An Interesting Handout

Look at all the folk and their pups! And there were MORE behind me

This weekend we went to the Niles Dog Show. It isn't your traditional DOG SHOW with pampered show dogs everywhere. No, this was more of a celebration of pets, mostly dog. There were exhibitions by Police Dogs, contests for pooches (more on this later in the week), swimming pools, an agility course for anypuggy to try, a raffle of all kinds of stuff, food trucks and vendor booths.

I love the vendor booths. Not only do I get lots and lots of treats (Mommy kinda throws the D-I-E-T out the window for these events) but I LEARN a lot as well - like vets in the area, specialty services like dog boarding, and new foods from local resellers.
At one booth - Doggone Duo ( I will feature them later this week) I received an interesting flyer called 

The Ten Commandments For Pet Owners

and I thought it worthy if sharing with YOU - thought they are less commandments and more GOOD TO KNOWments, if you get my drift. Here goes:

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. You 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.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 hear, as you must 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 this is what I live for. I'll never forget how well (or how poorly) you have treated me.
7. Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily 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 am 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 grow 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 s taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it's time to say goodbye. Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.