Dog Ten Commandments

I ran across the following at a Dog Rescue Site. It is for anyone considering adopting a dog, but not necessarily just rescue dogs. It brought tears to my eyes. Hope you all enjoy it.

DOG TEN COMMANDMENTS

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

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

3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well being.

4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you!

6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I do not understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

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

8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but that I choose not to bite you because I love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting old or week.

10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch it", or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember, I love you.

Here's another tear-jerker for everyone. This one is good for those who have had adopted or are considering adopting dogs.

Prayer of a Stray
-----------------

Dear God please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain
And dear God I pray as I run in the rain

That someone will love me and give me a home
A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone
My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water and God that was hard!

So I chewed my leash God; and I ran away
To rummage in garbage; and live as a stray
But now God I'm tired; and hungry and cold
And I'm Oh so afraid; that I'll never grow old

They've chased me with sticks; hit me with stones
While I run the streets; just looking for bones
I'm not really bad God; please help if you can
For I have become just another; "victim of man!"

I'm wormy dear God; and I'm ridden with fleas
and all that I ever wanted; was an owner to please
If you find one for me God; I'll try to be good
I won't chew their shoes; and I'll do as I should

I'll love them; protect them; and try to obey
When they tell me to sit; to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it; too long on my own
Cause I'm getting so weak; and I'm Oh so alone

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry
Cause I'm so afraid God; that I'm gonna die
I've got so much love; and devotion to give
That I should be given; a new chance to live

So dear God please; oh please; answer my prayer
and send me to somebody; who will really care
That is dear God; if You're really there!

John Quealy

Wow! What a way to start the day! I read these 2 things and started thinking about my aussie and her rescue and started bawling. Would love to share her story with you guys - it's rather long. Let me know if you'd be willing to read a very sad story w/a happy ending.

Hi Teena,

I too have an aussie with a very sad past, but a happy life now. He's an aussie mix but he's mostly aussie. I would LOVE to hear your aussie's story...I am sure many of people would love to as well http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Ok, here goes. About 2 years ago my hubby and I were walking our 2 rescue dogs in our neighborhood. There was a new house going up so we decided to walk thru it. When we get in we hear growling. We looked further and found this pitiful dog baring her teeth at us, laying on a pile of construction garbage. We took the other 2 dogs home and went back. She was a little calmer then and we were able to get close to her. She was so thin and matted she could hardly walk. My hubby carried her to our house and discovered that she was a recent mama dog. My hubby then went back to the house looking for pups, which he didn't find. I took her out in the yard and started cutting mats so she could stand up and found that she was COVERED with foxtails that were imbedded in her skin. I pulled out at least 100 and then gave her a bath. When we were drying her off, we found a HUGE abcess under her front leg (armpit area) that had burst. The next day I took her to the vet in our small town, got her shots and he looked at her abcess and prescribed Panalog ointment. We decided that we needed to find a home for her because our town only allows 2 dogs without a kennel license. A rancher in our area said he'd take her. I took the dog to the ranch (about 15 miles from our house) and the rancher didn't seem to care one way or another about her. I left him with the ointment and instructions on how to care for her wound. On my way home, all I did was cry. I went and found my husband at work and told him I just didn't feel right about leaving her there. His words (which I will never forget, and remind me why I love him so)were: "Go get her and bring her home." I got back to the ranch and believe it or not, he had locked her in a horse trailer full of crap and left! We live in the desert and it was probably 110 degrees outside and he had left no food or water for her. I don't know what made me look in that trailer, but I found her, put her in the car and took her home. The abcess kept getting worse so I took her to another vet and he performed emergency surgery on her because the infection was so bad. He found a tiny foxtail had travelled through her body and created a terrible infection. He was surprised she was still alive. He put 4 drain tubes in her and I got to bring her home the next day. To this day, this dog is absolutely the most loyal, loving, devoted dog I have ever had. I nearly cry when I look at her, thinking of all she's been through, but am pleased that she now lives the life of a spoiled princess. My only wish is that I could find the person who cast her away like so much garbage. My hats off to my fellow animal lovers who realize the special bond between a dog and its human!

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! What a beautiful, touching, sad/happy story! I just LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! My tears turned to smiles http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif! I think I love your husband too, if that's ok???!!!! Did you have to get a kennel licsence??? Did you lock up the farmer in the horse trailer full of doo doo??? With no food or water? In the 110 degree heat?? Should have! And thrown away the key! Lucky pooch! Yay for you! Thanks for sharing!

