dogpoems

A Dog´s Ten Commandments

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful to me. Remember that before you buy me.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me - it`s cruical to my well being.
Don´t be angry with me for long, and don´t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.
Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don´t understand your words, I understand your voice when it´s speaking to me.
Be aware that, however you treat me, I´ll never forget it.
Remember before you hit me - I have teeth that could easily crush the bones of your hand but I choose not to bite you.
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 food, or I`ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.
Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can´t bear to watch it", or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember that I love you.

-author unknown

Lend me a pup

I will lend to you for awhile,
a pup, God said.
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn for him when he´s dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two of three
But will you, ´till I call him back,
take care of him for me.

He´ll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be breaf)
you´ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I´ve looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd`s life´s land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think tha labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief we´ll run.
We´ll shelter him with tenderness
we´ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we`ve known forever grateful stay
But should you call him back
much sooner than we´ve planned,
We´ll brave the bitter grief that comes,
ant try to understand.
If, by our love, we´ve managed,
your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We´ll have yet another pup and love him all his life.

-author unknown