Give a dog your heart and the only time they will break it is when their time on earth is over.
Dogs are one of the most loyal animals who love unconditionally. Dogs have the amazing ability to make us feel loved, feel needed, make us laugh, and lift our spirits when we feel sad.
Dogs are amazing friends, companions, and family member’s hands down.
Below are 16 Things Dogs Can’t Verbalize but Need Owners to Remember About Them
1. Don’t Get Mad at Me for Getting Excited to See You
I may bark, whine, run, wag my tail, or jump for joy when you return home. My time on earth is short, and I live and breathe to be with you. I miss you when you leave me, and I’m not embarrassed to show you how much you mean to me.
2. Be Patient with Me
I have to learn what you want and expect from me. It may take me a few tries, and I may need more guidance and encouragement from you. Don’t get angry with me because I’m trying my hardest to please you.
3. Teach Me Things
Please take me places and show me off. Teach me how to behave and be social around others. Teach me what you expect and make learning fun. I want you to be proud of me.
4. Don’t Stay Mad at Me
Whatever I did or didn’t do, don’t stay mad at me. Teach me to do better and reward my positive behavior.
5. No Hitting
This should be obvious. Physical abuse confuses me and makes me anxious and fearful. Please use your human touch for kindness instead of harm.
6. Don’t Lock Me Out
When the weather is terrible, bring me inside. If it’s too hot or cold for you, the same applies to me. Please don’t make me suffer and fend for myself.
7. Talk to Me
Conversations with me maybe a little one-side, but I understand more than you think. Even if I don’t know the answers to your questions or problems, I love to hear your voice and will always lend a confidential ear.
8. Protect Me
I look to you for everything: food, shelter, love, attention, companionship, and my safety.
There will be times when I am unsure or frightened by loud noises, new people, new places, storms, etc. Comfort me and help me through these rough patches.
9. Touch
Touch is therapeutic for both of us. I enjoy getting my ears rubbed, my head stroked, and my neck scratched from my favorite people.
Sometimes I may want to touch you. Let me sit up against you, put my paw on you, or my head on your lap. I do this because I love you, and love being next to you.
10. Expand My World
A trip to the pet store, the park, or just a car ride are things I live for. Seeing new things and new places are exciting for me. I won’t care where we go because we will be together.
11. Let Me Be a Dog Every Now and Then
Let me make new friends that look and smell like me.
Let me get outdoors to sniff, explore, and run. Let me get dirty in that giant mud puddle, let me get wet in that river or lake, and let me dig on that sandy beach.
12. Please Respect my Space
Sometimes I need my space and want to be left alone. It may be a quick nap in my crate, or maybe I want to lay on the cold tile on a hot summer day instead of snuggle next to you. Don’t be sad; it’s only temporary.
13. More Treats Please
Food is something I look forward to. I will work and earn treats, but how about some extra’s just because? Some veggies and meat in my dinner, an after-dinner chew, doggy desserts for birthdays, and special occasions will all be much appreciated.
14. Pay Attention If I’m Off My Routine
We are all creatures of habit. As the years’ pass, you and I will settle into a non-verbal routine of schedules, wants, and needs. If I’m not acting like myself and not enjoying the things I usually do, please pay attention to this. I may not be feeling well, and I can’t help myself. I need you to come to my rescue.
15. Please Love Me When I’m Old and Slow
You loved me when I was young, cute, and rambunctious, but please love me more now that I’m old and wise. As my body begins to fail me, please take care of me and keep me comfortable. My time is limited, and even though I may not be able to show it, I love you more today than I did yesterday.
16. Be at My Side for Our Final Goodbye
Letting me leave this world and transition into a pain-free existence will be difficult for you, but I need you at my side. I might be scared, and I might be ready but I will be thankful and comforted with you next to me as I head toward the Rainbow Bridge.
*****
A dog’s short life span is perfectly summed up by 6-year-old Shane, when the family dog, Belker, a 10-year-old Irish Wolf Hound, died of cancer.
This is what Shane said to Belker’s vet.
“People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life. Like, loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Time is precious and should not be wasted. Hug your dog every day!
h/t Pawbuzz.com
h/t msn.com