Teena,

You have a big heart, I am so delighted to hear that story with a happy ending. It is hard to read about such pain, animals really go through alot of pain for us people, that's for sure. It's so heartless that anyone could harm any animal, in any way. It hurts my heart to think about it. I, too, look at my aussie, who is the most amazing dog that I have ever met, and see the gratitude in his eyes. He's my angel, he has such a beautiful soul, he adores me and will do ANYTHING for me. He'd jump off a cliff if I asked him. He is very sensetive, I can see that his feelings get hurt if he does not feel that he has made me happy. When we go to the lake every few days, and I throw a stick in the water, if he happens to not be able to find that stick (for instance) he will come back to me afraid that I will be angry or dissapointed at him. He still has scars of being beaten before I fell head-over-heals in love with him and adopted him. I have to have an "emergency backup stick" when I throw him sticks into the water just in case he can't find the original stick, so he does not feel that he "let me down". He has never let me down but he's so sensetive and his scars of past abuse may never leave him.

My aussie and I are so close, I swear I can read his feelings and thoughts, and he can read mine. We are so connected. I am completely honest when I tell you that I know when something hurts his feelings or when he does not like something and he knows when I am not "right", it's extrodinary our bond. And to think that someone beat this angel of mine. I cry often, like right now for instance, when I think of anyone beating my dog. It's amazing the bond of love that and owner and a dog can share. And how bland some lives would be without a furangel to share with it with.

Jeez...I do tend to babble! Someone shut me up! I guess I could go on and on when talking about my Golden Graham (my aussies name)but I'll stop here http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Thanks for sharing your rescue story, and listening to me babble about mine.

Karen:
To answer your questions: Yes, you can love my hubby! He is a wonderful caring man. He'd have to be what with me bringing home strays all the time. And no, we never did get a kennel license. We lived with 3 for another one and a half years before I had to put down my terrier mix. Never saw the rancher again (he never called either!) but would have loved to lock HIM in the trailer with no food or water, and see him covered with crap! Forgot to mention, we named her Annie (like Little Orphan Annie). http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

Teena your story was so hard to read until I got to the happy ending. I can't tell you how happy I am for you and Annie and your husband that it worked out the way it did. Thank God that your husband told you to go back. I would like to nominate Annie for Dog of the Day. I'm sure many others second this nomination!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Please give her a big hug and apologize to her for the heartless actions of one person who is less than a human being if you ask me! At least she finally has learned that there are loving humans in this world too!!!

Teena, God bless you and your husband. Yes, I second the motion for Annie as Dog of the Day. She sure deserves it. I think this site should also have a "Guardian of the Day" section and I would nominate you and your husband as the first recipients of the honor. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I am so blessed by hearing about it.

AdoreMyDogs, your posts are not only welcome, but very deeply appreciated as well.

Thanks everyone! It was a long haul with her, but would do it again in a skinny minute. There is nothing like seeing that unconditional love and adoration from her (and my other rescued baby!). It is certainly nice to talk w/others who share my passion (obsession?) http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

Forgot to put in my last post: will try and get a picture of my two "kids" and submit for pet of the day.

Teena,
I sure am glad you forewarned that the story had a happy ending! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif What a blessing Annie is for you. You and your dear husband were just put in the right place at the right time. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I'm lucky that my recent rescue of "Dexter" had a better ending. I couldn't keep him as my hands are full with the two I have, http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif but he has a wonderful home and lots of love and attention. I'm checking in on him regularly too!
Thanks for a wonderful ending to what could have been a horrible story.
Logan

Oops! I just re-read my post and realized I said something the wrong way. I meant to say that what I know of Dexter's life before me and his new owner was not quite as sad as that of Annie. He didn't have to endure nearly what she did before landing in a loving home. Dexter just walked up to my house, hungry and thirsty, and starving for some love. Boy, did he pick the right place to come. Annie's ending is wonderful! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Logan:
Was so happy to hear about Dexter's new home. I wish all unwanted pets could be so lucky as ours. As a matter of fact, I hope that when I go the bridge, I can come back and be treated as well as all of our pets.

Dearest Logan, Teena and Adore.. I really love you guys. Your stories just make me cry. You have such hearts of gold and have been and will be eternally blessed. It takes special people to do these things. You never let an obstacle stand in your way. You did what you had to do. And have been so rewarded. It's so amazing how the dogs KNOW what you did and are "paying you back" in their sweet, innocent ways. I hope one day I can be a smidgen of what you are. I have a long way to catch up. Hugs to all..K

Karen,
Shame on you!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif You are already there. Just because you didn't rescue Cody, look what you have gone through for him. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I have to say I never knew of anyone who took two weeks off from work to help their dog recuperate. That's real love!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif
Logan
Can't help myself...just love those smiley faces.

