Friday, April 30, 2010
A Success Story.......
My apologies to all, but we felt it best to keep all options open for this precious pair until their salvation was assured.
Bankruptcy, foreclosure, disability forestalling a return to work, uncertain living arrangements... and caring for an aging parent several states away: How many of us would have had the courage - let alone the fortitude - to make finding a home for a pair of senior (rescued) companions who'd lived practically their entire lives together the highest priority?
That's what Dawn Hughes has faced this past month - and successfully mastered!
Despite the anguish of separation from her "support staff", she knew in her heart the best possible outcome for them was a stable, loving, safe "together-forever" - the ideal circumstance for an aging senior pair (wouldn't we ALL like our last days to pass in such in such a manner?)...
But in today's economy and social crises, what hope did she possible have for this idyllic conclusion?
Not much.
Who else would assume such a great responsibility, where would they end up - and how in the world would they make it there, given Alice's significant anxiety about transport... even to her regular vet, just 20 minutes from home?
Prospects were bleak to none...
Until you all stepped forward, and through your concerted expressions of loving concern "made it so"!
After weeks of anxious cross-posting, with little response - help arrived in the proverbial "11th hour":
An offer from a nurse-practitioner and her veterinarian husband in North Carolina.
Several foster (possible to forever?) offers, from Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and elsewhere...
A wonderful Chicago-based "senior rescue" - whose Board of Directors was so moved by their plight that they voted to waive their strict geographical limitations and their "no private parties - imminent PTS shelters only" restriction and take them into their "foster-to-forever" program.
And then - from Indiana, Cry For Help rescue (unbeknownst to all) added them as a courtesy posting on their PetFinder page... where a wonderful woman ("Debbie") who was specifically seeking a senior companion to share her lovely 1920's Sears Craftsman bungalow in Lombard, Illinois (in a beautiful, older, quiet neighborhood - replete with fully fenced back yard) care across their anxious faces... and immediately set out to seek approval as their final "together-forever" guardian and caregiver!
God must've shared our concerns for them, and known that Debbie was "the one": Discouraged (but determined, nonetheless), she'd called on several seniors prior to finding Alice and Henry, only to learn that all others preceding them had secured families before she'd had the chance to open her heart and share her home with them...
Jean Lazzaro - of Cry for Help - arranged an expedited home visit (for today - probably completed as I draft this missive).
Dawn and Debbie spoke at length on the phone, discussing in detail their concerns and hopes.
Bankruptcy, foreclosure, disability forestalling a return to work, uncertain living arrangements... and caring for an aging parent several states away: How many of us would have had the courage - let alone the fortitude - to make finding a home for a pair of senior (rescued) companions who'd lived practically their entire lives together the highest priority?
That's what Dawn Hughes has faced this past month - and successfully mastered!
Despite the anguish of separation from her "support staff", she knew in her heart the best possible outcome for them was a stable, loving, safe "together-forever" - the ideal circumstance for an aging senior pair (wouldn't we ALL like our last days to pass in such in such a manner?)...
But in today's economy and social crises, what hope did she possible have for this idyllic conclusion?
Not much.
Who else would assume such a great responsibility, where would they end up - and how in the world would they make it there, given Alice's significant anxiety about transport... even to her regular vet, just 20 minutes from home?
Prospects were bleak to none...
Until you all stepped forward, and through your concerted expressions of loving concern "made it so"!
After weeks of anxious cross-posting, with little response - help arrived in the proverbial "11th hour":
An offer from a nurse-practitioner and her veterinarian husband in North Carolina.
Several foster (possible to forever?) offers, from Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and elsewhere...
A wonderful Chicago-based "senior rescue" - whose Board of Directors was so moved by their plight that they voted to waive their strict geographical limitations and their "no private parties - imminent PTS shelters only" restriction and take them into their "foster-to-forever" program.
And then - from Indiana, Cry For Help rescue (unbeknownst to all) added them as a courtesy posting on their PetFinder page... where a wonderful woman ("Debbie") who was specifically seeking a senior companion to share her lovely 1920's Sears Craftsman bungalow in Lombard, Illinois (in a beautiful, older, quiet neighborhood - replete with fully fenced back yard) care across their anxious faces... and immediately set out to seek approval as their final "together-forever" guardian and caregiver!
God must've shared our concerns for them, and known that Debbie was "the one": Discouraged (but determined, nonetheless), she'd called on several seniors prior to finding Alice and Henry, only to learn that all others preceding them had secured families before she'd had the chance to open her heart and share her home with them...
Jean Lazzaro - of Cry for Help - arranged an expedited home visit (for today - probably completed as I draft this missive).
