Pet's 10 Commandments.

We saw something very lovely on Skeezix's Cat's Meow blog today. It is the Pet's 10 Commandments, which was written by Stan Rawlinson, from Doglistener. 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.