I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.

I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival.

I have the right to be trained so that I do not become the prisoner of my misbehavior.

I have the right to adequate food and medical care.

I have the right to fresh air and green grass.

I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside my own family.

I have the right to special time with my people.

I have the right to be bred responsibly if at all.

I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh.

I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return.

I have the right to be forgiven.

I have the right to die with dignity.

I have the right to be remembered well.

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can get going without pep pills,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can overlook it when those who love you take it out on you when something goes wrong through no fault of yours,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,

If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,

Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.

Never pass up the chance for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you are not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

When you are happy, dance around and wag your whole body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing, run back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.