1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will alsways forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.
3. Please have me spayed or neutered.
4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Speak to me often. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.
6. Take me in when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding. By your side, I stand ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I'll never forget how well you've treated me.
7. Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food. I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old, for you will get old too.
10. When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it's time to say goodbye. Never say "I just can't bear to watch." Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing that my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. I love you.
    

I have a beautiful printed version of this piece, if you would like a FREE copy. It would be perfect for new pet owners, to display on your fridge or to use as a bookmark. Just email me at shelly@devinechoice.com with the request.

"A  Prayer for Animals"

Hear our humble prayer O God, For our friends the animals. Especially for the animals that are suffering; For any that are hunted or lost or Deserted or frightened or hungry; For all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity, And for those who deal with them, We ask a heart of compassion And gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals And so to share the blessings of the merciful."

"The Loss of a Heart - Dog"

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.   You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.   I wanted to tell you, "Hey, I'm here, I am with you, its me!"

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ...... in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning and say "goodnight, Godbless, I'll see you in the morning." And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.