10 Things A Dog Asks

10 Things A Dog Asks Of It's Family
My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any permanent separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.

Do not break my spirit with harsh treatment.

Your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Place your trust in me, it's crucial for my well-being.

Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as a punishment, you have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I have only you and I like being with you.

Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand the tone of your voice when you are speaking to me, especially when you use friendly tones.

Be aware that I am normally a social animal, however I need to make positive associations at a young age to feel confident and well adjusted around other dogs and humans.

Remember that I was bred for activity, both mental and physical and I enjoy playing games, taking walks and an occasional good run.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something may be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I may need medical attention, or I may just be getting old. But keep in mind I respond very well to praise.

Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.

Remember that I only want to love and to please you, so treat me kindly.

The Story of Rufus

His papers from the ACA say his name is Hulett's Tiny Rufus. He was whelped on July 15, 2003. He is a gold and white Lhasa Apso. The father of Rufus is Hulett's Angos Shadow and the mother is Hulett's Dreamy Noel. Hulett's Tiny Rufus has a disability-his back legs don't work properly. In fact, sometimes, he has to drag them. He probably has hip dysplasia. He shouldn't be able to do a lot that he does--like walk, run, jump. Thanks to his previous owner, he can do so much.

The day I got him, I was not sure I was going to keep him, but I wanted to see him. When I was little, I had a sister, named Tracey, who lived with us .She was adopted. Tracey was my hero. She talked about getting a Lhasa Apso when we were little. Tracey left us to live a different life several years ago, and little did I realize how much that effected me.

My dog, Bowser, had just gotten run over. Losing Bowser was sad, but the worst part of it all, was seeing it happen. I was down and out and wanted another dog, but at the same time, I said no.

I saw the ad in a local paper. Free, it said, dog with disability. I made an appointment to see Rufus right away.

When I got to the lady's home, I was met by someone extremely nice and friendly, holding the sweetest puppy. He was a little nervous. I didn't hesitate. I wanted him.

On the ride home, he began to whimper a little. But I told him it would be okay.

And the rest has been history....

Rufus Chronicles Part 1

I never knew the name of the man who wrote this before but I do know the story behind it: It is from a speech made in 1870, when the man's dog, a foxhound named Drum was shot. His owner sued the man who shot Drum. There was no evidence even, but after he finished his speech, the jury was in tears. They fined the man $500, even though the maximum fine was $150.

It is claimed that George Vest was a 19th century lawyer defending a client.
Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he has reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him when he may need it most. Man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action.

The people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his DOG. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground,where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is as content in his love as the sun in its journey throught the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the cold, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, and to fight against his enemies. When the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.
-Senator George Vest, 1870.