We recently took in two little ones…surrendered shortly after they were purchased (for a pretty penny, I might add), because their people decided they either weren’t dog people, or that a puppy was too much work. One approached us about surrender; we were so grateful that they wanted the best for their little boy. The other was talked out of selling the puppy on Craigslist. Thankfully, they agreed.
In both cases, we were just happy to be able to get them to families who understood the commitment that comes with adoption – or purchase – of a dog of any age.
We have an extensive application process and contract, but it got me to wondering what the dogs would put in a canine contract for people if the tables were turned. It might go something like this:
You realize that I am not a shiny penny or an impulsive decision. You have thought through the choice to add someone to your family, and the time and expense that goes with it.
You promise not to treat me like that fancy bike you got that sits in the garage. I am not a toy to be played with for two weeks and forgotten.
You know that neither one of us is perfect. We all come with some baggage. I will try to leave mine behind if you will do the same and we can make a fresh start together.
I promise to be patient with you when you leave things out that could get me in trouble, and you promise to be patient with me when I chew them up. We will both agree that it is better and safer not to do either.
You know that training is a lifelong commitment – and that it is not just for me. You are half the equation. If you do your part, I will do mine.
If you have little humans, you will remember to watch out for them AND for me and you will help to raise us together with respect and kindness.
You realize that I am not a cat. No offense. But I am not happy living a solitary life. I need human contact and friends to be a well-rounded canine.
If you got me as a puppy or youngster, you recognize that I WILL grow up. And you will promise to still love me when I am old and grey or, heaven forbid, sick, injured or disabled – and need you most.
You commit that if – for any reason – you can no longer keep me, that you will not dump me at a shelter, turn me out, or sell me to the highest bidder. You will take as much care in finding me a good, safe and loving home or reputable rescue as I take in being your loyal, trusting companion.
If you agree to the above, by all means…please bring me home. I would like to be yours. All others need not apply. Thank you.
Gardens For Goldens 
Perfect. Love this. Sending all good wishes to HBGRR and volunteers from Poe and Corie. Grateful to know this wonderful rescue since 2011. Thank you for this great post.
Perfect. I loved the new bike that sits in the corner after two weeks. I know most of them get great homes, but you just never really know. We will just put one foot in front of the other doing the best we can trying to make a difference.
I’m gonna quibble with the cat statements, but otherwise…wonderful.
Perfectly said!
On Sun, Jul 18, 2021 at 4:10 PM Gardens For Goldens wrote:
> Ogee posted: ” We recently took in two little ones…surrendered shortly > after they were purchased (for a pretty penny, I might add), because their > people decided they either weren’t dog people, or that a puppy was too much > work. One approached us about surrender; we wer” >
I want to say that money can’t buy brains, but that would be unkind. How do you realize you are not a dog person after you shell out big buck$ for a dog?! And why would you even do that. Thankfully, the pups are with you. Gosh, I could get so worked up about this…
so very true – spot on my friend!!
THat was beautiful….thanksPamela Ontiveros
This is a wonderfully moving conversation. It is such a good reminder of the responsibility we take on when we begin to share our lives with our precious pups. Now that our rescue, Zena, is almost 14 years old, her care and well-being is much more challenging, and does require patience. I thoroughly enjoy looking at the beautiful pups and hearing what they have to say!
Those pups couldn’t be in better hands, and this post is perfect. I think in some cases people give more thought to buying a bike or a coffee maker than they do to bringing home a puppy.
The pups in HBGRR are all in good hands. I too love that fancy bike in the garage comparison. As to the rest of the dog contract for people, I can’t speak to the cats part; but I would say the rest of it sounds quite true. As our sweet Ducky gets older – she’s 9.5 now – her hips are a challenge at times, but she’s a sweet girl and has taught us a lot about patience.
Any animal welcomed into our home becomes a member of the family. You take the good with the bad, and then love them unconditionally. A beautiful post!
Amen!