The author of the following is unknown. But the sentiments expressed will touch your heart.
Here in this house…
I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs “out there”.
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I’ll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun’s heat, and the rain’s coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.
Here in this house…
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and even if I don’t understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!
Here in this house…
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve people’s images of themselves.
I will be loved because of who I am, not someone’s idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone’s anger,impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, my teachers will blame themselves, not me.
Here in this house…
I can trust the arms that hold, hands that touch…knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, or too unruly, or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.
I will learn that my humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.
Here in this house…
I will belong.
I will be home.
October is designated as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, but we’ll include all shelter pets.
There are many reasons why people must give up their pets. Some have financial difficulties, others are moving to places that don’t accept pets and still others may be physically incapable of caring for their pets any longer.
Sometimes after years of devotion and loyalty, a pet finds itself in a shelter. Most of these pets are more than willing to give their love and loyalty to someone who will care for them in their senior years. Senior pets usually have the advantages of being house-trained, obedience trained, socialized, get along with other pets, won’t chew your house to bits and are generally calmer.
Please visit a shelter and consider adopting a senior. You’ll be surprised at how much joy they will bring to your life. And don’t forget that good feeling you get knowing you’ve saved a special life.
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