a friend went to Japan for vacation and saw a notice posted on the window of a pet store:
10 Reminders to Pet Owners
1. Before you take me home, remember my life span is only 10 to 15 years. If you ever leave me, it'll be my greatest pain.
2. Please be patient to me, put some time in getting to know me.
3. Trust me - it's very important to me.
4. Please don't stay angry at me too long, and don't lock me up as my punishment. Do you understand? You have your job, fun, friends, etc, but I only have you.
5. Please talk to me often, despite that I don't understand, but I can feel your presence and I have your voice to keep me company.
6. I will remember the way you treat me forever.
7. When you spank or hit me, remember, I have very sharp teeth that can crush your hand, but I just choose not to use them.
8. When you are mad at me for being uncooperative, stubborn, or lazy, please think, perhaps something is bothering me. Perhaps I haven't had a treat, or run under the warm sun, or I'm just plainly too old.
9. When I'm old, please take care of me, because you will be old someday too.
10. When I'm old and dying, please don't say, "I can't watch it, I need to leave." As long as you're with me, it'll be easier for me to accept it. Please don't forget, I love you.
