Ten Commandments for Responsible Pet Owners*

1. My life is most likely to last only 10 -15 years. Any separation from you is very painful.

2. Please give me time to understand what you want from me.

3. Please trust me.. it is crucial for my well being.

4. Plese don't be angry with me for a long time, and don't lock me alone up as punishment. You have your work, your friends and your entertainment. I ONLY HAVE YOU!

5. Talk to me... even if I don't understand your words. I understand your voice and love when you speak to me.

6. Be aware, that however you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.

7. Before you hit me remember that I have teeth that could easily hurt you but I choose NOT to bite you because I love you.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative or bad, ask yourself if maybe there is another reason for my behavior. Perhaps I am sick, hot, old, or just plain tired and weak. Please try to understand me.

9. Take care of me when I get old, for you will grow old. Please take me to the vet when I am sick.. I may need medicine or medical help to get better too.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or " do it when I leave" everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember I love you.

I would like to add one of my own to this list and that is: If you can't be a responsible pet owner then perhaps you don't really need a pet. They are a huge responsiblity and don't feel that you are doing them a favor by just taking them into your home. A pet without love, care and medical attention is as much abandoned as if it were left along side the road. Please let someone take the pet that will care for it and love it.

*Ten Commandments courtesy of Texas ASPCA

Another helpful hint from the author....

I have found from experience that our pets become what we make them. If we treat them mean, they become mean. If we give them plenty of love they are very loving. Animals do not know hate as humans do, they only know love. You can make your animal behave as you would like him or her to not by using physical abuse but just in the tone of your voice.

I am proud to say that I believe that my pets are well behaved, and would like to offer advice on how this can be done. I have NEVER, EVER, used physical punishment on any of my pets. But the way that I have done this is just by my voice tone. They KNOW when I am upset with them for misbehaving, and they know their limitations. They KNOW exactly what they are ALLOWED to do and not to do. I do not allow them to rule the house... but I show them lots of love and attention. They in return respect me and know what is expected of them behavior wise. If you do not want them to beg for food at the table then DON'T feed them food from the table, ever. Otherwise they will think of it as a source of food when you are eating there and you will never break them of that habit.

I do use the water spray on the kitties when and if they need a reminder but this is not necessary very often. Sounds a lot like children doesn't it? Well in some cases pets are a lot like children, innocent and eager to please, all they need is motivation.

So I pass this along to show that it is possible to have a clean, organized household with MANY loving pets. But remember, animals are NOT humans and cannot be expected to act like them... don't expect the impossible from your pet!

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