I didn’t write this but I think it is so cute and ultimately true!
[I just received a note from the original author and of course, I did not know who had written this touching sentiment as I copied it from a friend, who again did not credit the author or the original content on her facebook a few years ago. So I will leave the modified one at the end of this but I, as requested, will post the original and thanks to Stan for bringing this to my attention. The original is, as it usually is much better]

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS [FROM A PET'S POINT OF VIEW]

BY

Stan Rawlinson

• My life is likely to last 10-15 years, any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.

• Give me time to understand what you want from me, don’t be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

• Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalieable right.

• Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment, I am not capable of understanding why? I only know I have been rejected, you have your work entertainment and friends I only have you. 

• Talk to me sometimes, even if I don’t understand your words I understand your voice and your tone, “you only have to look at my tail”. 

• Be aware that however you treat me I’ll never forget it, and if it’s cruel it may affect me forever.

• Please don’t hit me I can’t hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don’t ever want to do that. 

• Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right foods or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak, I may be just dog tired.

• Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

• Go with me on difficult journeys, never say, “I can’t bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.

[taken from http://www.doglistener.co.uk/humour/commandments.shtml]
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The modified version

A doggie’s 10 COMMANDMENTS………
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.  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 entertainment, 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 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.