My heart gets torn up when I read this. I hate when people are mean to dogs. They just want to love you and can’t understand why you don’t. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to own them.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you adopt me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me; don’t be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me, and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned, not given as an inalienable right.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6. Be aware that, however you treat me, I’ll never forget it, and if it’s cruel, it may affect me forever.

7. Please don’t hit me. I can’t hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don’t ever want to do that

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right foods, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

10. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult 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.