To anyone thinking of getting a dog (and anyone else who has one)

[Lucyellensmum99]

10 Things Your Dog Would Tell You.... (This made me cry)

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful: 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 don't understands your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
7. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but 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 might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting to old and weak.

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" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember that I love you

Thanks a lot, I am crying now too. Think I will just go and cuddle the dog, longer than usual walk to follow.

It was number 5 that got me

Crap! I've just put my eye makeup on, gonna have to redo it now

All very true, and IME also relevant to cats.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that teared up at this. And I don't have a dog.

Can I add another one?

11. Please bury or pick up my poo and dispose of it responsibly so that people don't resent dogs and dog owners so much. If you don't, you make it worse for all of us.

I think some people should think to apply the same rules to their child rearing, frankly

I would add

12. Take responsibility for my behaviour. You trained me.

(not sure this one applies to child rearing beyond a certain point)

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" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember that I love you

im sobbing

And that one applies to the atrocious care still given to many vulnerable elderly people

Every potential dog owner should be made read this.
Tis beautiful and so true.

Dogs are not the only animals I wouldn't do that to any living creature

I'm looking at my hound, with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

He's looking back at me and his eyes are telling me he loves me with all his heart.

The rescue centre I got my guinea-pigs from had a version of that on their website. It's the last one that gets to me.

As a vet I really really disagree with number 10. No one should feel pressured into staying if they really can't with their beloved pet. A very distressed owner who is staying out of duty is ten times worse for the pet than one not being there. There have been many suicides particularly in middle aged men who have stayed out of duty and have then been so racked with guilt they have hung themselves with the dog's lead and or collar.
If the owner does not stay myself and my nurses take our time and are gentle and caring to pets reassuring them and comforting. Providing reassurance and comfort to a pet at the end of their life is skill that vet nurses have to prove competence in before they can qualify.
Take number 10 on board if this is something you can do, please don't feel guilty if it is not something you can contemplate.

I disagree, Lizcat, because a retired vet once told me that they always look for you after you've gone. I couldn't bear to think that their last moments were spent wondering where I'd gone. :(

Agree with Lizcat, far better for the animal to have a calm and comforting person with them at the end than a distraught owner who really can't face it. I have had animals, mainly horses, all my life and have been there for them all at the end, I have also done the same for friends who have been unable to, I find it extremely sad but take great comfort in being able to remain calm and offer comfort to the animal as they make their passing. As soon as they are gone I am in bits.

Please don't ever stay at the end because you think you have to, as long as there is somebody kind with them that's all they really need.

My lovely dog was 4 when we got her. She had had 5 different homes up to that point. She is adorable and is now 11.

My life has changed a lot since I got her. In fact she was for my daughter, who has since moved out. I now work a lot and go to college. I have a lovely lady who loves dogs and loves walking who now has a key to my house and walks her for me every day in addition to the early morning/evening walks we manage to do sometimes.

I am moving next summer and my life will be really busy. I love my dog and do not want to part with her. The lady who walks her knows how busy my life will be and how much the dog would be left on her own and has suggested she has her then. I am so torn. Selfishly, I would like to keep her. What is best for the dog is that she lives with the lady who walks her a lot.

I am crying while typing this!

Love that- my puppy is only 4 months so he's having an extra big hug now.

I stayed with my last dog when the vet came to put her to sleep, my mum and dad just couldn't bear to be there.

I was fine until I read number 10, now I am crying my eyes out. I was a teenager when I stayed with my cat as she was put to sleep due to ill health.
My last dog was looking straight into my eyes as I tried to stop her being hit by a car. She died instantly. I will walk every last step with the dog I have now. I would never abandon them.

(I make no judgement about what others choose to do.)

Wicketypitch you seem lovely.

Wickety if you don't like it then fuck off and hide the thread.

This will probably get deleted but number 10 got me. I'm sat with my springer, we're both snuggled up and I'm now sobbing :(

crying too.

i absolutely truly love my dog. he goes everywhere with me. we don't tend to do things where he isn't allowed.

he is the dog of my life. i may not have been so lucky in other things but he makes up for a lot - he is so selfless.