A dog's Bill of Rights (1)

1. I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
2. I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival.
3. I have the right to be trained so that I do not become the prisoner of my misbehavior.
4. I have the right to adequate food and medical care.
5. I have the right to fresh air and green grass.
6. I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside my own family.
   
7. I have the right to special time with my people.
8. I have the right to be bred responsibly, if at all.
9. I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh.
10. I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return.
11. I have the right to be forgiven.
12. I have the right to die with dignity.
13. I have the right to be remembered well.

*****

Another, slightly different Version:

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 I do not become the prisoner of my own misbehavior

I have the right to adequate food and medical care

I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside of my family I have the right to have my needs and wants respected

I have the right to special time with my people

I have the right to only be bred responsibly-if not at all

I have the right to some time and space all my own

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 was not able to clarify who is the author of this poem(s). Maybe it's Maurice Maeterlinck or Carolyn Krause;

Author's note:
"We are alone, absolutely alone, on this chance planet, and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, except the dog, has made an alliance with us.")