Dawn and Debbie spoke at length on the phone, discussing in detail their concerns and hopes.
Dawn plans to transport them to Debbie (some three hours distant), and it sounds as though arrangements are being discussed for her to stay with "the family" for a period of time, to ease Alice and Henry's unsettling transition, and comfort them through the process.
Young at Heart (that incredible Chicago-area senior rescue) was immediately contacted , so that the foster held for them could be released and two more desperate seniors would be removed to safety from area kill-shelters.
Would to God that ALL adoptions were as blessed with an outcome as touchingly beautiful as this?! Again, I apologize for not maintaining a running dialog on their progress, but concerns were SO great considering the challenge faced that it was believed vital to keep all options open... and the sheer volume of responses I would have had to address would have compromised our ability to save several others in critical circumstances (who we DID manage to rescue and place, while keeping Alice and Henry "on the front burner").
Thank you - ALL of you - for your compassionate consideration: I hope you'll forgive my selfish concern for these two dear dogs?
Yours in rescue...
Steve
Young at Heart (that incredible Chicago-area senior rescue) was immediately contacted , so that the foster held for them could be released and two more desperate seniors would be removed to safety from area kill-shelters.
Would to God that ALL adoptions were as blessed with an outcome as touchingly beautiful as this?! Again, I apologize for not maintaining a running dialog on their progress, but concerns were SO great considering the challenge faced that it was believed vital to keep all options open... and the sheer volume of responses I would have had to address would have compromised our ability to save several others in critical circumstances (who we DID manage to rescue and place, while keeping Alice and Henry "on the front burner").
Thank you - ALL of you - for your compassionate consideration: I hope you'll forgive my selfish concern for these two dear dogs?
Yours in rescue...
Steve
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Pet Store Doublespeak
Pet Store Doublespeak
What pet store staff might tell you and what it really means
The Humane Society of the United States
Despite what they may tell you, pet stores do sell puppy mill puppies. Here's a list of common claims by pet stores, and what they really mean.
Pet stores say: "Our puppies come from breeders, not puppy mills."
The word breeder is not an exclusive term. Anyone who puts two dogs together and produces puppies is, technically, a breeder.
Truly responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores, they want to meet their puppy buyers in person and do not sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Most breed club's Code of Ethics state that their breeders refuse to sell their dogs to pet dealers or any other commercial sources of distribution.
"All of our puppies come from USDA-inspected facilities, so we know they are not from puppy mills."
Being USDA or government inspected does not mean that the business is not a puppy mill, any more than having a driver's license guarantees that the holder is a good driver. Unfortunately, most USDA-licensed breeders house dozens or even hundreds of breeding dogs in small wire cages for their entire lives—and sadly, this is legal under current USDA regulations, which require only minimal standards of food, water and shelter. But many USDA facilities have been found in violation of even these minimal standards. It is extremely rare for the USDA to revoke a commercial breeder's license or even fine a puppy mill that has repeated violations. There are hundreds of USDA-licensed puppy mills in operation that have long lists of violations and problems associated with them and yet regularly sell to pet stores.
"We know our breeders are not puppy mills because we only deal with breeders we know."
If a pet store manager tells you this, ask to see documentation that shows exactly where their suppliers are located. In most cases, you will find out that the breeders they "know" are in distant states. The store manager's definition of "knowing" a breeder often just means they have been receiving shipments of puppies from the same place repeatedly. In most cases, the owner or manager has never visited the breeder's facility or inspected their records. Our investigations have revealed that even when store staff claim they inspect their facilities or hand-pick their puppies, often it is not true.
"We don't sell puppies from local breeders because our state is not regulated, but (the state the puppies come from) is."
Commercial breeders in all states who sell wholesale to pet stores are required to be regulated by the USDA. Some states (such as Missouri and Pennsylvania) also require a state kennel license and state inspections. This does not mean that puppies from Missouri or Pennsylvania are healthier. In fact, these states have two of the worst concentrations of puppy mills in the United States.
"Our store's puppies are healthy—they come with a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian."
A health certificate is not a bonus but is required for any puppy sold commercially across state lines. It only means that the puppy has had a very brief "wellness" check by a veterinarian. This examination does not include testing the puppy or his or her parents for genetic disorders, parasites, or testing for diseases such as Giardia and Brucellosis, both of which are contagious to humans and are frequently seen in puppy mill puppies.
"Our puppies come with a health guarantee."
Read health guarantees very carefully. They are often designed to protect the store's interests more than yours. They can be full of exclusions and loopholes, and often require you to return a sick puppy to the store in order to get a refund. The store management will often use the puppy's health certificate as proof that the animal was healthy when he or she left the store, leaving the buyer helpless if the puppy becomes sick just a few hours or days after purchase.
