How to win a dog’s heart

Gail Wieder, Special to The County
5 years ago

We hope that everyone will stop by the Forum this weekend, April 13 and 14, for the spring Trash and Treasure Show at The Forum in Presque Isle. This is always an awesome and fun time to get out, dust off the winter blues and enjoy finding some great treasures.  

The Central Aroostook Humane Society will once again have a booth set up just inside the front entrance.  We will be selling an assortment of items, conducting a bake sale and will have a poster that showcases our pets that are available for adoption. We hope you will stop by and say hi.

I was looking through my Planet Dog “Doglopedia” the other night and came across these guidelines that are shared among humane societies and dog lovers. I read through it a couple of times and decided that I would share it with all of you.  

Ten Commandments of Responsible Dog Ownership

1 — Remember that my life is likely to last 10 to 15 years and that any separation from you will be painful for me.

2 — Give me time to understand what you want from me.

3 — Place your trust in me.  It is crucial to my well-being that you rely on me as I know I can rely on you.

4 — Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment.  I have only you.

5 — Talk to me.  Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand what the sound of your voice means when you speak to me.

6 — Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.

7 — Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8 — Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something may be bothering me.  Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

9 — Take care of me when I grow old.  You too will grow old.

10 — Go with me on difficult journeys.  Never say “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen without me.”  Everything is easier for me if you’re there. Remember that I love you.

This was something I had never read before, and being a dog lover, it will be something I will remember and read often.

My favorite quote kind of goes along with this: “Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”

If you are looking for that furry friend, come visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society, where we have some wonderful, loving animals looking for a family to call their own.  We are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from 12 to 12:30.

Please be responsible pet owners: spay and neuter your pets.

Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.