Karen:
I agree with Logan! First of all, you wouldn't be on Pet Talk if you weren't as committed as everyone else. We haven't done anything you wouldn't have done in the same situation. You adore your baby and have given him a WONDERFUL home. I firmly believe that you can judge a person's character by how they treat animals. Believe me, I really checked out how my hubby reacted to dogs before I married him, and my judgment of him has been right on target. Don't ever sell yourself short girl!

Karen and everyone:

You don't have to "rescue" a dog to be a hero in my eyes...all you need is to love that animal and to treat it as it deserves to be treated and treat him/her as an adored family member! All you true dog lovers are heros! ALL OF YOU! I LOVE DOG LOVERS!!!

Thanks guys..It's just that I wish I had the time to do more for those poor pups that are not as lucky, as my spoiled brat. I lectured him last night on how grateful he should be! Then he permitted me to smother him with kisses! Ha! Ha! And Teena,,thank you! That is EXACTLY my prerequisite for a future partner!Does your hubby have a brother? I'll move !! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif I really love you all!

Karen:
He has SIX brothers, but I got the pick of the litter!!!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif By the way, I tell my dogs every day, how lucky they are but like your baby, I think mine have come to expect to be treated like royalty. Speaking of royalty however, my dogs have no cool costumes like today's dog of the day. Bought my border collie a sun visor one time, and all he did was lay in the back seat of the car so no one would see him!

Carrie reminded me today, through e-mail, that I must remember that my dogs are dogs, not humans!! Reading all of these comments and replies lets me know that I am not the only one who thinks of my little girls as babies, not dogs. Everyone of you refers to your dog as your "baby". http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif
I'm going to take all of her good advice though and remind Honey that I am the "Alpha Dog" in this family!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Well, all I can say is all of you are amazing http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif! I started out reading the 'Dog 10 Commandments' bawling and by the last posting I was laughing. Thanks for the roller coster of emotions tonight!! First of all, the 10 Commandments was wonderful. Where did you get it? I would love to copy it and print it on special paper and frame it for gifts and myself of course. Would I be allowed to do that? I have never seen it before tonight. Secondly, Teena, your story was even more sad. All I could picture was this poor little animal so in need and you and your hubby being his little angels. What a story! I can't believe there are people in this world who can treat animals this way. There have been a few animal cruelty cases recently where I live and they break my heart. One dog had some sort of industrial acid dumped on him! It has burned his flesh so bad that he lost and ear and they have to warn you before showing his face on t.v! The poor dog looks so awful... like he is a creature from some horror movie. The person that did this is a poor excuse for a human. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your story. Annie is lucky to have you as parents. My girls are not rescue dogs but are spoiled rotten and loved more that you could imagine http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif! My one little girl was owned by my husbands best friend and she had a sister. Well, one night, after they had all moved to Kansas, during a storm her sister tried to jump out of her kennel and hung herself with her leash http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif My little Sasha had to see that http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif. When he moved back here he brought Sasha with him but he ended up moving back to Kansas and couldn't take her so we 'rescued' her... sort of. She has been a gift from God http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif. What a wonderful and beautiful creature she is...my doggie-daughter... Her sister is amazing too. I got her as a puppy from someone selling them. She is equally a great gift from God. Well, guess it was my turn to babble. I love reading all of your stories and you can all babble, gloat, tell your stories or whatever -- I will always be around to read them http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif!

P.S Teena - I hope to see your little 'Orphan Annie on 'Dog of the Day' really soon. She deserves http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

Love Angel

OH, Logan, Alpha, Scmalpha,, who listens to that Carrie girl anyway? What does she know!? JUST KIDDING! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Of course I am as guilty as sin. I do baby Cody, I do make sure he sleeps on a soft pillow, that I wash his paws ever night.(HEY! it's fall, the leaves, the mud, the dirt! No snickering!) and just hug and kiss him to pieces and lots of other things I automatically do. But deep down I KNOW he is my pet, my dog, but he is also a loved member of our family. We babied our parakeets too. We baby each other in a sweet loving way -every living creature needs to be loved. I call him my baby 'cause he is just-well by baby. Yes, he gets his way sometimes, yes. I get mad at myself for not always being alpha (tied score)and Lord knows I made way too many 1st time mistakes. Could be better, could be worse. I too will try to be more Alpha, but I really think he "has me On" as Carrie would say. I will be baby-ing Alpha girl!