"Consumers know our puppies are from good breeders because they are registered and come with papers."
Purebred registration papers (from one of many kennel clubs or other dog registries) are only a record of a puppy's parents (and sometimes earlier generations). Puppy mills routinely sell puppies with papers from prestigious sounding kennel clubs. Registration papers do nothing to ensure that an individual puppy (or his or her parents) is healthy or free of genetic defects, or that they were raised in a humane and clean environment.
"We know this is a good breeder. We've never had a problem with any of their puppies."
Keep in mind that even facilities with mostly healthy puppies and problem-free inspection reports may be keeping dozens or even hundreds of breeding dogs in cages for their entire lives. These parent dogs live behind bars from birth until death, without ever feeling grass under their feet, enjoying a treat or toy, or having loving human contact or proper veterinary care. They are bred repeatedly until they can no longer reproduce, and then they are destroyed or discarded.
The real tragedy of puppy mills is that keeping breeding dogs in such a way is perfectly legal. Only the public can stop the cruel cycle of puppy mills, by refusing to buy the puppies that keep these kinds of breeders in business.
What pet store staff might tell you and what it really means
The Humane Society of the United States
Despite what they may tell you, pet stores do sell puppy mill puppies. Here's a list of common claims by pet stores, and what they really mean.
Pet stores say: "Our puppies come from breeders, not puppy mills."
The word breeder is not an exclusive term. Anyone who puts two dogs together and produces puppies is, technically, a breeder.
Truly responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores, they want to meet their puppy buyers in person and do not sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Most breed club's Code of Ethics state that their breeders refuse to sell their dogs to pet dealers or any other commercial sources of distribution.
"All of our puppies come from USDA-inspected facilities, so we know they are not from puppy mills."
Being USDA or government inspected does not mean that the business is not a puppy mill, any more than having a driver's license guarantees that the holder is a good driver. Unfortunately, most USDA-licensed breeders house dozens or even hundreds of breeding dogs in small wire cages for their entire lives—and sadly, this is legal under current USDA regulations, which require only minimal standards of food, water and shelter. But many USDA facilities have been found in violation of even these minimal standards. It is extremely rare for the USDA to revoke a commercial breeder's license or even fine a puppy mill that has repeated violations. There are hundreds of USDA-licensed puppy mills in operation that have long lists of violations and problems associated with them and yet regularly sell to pet stores.
"We know our breeders are not puppy mills because we only deal with breeders we know."
If a pet store manager tells you this, ask to see documentation that shows exactly where their suppliers are located. In most cases, you will find out that the breeders they "know" are in distant states. The store manager's definition of "knowing" a breeder often just means they have been receiving shipments of puppies from the same place repeatedly. In most cases, the owner or manager has never visited the breeder's facility or inspected their records. Our investigations have revealed that even when store staff claim they inspect their facilities or hand-pick their puppies, often it is not true.
"We don't sell puppies from local breeders because our state is not regulated, but (the state the puppies come from) is."
Commercial breeders in all states who sell wholesale to pet stores are required to be regulated by the USDA. Some states (such as Missouri and Pennsylvania) also require a state kennel license and state inspections. This does not mean that puppies from Missouri or Pennsylvania are healthier. In fact, these states have two of the worst concentrations of puppy mills in the United States.
"Our store's puppies are healthy—they come with a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian."
A health certificate is not a bonus but is required for any puppy sold commercially across state lines. It only means that the puppy has had a very brief "wellness" check by a veterinarian. This examination does not include testing the puppy or his or her parents for genetic disorders, parasites, or testing for diseases such as Giardia and Brucellosis, both of which are contagious to humans and are frequently seen in puppy mill puppies.
"Our puppies come with a health guarantee."
Read health guarantees very carefully. They are often designed to protect the store's interests more than yours. They can be full of exclusions and loopholes, and often require you to return a sick puppy to the store in order to get a refund. The store management will often use the puppy's health certificate as proof that the animal was healthy when he or she left the store, leaving the buyer helpless if the puppy becomes sick just a few hours or days after purchase.
"Consumers know our puppies are from good breeders because they are registered and come with papers."
Purebred registration papers (from one of many kennel clubs or other dog registries) are only a record of a puppy's parents (and sometimes earlier generations). Puppy mills routinely sell puppies with papers from prestigious sounding kennel clubs. Registration papers do nothing to ensure that an individual puppy (or his or her parents) is healthy or free of genetic defects, or that they were raised in a humane and clean environment.
