1. My life is likely to last 10-17 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me, or that I might not understand what it is you want. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food,or any food or water, or I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You will grow old, too.

10. On that sad and difficult last journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. Tell me goodbye with your presence, no matter how difficult it is for you, remember, it's worse for me....

Take a moment today to be thankful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without our four legged critters~

Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We get so much from our four legged pets who sadly live shorter lives than we humans. We need to make their lives as well as our own a mutual relationship that has no comparison with other relationships. Your four legged friend will not divorce or leave you. You don't need to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here and now on earth and has four legs!

ok that brought a tear to my eye and made me hug my hound...

Very beautiful Beryl, thanks for sharing.

That was very nice, and touching.

Thank you for sharing that!

Saw that on a social board I belong to and then when I read on GT about the grey that had been in her forever home for 10 years and then returned I knew I had to post it. Glad you all liked it and it is so true

Thanks again, that was great.

Thank you so much for posting that. I checked on my terriers gravesite the other day and found it hard to believe that she has been gone 10 years. I still think of her and my collie who has been gone 25 yrs and my little chichuachua
(I know I spelled that wrong) but he's been gone 47 yrs. I was with all of them and as hard as it is, you do get a small measure of closure as you hold them and tell them you love them.

They are such a important part of our lives, I just could not let them move on without being there.

This is so true. They just want to be with US. Mine are in my bedroom right now, fan blowing on them, comforts of MY bed, but I had to shut the door because they kept pushing the baby gate down. I hope the a/con man is finished soon...I miss them...and they're just in the next room.

That was a wonderful sentiment. I am sending it off to all my friends and saving it for future use. Thanks so much for sharing this.

Thank you that was beautiful.