Stan Rawlinson Author of The 10 Commandments For Dogs

My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.
Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.
Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.
Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.
Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that.
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 foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.
Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.
Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

© Stan Rawlinson 1993
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These are just a tiny few of the comments I receive about The Ten Commandments

I read this first at my vet, it really moved me and the words always stayed with me. My dog is now 12yrs old. She is diabetic and going blind. I had to bring Sally back over to the vet at the weekend and asked the vet where she got this verse from. I have since printed it out and framed it. Every time I read it I cry. It totally breaks my heart to read no.10 as I know that day will be coming soon. I got word that Sally has chronic liver damage and it is now downhill but at the moment she is not suffering but when she is…… One of the most lovely verses ever written, a true animal lover composed it.

Karen

A very intelligent and caring person wrote that – and more have shared it. Thank you all.

Berni

When I first read the Ten Commandments I was awe struck. It took my breath away, furthermore it brought me to tears. I was ashamed of myself for being in considerate of my animal friends. Needless to say it has change me a great deal. I immediately made a copy of it and changed the title to ” The Ten Commandments I make to Riley,” Riley, my best buddy and friend past away this past week.

My wife and I had to make that decision. A decision that came easier knowing that he was suffering. I sent a note to Riley’s and my friends, commemorating his passing and with it I pasted a copy of the Ten Commandments. I have received more comment about the beautiful attachment. All pet owners should be required to make sign this commitment before they purchase a pet.

Richard Rutledge

I just had to put my dog of 14 years down this past week, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I have printed this and will post it at the shelter where I volunteer. It is something every one should follow, I will share with all my animal loving friends and familyThis is one of the most important thing that pet owners will ever read. thank you for posting and writing this. Im sending this to all my pet owning friends and family members.

Jan

My mommy has that hanging on our fridge. i wish everyone who has an animal friend in their life would live by these rules.

Dawn

Lovely, it’s a wake-up call. Being there until the very end truly counts.
Through good times and bad times, keep in mind that owning a pet is a sacred commitment.
Tandblekning

Hello, Stan,
This post is so beautiful. I have never looked at some things this way. As Tandblekning said, this is a wake up call.
I hope more pet lovers will read this post and get a new view on their little furry friends.
Brankica @ Cool Small Pets´s last blog ..Make personalized Christmas stockings for pets

Dear Dog listener

After visiting your site, I came across your 10 Commandments, never a truer word wrote.

Each and every animal falls within every word. I only wish your 10 Commandments

were available for all animals when purchased or otherwise.

Keep up the good work

Regards

Margaret

Sir,

I've just received word that our local Veterinary Hospital has found a home, on trial, for my beloved Cornish Rex. Listening to the message, I found is so bitter-sweet only to open my next e-mail and find your beautiful piece. It took me some time to trace you as the author but when I did, I had to let you know I found your words of great comfort.

Thank you,

Gord Swanson

Surrey, BC Canada

Mr. Rawlinson,

So you know , from the bottom of my heart thank you for taking the time to write the "A Pet's Ten Commandments" ! With coming onto the 1st yr anniversary of our beloved Rotti going over the Rainbow Bridge, I know hell is coming back to our home. Our Boy was everyones boy, Maxwell, was the Doggy Husband, for protection and a restful night sleep for the children and me, the big brother to three kids who's father was overseas almost all their childhood serving the US Navy, he was the gentle giant when that hubby and big brother return home injuried from the War! He was the the personal assistant to our baby who lived in a body cast for six months at age 11 months, the dog catcher when a unknown dog pinned our other daughter up against a wall, the big dog at the vet office when he stood there for over a hour giving his blood to a litter of resuced Rottis, he was our daughters and my extra pillow when we came home to recover after being hit by a drunk driver, our tear remover when we held a vigil at my son's bedside, when he was struck by a car and fought with all his might, and my unconditional love when I the momma, his momma was diagnoised with cancer. Four months after my surgeries were done, Our boy suffered a stroke and we knew he wanted to go home.

Maxwell went over the rainbow bridge with his family laying with him on his favorite blanket. His suffering was over. AS much as it broke our hearts, esp our 3 childrens', We will never look back at that day as a regret, as your poem also states. Now that I have cried now for the last hour.Thank you very much, AS you might know, mom's dont cry!!

May God Bless you and as we taught maxwell "Paw 5". We did have him cremated and his is seperated into different hand picked urns for the children and dad and me. they also did his paw prints into clay for everyone! Now Each will have a copy of this poem. Again Thank you so very much!!

Sir Windsor Maxwell Otto Smith

6-5-98 to 3-18-2010

We did rescue a Lil girl, she will be 2 in april, she is a cane corso italiano, named Susanna. why do the big ones think they are small as a poodle?? but she makes us smile again.

But I am done. Thanks for letting this mom write to you, it was such a relief for my heart and I thank you os very much. I am not expecting this to even go thru let alone to get a response, which is ok, cause I know I wrote it and so does my boy.

Thank you again, May you forever be blessed

Respectfully

Dawn M.Smith and family

Chesaapeake, Va 23325