Friday, February 6, 2009

Pet's 10 Commandments.

We saw something very lovely on Skeezix's today. It is the Pet's 10 Commandments, which was written by Stan Rawlinson, from . We know everycat probably saw it on Skeezix's blog, but wanted to re-post, incase anyone missed it.

The Pet's 10 Commandments

1.) My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Please understand that 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 entertainments, 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 or scratch 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.

When Mum read this, it made her immediately think of Evie (you can see the two of them being geese in the picture below, just before Evie moved out). She was our adult foster who lived with us for three months, and she was a special girl.

In her life, people had been cruel to her. When we first met her, she would cower and hide if anyone moved their hands too fast around her, or walked too close. She would bite if anyone patted her on the back two thirds of her body, and she hated being alone. She was also very thin. The thing that broke mum's heart the most, however, was the sadness in her eyes. She was frightened and sad, and mum knew that she remembered the hurt that someone had caused her. Points 6 and 7 on this list are so important, we feel.

To think that someone could do that to her, could cause her to feel that this world is not safe for her, is appalling. If mum never achieves anything else in her life, she will be thankful that she got the chance to show Evie that there is love in this world, and that she could trust people.


16 comments:

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

That is a perfect list and we wish everyone would remember it always. We are lucky because we have a #1 who loves us and does everything she can for us always.

Tom and Tama-Chan

Karen Jo said...

I have seen these commandments before, but they bear repeating many, many times. They are all so very true. I am also glad that you got to show Evie that there is love and kindness in the world.

PDX pride said...

Purrrrs

Poppy Q said...

That was a beautiful list, we agree with every point.

Thank you for looking after miss Evie, and showing her so much love. You are an angel.

Smooches.

Parker said...

That was a very beautiful post and those commandments are very true.

Cory said...

We could read that over and over again, so true. What you did for Evie was very special.

Daisy said...

It is completely beyond my comprehension how anyone could be cruel to Evie, or any other pet. I always wonder why anyone would get a pet unless they could always love and cherish it?

I am so happy that Evie got to know love and trust again.

Cat with a Garden said...

Our mom saw these commandments in German before she got Siena. She has to confess, that she went all leaky eyed. She was happy to have seen them before actually getting Siena, 'cos it made her reflect a moment longer. It is such an achievment what your mom did with Evie!

The Island Cats said...

Thank you for sharing those commandments with us! And that picture of your mom and Evie is priceless! We are so happy that Evie has experienced love now! We hope she is doing well in her new home...

MaoMao said...

*sniffies*. Momma got all leaky readin yur wunnerful postie. Those commandments are all wonderful and wise and true and so so so important. And we Ballicai are so glad that preshus Evie has learned about love and caring and kindness.

Kittyhugs and purrs from MaoMao.

Mickey's Musings said...

It is always good to read that list every so often :) When it comes to we kitties, we can live for almost 20 years.That is a big commitment and we hope all pets are taken care of in their old age :)
We are so happy with what you did for Evie. We hope she is happy in her new home :)
Purrs Mickey

AM said...

Amen to the commandments! What a beautiful girl Evie is, she is lucky to have had you making such a difference in her life

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

We hope beautiful Evie got a wonderful home. Your Momma is so good to foster, so, so good!
Our Momma has these commandments on her website. They are very important!
~ KittyBoy

Quill and Greyson said...

What a thoughtful and lovely post.

(angel) Grrreta and Fam said...

Those commandments are very wise words. It’s so important for people to take care of their pets emotional needs. Evie was so lucky to finally find the love and trust that every pet deserves.

AuthorizedAmy said...

Those commandments are really great!
I'm really glad that you're a fostering family. I started fostering a very special cat in mid December; read about him here: http://amyrutherford.ca/blog/cats