June 10, 2014



20 Essential Facts Dog Lovers Must Always Remember

20 Essential Facts Dog Lovers Must Always Remember
1. Don’t ignore me for too long. I may only live for 10 to 15 years. It seems like forever when you’re away from me and it hurts my heart when I don’t know where you are.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Christina
2. Take me to new places to meet friendly people and animals. I might be frightened of them at first, but if you hold my paw through these new experiences, I’ll learn to be more confident and trusting of others. I really do love to meet new friends.
3. Don’t throw me away when new family members arrive. They are my family too and I will love and protect them as much as I love and protect you.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Lindsey Potter
4. Don’t get mad at me when I jump up. I love you so much and sometimes I can’t help getting excited and wanting to give you a hug.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Misa Way
5. Teach me new things. I love making you happy so teach me what you’d like me to do. Learning is great exercise and I love it just as much as a run at the park.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Jeffrey Evans
6. Don’t get frustrated and give up on me. I don’t understand your language, but I’m trying my best to learn. Give me time to understand what you want of me because all I want to do is please you.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Natassa Kost
7. Don’t take out your stress on me. No matter how your day went, I am always happy to see you and will do whatever I can to make your day better.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Anna Teresa Herda
8. Give me comfort when I’m scared. I always feel better when I’m with you and it may just take a moment before I understand that new things wont hurt me.
Dogs are family
"Poor dog's terrifying first train ride..."
9. No matter how busy you are, try to spend a little bit of quality time with me every day. This is truly what I look forward to the most and every minute means so much to me.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Matt
10. Don’t leave me outside when it’s too hot or too cold. I don’t have anywhere to go to stay cool or to keep warm and I don’t know how to escape if I’m in a desperate situation.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Kristi Sockwell
11. Don’t forget the little things that keep me healthy and happy. My paws hurt if my toenails are too long and I feel much better after my coat has been brushed free of mats. I could even get sick if my teeth are too dirty. It’s only minutes of your time, but it means so much to me.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: sarah-jane
12. Trust me. I trust you with all my heart, so please trust me too. You mean the world to me.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Kelly Charron
13. Don’t be angry with me for too long. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Kim
14. Talk to me. I may not understand your words, but I understand your tone and body language.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: ChurchinPhotography
15. Always treat me with kindness. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. The more you love me, the stronger our bond will be.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Roy
16. Please don’t hit me. Remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you because I love you. If I did something wrong, I didn’t mean to make you angry, so please help me understand how to not repeat it. I would much rather give you kisses.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: catherine krus
17. Let me know whenever I’ve done something right. Nothing in the world makes me happier. I can tell when you’re pleased with me and if I know what I’ve done to make you smile, you can bet your life that I will try and do it again. And again, and again, and again…
Dogs are family
Photo credit: jiuliana mckenzie
18. Pay attention to me if I’m not being myself. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, please check to see if something might be bothering me. My heart may be getting old, I may be unwell, or I could even be in pain.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Hans Gotun
19. Take care of me when I get old, just as much as you cared for me when I was a puppy. When I was young, you spent so much time cuddling me and touching my soft fur. My fur might not be as soft and I am no longer small, but my love for you has only grown stronger.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Janet Woudenberg
20. Come with me on difficult journeys. I understand that it's hard for you, but please stay with me until the very end. Everything is better, easier and safer for me if you are with me. Remember, I love you.
Dogs are family
Photo credit: Sara Robertson
 
And when the time comes, remember that dogs never die. They are sleeping in your heart.
Cherish your dogs! Dogs are family™ for life.

Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/dogsarefamily/posts/5106-20-essential-facts-dog-lovers-must-always-remember-the-last-one-comes-with-a-tissue-alert#UHeHwxpVPtFIXZbh.99