WHAT DOGS TEACH US
CRY FROM A LONELY DOG
author unknown
I wish someone would tell me, What it is that I’ve done wrong.
Why do I have to stay chained up, And be left alone so long?
They seemed glad to have me, When I came here as a pup.
There were many things we’d do, When I was growing up.
The master said he’d train me, As a companion and a friend.
The mistress said she’d never fear, To be alone again.
The children said they’d feed me, And brush me every day.
They’d play with me and walk me, if only I could stay.
But now the master “hasn’t time”, The mistress says I shed
she doesn’t want me in the house, not even to be fed.
The children never walk me, They always say: “Not now”.
I wish that I could please them, Won’t someone tell me how?
All I had you see is love, I wish they would explain.
Why they said they wanted mine, and left it on a chain?
TEN FAVORS A DOG ASKS FROM A MAN
author unknown
1) My life lasts between ten to fifteen years. Every separation from you means suffering for me. Think about this before you decide whether or not to take me!
2) Give me time to understand what you are asking from me.
3) Instill confidence in me – I thrive on it!
4) Do not be angry with me for a long time and do not lock me up for punishment! You have your work, your pleasure, your joy – I have only you.
5) Talk often to me! Even if I do not understand you completely, I do understand the tone of your voice when you talk to me.
6) Know that, no matter how I am being treated, I shall never forget it!
7) Keep in mind, before you hit me, that my jaws could crush the knuckles of your hand with ease, but that I do not make use of them.
8) Before you scold me when working with me, consider: perhaps I am uncomfortable from digesting my last meal; perhaps I was exposed to the sun too long; or perhaps I have a worn-out heart.
9) Take care of me when I am old — you too are going to be old one day.
10) Be with me when my going gets rough. Everything is easier for me when you are beside me.
A DOG’S BILL OF RIGHTS
Carolyn Krause
1. I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
2. I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival.
3. I have the right to be trained so that I do not become the prisoner of my misbehavior.
4. I have the right to adequate food and medical care.
5. I have the right to fresh air and green grass.
6. I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside my own family.
7. I have the right to special time with my people.
8. I have the right to be bred responsibly, if at all.
9. I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh.
10. I have the right to earn my person’s trust and to be trusted in return.
11. I have the right to be forgiven.
12. I have the right to die with dignity.
13. I have the right to be remembered well.
AS GOOD AS A DOG
author unknown
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without any pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones
are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when,
through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies or deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice
against creed, color, religion or politics…
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM A DOG
author unknown
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Run, romp, and play daily.
When loved ones come home, always run up to greet them.
When it is in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout… run right back and make friends.
Bond with the pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
WHAT DOGS DO FOR US:
author unknown
Catch Frisbees.
Keep a lonely night from being truly lonely.
Keep our homes safe.
Get us outside on beautiful fall days.
Listen to our singing.
Treat us like celebrities when we come home.
Warm up our beds on cold nights.
Star in our home videos.
Make our hearts more vigorous.
Take us outdoors on snowy winter days.
Alert us to the arrival of the mail.
Help us to live longer.
Make us smile.
Agree with everything we say.
Warm our knees with their chins.
Provide us use for old tennis balls.
Signal when a thunderstorm is coming.
Pull sleds.
Help lower our blood pressure.
Test how fast we can run.
Keep the squirrels from overtaking our yards.
Teach us the meaning of unconditional love.
Take us out on rainy days.
Teach our children about responsibility.