Ten Commandments for Animal Guardians

I got this in email and wanted to share it with you:
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1.When you adopt me my life is likely to last 15 to 20 years. Please don't forsake me, any separation from you is painful.

2.Please give me time to understand what it is you want from me. Change can be more difficult for me than for you.

3.Please don't be angry with me for a long time, and don't lock me up alone as punishment. You have your human family, your friends, your entertainment and I ONLY HAVE YOU!!!

4.Please trust me and help me to trust you...it is crucial for mine as well as your well being.

5.Talk to me...even if you think I don't understand your words, I understand your voice and love when you speak to me and stroke me.

6.Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth and claws and could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite and scratch you because I love you.

7.Be aware, that however you treat me, I WILL NEVER FORGET!!!

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative or bad, ask yourself if maybe something is wrong and their is another reason for my behavior. Perhaps I am sick, hot, old or just plain tired, frustrated
and weak.

PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE ME AND PUT YOURSELF IN MY PLACE.

9.Please take care of me when I get old and don't abandon me, for you too will grow old. Please notice when I am ill because I need you to take me to the vet for help when I am ill just as you need to see a doctor.

10.Go with me on the most difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Do it when I leave" because I need you with me even at the end of my journey. Please always do what is best for me
even if it is unbearable for you to do so because
I love you and trust that you will.

I had tears in my eyes by the end. I really appreciate this, because hubby and I live by these 'rules' and feel very strongly about every one of them, and it's nice see them written down.

We live by those rules at my house also.

Thanks. I have run into that before, it's well worth seeing again.

Thank you Sue for sharing. I'll print and possibly frame it to hang in the cattery.

I got to print this out....Thanks

Dear Mom of ten Cats,

When I bought my soft sided carrier for Curzon last Christmas those Ten Commandments were in them. I cried when I read them and solomly swore to follow them always. These work for humans too.

Goblin

I wish I could get them posted at the SPCA for people adopting pets, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't go for it, because it would make the people turning in pets "feel bad".

Originally posted by Mom of 10 Cats
I wish I could get them posted at the SPCA for people adopting pets, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't go for it, because it would make the people turning in pets "feel bad".

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People turning in pets SHOULD feel bad!!! They are being irresponsible pet owners!!!!! That's just my opinion, though; maybe you could ask if they'll let you post them? The worst they can say is "no."

I really liked those! I had never read them before, but that is how I try to treat Luna every day. Thanks for sharing!!!