"Treat me kindly beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me...and I leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, I was ever in your hands."

1. My life may last only 12 to 15 years or as long as 40 years. my happiness and the quality of my life , however long, rests in your hands.
   
2. Please show me patience and give me time to understand what you want of me. 
3. Take the time to educate yourself and learn how to properly care for me. My life depends on it.
   
4. Please don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me away from you as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment, your friends. I have only you in my life. Separation from you is horribly painful.
5. Please talk to me. I may not understand all of your words, but I hear your voice and it gives me comfort.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. I will forgive you...but I will never forget
   
7. Before you hit me to punish me, remember that I have sharp teeth that could easily cause you pain, and yet I choose not to.
8. Before you scold me for being ill-behaved or uncooperative, ask if your expectations are reasonable. Pause to view the world through my eyes.
   
9. Please see to my needs and be sure to feed me properly. I don't always know what is best for me and I need you to be the parent.
   
10. Go with me on my final journey. If you ask me, I will let you know if the time has come.  Never say that "I can't bear to watch" or allow me to suffer needlessly. I need you there with me all along the way.