"We know this is a good breeder. We've never had a problem with any of their puppies."
Keep in mind that even facilities with mostly healthy puppies and problem-free inspection reports may be keeping dozens or even hundreds of breeding dogs in cages for their entire lives. These parent dogs live behind bars from birth until death, without ever feeling grass under their feet, enjoying a treat or toy, or having loving human contact or proper veterinary care. They are bred repeatedly until they can no longer reproduce, and then they are destroyed or discarded.
The real tragedy of puppy mills is that keeping breeding dogs in such a way is perfectly legal. Only the public can stop the cruel cycle of puppy mills, by refusing to buy the puppies that keep these kinds of breeders in business.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Here are 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give your dog a bone:
1.Broken teeth. This may call for expensive veterinary dentistry.
2.Mouth or tongue injuries. These can be very bloody and messy and may require a trip to see your veterinarian.
3.Bone gets looped around your dog’s lower jaw. This can be frightening or painful for your dog and potentially costly to you, as it usually means a trip to see your veterinarian.
4.Bone gets stuck in esophagus, the tube that food travels through to reach the stomach. Your dog may gag, trying to bring the bone back up, and will need to see your veterinarian.
5.Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This may happen if your dog accidentally inhales a small enough piece of bone. This is an emergency because your dog will have trouble breathing. Get your pet to your veterinarian immediately!
6.Bone gets stuck in stomach. It went down just fine, but the bone may be too big to pass out of the stomach and into the intestines. Depending on the bone’s size, your dog may need surgery or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a procedure in which your veterinarian uses a long tube with a built-in camera and grabbing tools to try to remove the stuck bone from the stomach.
7.Bone gets stuck in intestines and causes a blockage. It may be time for surgery.
8.Constipation due to bone fragments. Your dog may have a hard time passing the bone fragments because they’re very sharp and they scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move along. This causes severe pain and may require a visit to your veterinarian.
9.Severe bleeding from the rectum. This is very messy and can be dangerous. It’s time for a trip to see your veterinarian.
10.Peritonitis. This nasty, difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen is caused when bone fragments poke holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian because peritonitis can kill your dog.
“Talk with your veterinarian about alternatives to giving bones to your dog,” says Stamper. “There are many bone-like products made with materials that are safe for dogs to chew on.”
“Always supervise your dog with any chew product, especially one your dog hasn’t had before,” adds Stamper. “And always, if your dog ‘just isn’t acting right,’ call your veterinarian right away!”
1.Broken teeth. This may call for expensive veterinary dentistry.
2.Mouth or tongue injuries. These can be very bloody and messy and may require a trip to see your veterinarian.
3.Bone gets looped around your dog’s lower jaw. This can be frightening or painful for your dog and potentially costly to you, as it usually means a trip to see your veterinarian.
4.Bone gets stuck in esophagus, the tube that food travels through to reach the stomach. Your dog may gag, trying to bring the bone back up, and will need to see your veterinarian.
5.Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This may happen if your dog accidentally inhales a small enough piece of bone. This is an emergency because your dog will have trouble breathing. Get your pet to your veterinarian immediately!
6.Bone gets stuck in stomach. It went down just fine, but the bone may be too big to pass out of the stomach and into the intestines. Depending on the bone’s size, your dog may need surgery or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a procedure in which your veterinarian uses a long tube with a built-in camera and grabbing tools to try to remove the stuck bone from the stomach.
7.Bone gets stuck in intestines and causes a blockage. It may be time for surgery.
8.Constipation due to bone fragments. Your dog may have a hard time passing the bone fragments because they’re very sharp and they scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move along. This causes severe pain and may require a visit to your veterinarian.
9.Severe bleeding from the rectum. This is very messy and can be dangerous. It’s time for a trip to see your veterinarian.
10.Peritonitis. This nasty, difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen is caused when bone fragments poke holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian because peritonitis can kill your dog.
“Talk with your veterinarian about alternatives to giving bones to your dog,” says Stamper. “There are many bone-like products made with materials that are safe for dogs to chew on.”
“Always supervise your dog with any chew product, especially one your dog hasn’t had before,” adds Stamper. “And always, if your dog ‘just isn’t acting right,’ call your veterinarian right away!”
Be Kind To Animals Week
Six Ways to Be Kind
Be Kind to Animals Week is American Humane’s annual event celebrating the unique bond between people and animals, and encouraging the humane treatment of all animals. Here are six ways to be kind to animals during this special week -- and throughout the year:
Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed-specific rescue -- you could save a life, in addition to finding a loving companion!
Report animal abuse -- doing the right thing could mean stopping someone who abuses not only pets, but also people.
