(1) My life is likely to last between 10 and 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy from me.
(2) Give me time to understand what you want from me, don’t be impatient, moody or irritable.
(3) Put your trust in me and I will always trust you, respect is earned, not given as an inalienable right.
(4) Don’t be angry with me for a long time, and don’t lock me up as punishment, I can’t understand why. I only know that I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you.
(5) Talk to me sometimes. Although I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice and your “just look at my tail” tone.
(6) Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it and if it is cruel, it can affect me forever.
(7) Please don’t hit me. I can’t hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I never really want to do that.
(8) Before you scold me for being uncooperative, stubborn, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Maybe I’m not getting the right food, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak, or I’m just tired as a dog.
(9) Take care of me when I am old. You, too, will age and may also need love, care, and attention.
(10) Accompany 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, no matter what you do, I will always love you.
I wrote this in the early nineties, but kept changing it until I finally finished with this version in 1998. It has been copied thousands of times. I have received numerous emails about it.
Therefore, I decided to add it to Ezine to reach a larger audience. I hope you like it too. If you decide to print it or use it on the website, just give me a link to my site, or at least mention my name as the author, since it has been through so many sites, in several cases they say that the author is unknown because my name had been lost. on all transfers.
Thanks