1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen 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 of me.
3. Place your trust in me-it's crucial to my well
being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up
as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment
and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand
your words, I understand your voice when its speaking
to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never
forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that
could easily crush the bones of your hand but that I
choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative,
obstinate or lazy, ask your self if something might
be bothering me. Perhaps 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.
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.
Adopting a dog from a shelter $55
First Year vaccinations $200
Each year thereater $65
Initial Training $50-$100
Each year thereafter $50-$200
Other annual veterinary care $135
Annual feeding $155-$400
Annual toys, grooming supplies $160
Grooming per visit $50
Annual flea and tick care $80
Daily boarding $21-$30
Source: Humane Society of the United States, 1991
"They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation."
1. The dog is not allowed in the house.
2. OK, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in
certain rooms.
3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay
off the furniture.
4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.
5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but
is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed.
6. OK, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by
invitation.
7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants,
but not under the covers.
8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation
only.
9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.
10.Humans must ask permission to sleep under the
covers with the dog.
You'd better not growl,
You'd better just purr,
You'd better not howl or shed lots a fur,
Santa Paws is coming to town.....
He sees you in the kitchen,
He sees your every try,
At secretively snitchin'
The very last piece of pie.....
You'd better just know,
The greeting he sends,
He's saying "HO HO HO"
To all his best friends,
Santa Paws is coming to town.....
Soon the sun will fade from sight
And the day will turn to night.
You've no drink or food to eat;
Come, I'll take you home with me.
Little things need loving care.
Perhaps that's why God put me here.
"How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" the little boy asked.
The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50."
The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37." he said. "Can I please look at them?"
The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur.
One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little dog?"
The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.
The little boy became excited. "That is the puppy that I want to buy."
The store owner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you."
The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for."
The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.
To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!"
We ALL need someone who understands!!!!
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow
Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special
friends so they can run and play together. There is
plenty of food, water and sunshine 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 was 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 begins to
quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying
over the green grass, 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
upon your face; your hands again caress the
beloved head, and you look once more into those
trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never
absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow
Bridge together...
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without 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 everyday 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 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 and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
It 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.
He can't understand why you left him that day. He thought you and he were stopping to play. He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays How long will he suffer? How many more days?
His legs have grown weak, his throat parched and dry. He's sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh. He lays down his head and closes his eyes. I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick 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 worlds 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 the 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 should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp 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 or my sight, 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.