Spay or neuter your pets -- in a world where millions of pets are euthanized due to overpopulation, it’s critical to do your part.
Live humanely with wildlife -- it’s important to peacefully coexist with deer, bats, skunks, squirrels, raccoons and all living creatures.
Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation -- sign up to receive action alerts about issues affecting animals.
Teach humane values to kids -- If you’re an educator at a school, shelter or library, download our Be Kind to Animals Week activities for students K-12.
Be Kind to Animals Week is American Humane’s annual event celebrating the unique bond between people and animals, and encouraging the humane treatment of all animals. Here are six ways to be kind to animals during this special week -- and throughout the year:
Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed-specific rescue -- you could save a life, in addition to finding a loving companion!
Report animal abuse -- doing the right thing could mean stopping someone who abuses not only pets, but also people.
Spay or neuter your pets -- in a world where millions of pets are euthanized due to overpopulation, it’s critical to do your part.
Live humanely with wildlife -- it’s important to peacefully coexist with deer, bats, skunks, squirrels, raccoons and all living creatures.
Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation -- sign up to receive action alerts about issues affecting animals.
Teach humane values to kids -- If you’re an educator at a school, shelter or library, download our Be Kind to Animals Week activities for students K-12.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Walmart Joins ASPCA in celebration of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Approximately five to seven million adoptable dogs and cats enter animal shelters nationwide each year. Of those, approximately three to four million are needlessly euthanized simply due to a lack of space or resources to adequately care for them.
Overpopulation is the leading cause of unnecessary euthanasia. This is largely due to an inadequate number of spayed and neutered pets, even among those living with otherwise responsible pet parents. Experts estimate that half of all puppies and three-quarters of all kittens born in the U.S. are the result of unplanned litters.
Walmart® is proud to support the ASPCA® in our goal to save and improve the lives of millions of pets nationwide, and to help raise awareness around the importance of adoption and spay/neuter. Walmart is showcasing its partnership with the ASPCA and celebrating Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month throughout April, culminating with a special event on May 1 in Miami, Florida. The event will raise awareness and funds for the ASPCA, Miami Humane and Miami Animal Control Services.
Through the support of key pet suppliers, Walmart will host a fun walk and Pet Care Fair in Bayfront Park. Sponsor tents featuring educational seminars, information and giveaways will be available throughout the event, along with main stage performances and family fun. Education and community support through programs like the Pet Care Fair play a large role in preventing unwanted litters and increasing the number of pet sterilizations.
You can get involved, too! Animal lovers everywhere are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/lendapaw and help “Lend a Paw” to support the ASPCA's goal to save and improve the lives of millions of animals nationwide. When visitors click on the "Create a 'Lend a Paw' Post" button, Walmart, through the generous contribution of key pet suppliers, will donate $1 for each post (for a total donation of up to $100,000). All funds raised go to support the life-saving missions of the ASPCA and its local partners.
Overpopulation is the leading cause of unnecessary euthanasia. This is largely due to an inadequate number of spayed and neutered pets, even among those living with otherwise responsible pet parents. Experts estimate that half of all puppies and three-quarters of all kittens born in the U.S. are the result of unplanned litters.
Walmart® is proud to support the ASPCA® in our goal to save and improve the lives of millions of pets nationwide, and to help raise awareness around the importance of adoption and spay/neuter. Walmart is showcasing its partnership with the ASPCA and celebrating Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month throughout April, culminating with a special event on May 1 in Miami, Florida. The event will raise awareness and funds for the ASPCA, Miami Humane and Miami Animal Control Services.
Through the support of key pet suppliers, Walmart will host a fun walk and Pet Care Fair in Bayfront Park. Sponsor tents featuring educational seminars, information and giveaways will be available throughout the event, along with main stage performances and family fun. Education and community support through programs like the Pet Care Fair play a large role in preventing unwanted litters and increasing the number of pet sterilizations.
You can get involved, too! Animal lovers everywhere are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/lendapaw and help “Lend a Paw” to support the ASPCA's goal to save and improve the lives of millions of animals nationwide. When visitors click on the "Create a 'Lend a Paw' Post" button, Walmart, through the generous contribution of key pet suppliers, will donate $1 for each post (for a total donation of up to $100,000). All funds raised go to support the life-saving missions of the ASPCA and its local partners.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Deadly to Dogs & Cats but no warning on package!!!!
"Cocoa Mulch", which is sold by Target, Home Depot, Lowes, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden Supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They ingest this stuff and die. Several cases have been sighted so be careful.
It is lethal to dogs and cats.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, 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'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, 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'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
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