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Credit for this article goes to PawBuzz, but like most of those sites, I can't stand the "Slideshow" delivery of the content, so I cleaned it up.
It’s been often said that dogs are the only creatures on earth that love you more than they love themselves. Well, ain’t that the truth! Sometimes, we take these wonderful companions for granted. If we want to pay back the favor and give them the best life possible, these 20 important reminders should serve you well as awesome dog owners…
Don’t be upset when I jump for joy when you come through the door.
I only live for ten or fifteen years. You are what makes that time enjoyable. It’s hard on me when you go away.
Image Source: Flickr – Jim Larrison
Give me time to understand what you want from me.
I don’t always get it right on the first try, but I promise I’m trying as hard as I can.
Image Source: Flickr – E Greens
Give me your trust.
Just like I trust you, I need you to trust me, too.
Image Source: Flickr – John Tyler
Don’t be angry with me for too long.
And please don’t lock me up to punish me. You have your friends and family to keep you happy and entertained. I just have you.
Image Source: Flickr – Christopher Michel
Take me inside when the weather gets bad.
The backyard doesn’t have air conditioning or a heater. You don’t have to let me on the couch, but a small part of the kitchen is much better than sleeping in the snow.
Image Source: Flickr – Tim Dorr
Talk to me.
Sure, we don’t speak the same language, but the sound of your voice brightens my whole day.
Comfort me when I’m scared.
You know a lot more about loud noises, strange people, and new places than I do. I need to know that you’ll protect me from them. I always feel safer when I’m with you.
Remember that I’ll never forget how you treat me.
Teach me that humans are made of love, not pain. And don’t ever let me forget it.
Image Source: Flickr – Eunice
Come outside with me.
The sights, sounds, and scents of nature are some of my greatest pleasures in life. I don’t care if we play, go for a walk, or just sit under a tree together — I want you to experience them with me.
Image Source: Flickr – Pedro Ribeiro Simões
Let me make new friends.
Introduce me to other dogs, cats, or even bigger animals. We might now get along in the end, but having some more friends that look and smell like me makes my life that much brighter.
Image Source: Flickr – Sam
Give me a treat ever once in a while.
Food is one of my greatest pleasures in life. I know you want me to be healthy, so I understand when you don’t share your own meals with me. But giving me a dog biscuit when I’ve been good or mixing tasty vegetables mixed in with my dinner is guaranteed to make me wag my tail extra hard.
Image Source: Flickr – Audrey
Please don’t hit me.
I have teeth that can crush bone. Instead, I cover you in sloppy, wet kisses. Just as I choose not to hurt you, please make the choice to not hurt me.
Image Source: Flickr – Beverley Goodwin
Understand when I need my alone time.
I love you more than anything, but even though it’s rare, I don’t always want to play or cuddle. Don’t be sad if I’d rather sleep on the cold tile floor instead of in your bed on hot summer nights, and be understanding if I don’t want to play as much as the years go on.
Image Source: Flickr – Keoni Cabral
Show me your world.
The house and yard might be the only places I ever see unless you let me come with you. A trip to the pet store, the park, or even just a ride in the car is exhilarating for me. I can’t wait to see what you want to show me.
Image Source: Flickr – Don Graham
Teach me new things.
Learning new tricks keeps my mind active, but most of all, it gives me a way to impress you. I love showing off for your friends, looking up at you, and seeing how proud of me you are.
Image Source: Flickr – Philip Bump
Let me get dirty once in a while.
Your world is inside, but I thrive outdoors. Sometimes I find a lot of mud or a lake that smells like all of its fishy inhabitants. I understand if you don’t want to wash all that stuff off every day, but as long as it’s safe, let me go back to my wild roots every now and then.
Image Source: Flickr – Cavin
Touch me.
Nothing makes me feel more loved than when you take time out of your day to rub my ears or scratch that itchy spot on my back that I can’t reach. I can’t understand your words, but I definitely understand the feelings behind a hug.
Image Source: Flickr – smlp.co.uk
Pay attention if I don’t seem like myself.
It might seem like I’m just being lazy or stubborn, but I might not be feeling well. I can’t get help for myself, and I need you to look out for me.
Image Source: Flickr – hannah k
Love me when I’m old just as much as you did when I was young.
I might not be the cute puppy that I once was, but I still love you just as much now as I did then. Please take care of me when my body doesn’t work like it used to.
Image Source: Flickr – Paul Kline
Come with me on my final journey.
I know it will be difficult, but I need you by my side when the time comes for me to leave this world. Every moment down to my last breath is easier if I have you with me.
Image Source: Flickr – Nomadic Lass
And even when I’m gone… remember these words.
“People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”- Spoken by a 6 year old boy who had just lost his family’s 10 year old, Belker, to cancer.
