I'll have to see my harley die. I can hope it's when he's old and ready to go but the thought kills me.

Has anyone read "pieces of my heart"? It's a book of stories & verses inspired by animals and nature and I would defy the hardest of hearts not to be touched.

It made me cry too, especially number 10. I can't bear the thought of watching my Molly die, but I would never leave her alone. I would want her to know that I was there for her to the very end. Jaysus, I'm welling up at the thought of it

I haven't heard of the book but I'll definitely keep a look out for it. I'm just a big old softy at heart!

Whispered

It's mad how upset you get at the thought of it isn't it!

You should keep an eye out for the book. It has a blue cover. Worth the read, but maybe only when you're in one of those indulgent moods. I guarantee you will cry, feel angry at people, feel hope from people, it's an incredibly emotional book. One of the hardest books I've ever read but definately worth it.

Mollywolly

Just found a copy on ebay, so it looks like I'll have to order in a few boxes of tissues as well! Thanks for the tip

Whispered

Let me know how you get on.

GalwayKiefer

No. 10 on that list always gets to me. I had to bring Diego (my GSD/Akita) to the vet last year and amongst other things he had to be put under for some x-rays. I stayed with him as he went under, carried him into be x-rayed (heavy fecker :rolleyes:) and then carried him outside again afterwards. I'm not ashamed to admit I was very, very upset looking at him while he was unconscious. Was nearly getting teary eyed and at the same time I was half-laughing at myself as I knew he was only temporarily knocked out but still...not looking forward to that inevitable day.

bellapip

OMG.

And I never use that phrase, but I now have to cuddle my three babies so hard. That is so true, so relevant and so what the plonkers out there who should never have animals should be made abide by.

Bella

Cherry Blossom

Slightly off topic but I found great solace in this little poem after loosing my first horse to a freak accident. He was an absolute superstar and to this day the only horse I've met who actually seemed to prefer human company to that of other horses

When you look beyond the fenceline
and see that I'm not there,
Please remember I'll never forget
how much you really cared.
I appreciate all the love you put into my soul,
Often making me feel as though I were,
once again, a newborn foal.

When you look beyond the fenceline and see an empty space
I'm hoping for thoughts of joy to replace
those tears upon your face.
Although our time together was taken away too soon
I'll always be watching over you
through the sun, the stars and the moon.

When you look beyond the fenceline you should not feel
all alone
For a part of you came with me the day I went to God's
home.
And although I didn't want to, so soon, be put to rest
I assure you, dear friend, that my spirit and soul
still feel the very best.

When you look beyond the fenceline and think of me for awhile
Remember all the fun we shared
and those times I made you smile.
Remember how I'd run the fields, but never run away
I'll never forget your gentle touch on my coat of bay.

So, when you look beyond the fenceline
don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

by Susan Tank

Shazanne

I am actually sobbing after reading that first post. I cant even see the keys on the computer. I'm just back from a holiday today that I took my precious dog on with me - I am going straight away to give her a big cuddle and tell her how happy she makes me.

Owen

Jesus lads, they're 10 depressing commandments. We as boardsies should come up with 10 happy ones to combat them.

garancafan

Thanks Mollywolly. Just went and cuddled Tessa. I certainly felt better afterwards. She only seemed to want a gravy-bone. She got one.

lrushe

This story gets me everytime

"Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge".

When an animal dies - one that has been especially close to someone here - that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water, sunshine and cozy beds, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass - his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain on your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet - so long gone but never absent from your heart.


Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
*******************************************************
Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before.

But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at the Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross
over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed
in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see," said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The
Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on
earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

-Author Unknown