We asked a dog to pull aside the shroud of secrecy and be interviewed. He asked that his name not be used, but for the good of all dogs he agreed to share these ten insights with humans.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful to me. Remember that before you buy me.

2. Give me some time to understand what you want from me.

3. Place your trust in me. It’s crucial to my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t isolate me as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words - I understand your voice.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will not be able to forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me that I have powerful teeth, but I choose not to use them.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be wrong with me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting older and weaker.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You’ll be old one day.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: “I can’t watch - it’s too painful.” Everything is easier when you are with me.

And through it all:
Remember that I love you.

Best friends are people who make your problems their problems, just so you don’t have to go through them alone.

Don’t give up, okay? I know you’ve been hurt, I know how it feels. Believe me, I do. But the feeling will pass. The tears will stop falling. Your heart will heal itself. I promise you it will, so hold on. Don’t let go, don’t lose hope because I promise you’ll find someone who will treat you right the way he never did. Someone who will never ever leave you, the way he did. He’ll be worth the wait, so hang in there because I love you and I want you to be happy.

“After everything, after that, after all that we’ve been through, you’re still here, I am still alive, and we’re best friends. I can’t seem to make out why it is that I need you. Why you? Out of everyone I’ve ever had. It’s you. Maybe it’s because I see the silver lining tracing the clouds that reflect in your blue eyes. Those eyes that shine above the rest. The ones that never change their reflection. Even in the darkest of times, I still see it. Those eyes, your eyes, give me the same hope I see in you every day. If you lose hope, I lose it too. You don’t give up on me. I’ve watched so many people walk away, but you, you have always remained here beside me. Laughing, smiling, crying, screaming. You’ve been through it all. You see, while everyone is walking out, I’ll be the one person, the only person, that stays. I’m not going anywhere.”

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.