By Karen Smith

1. Don’t be upset when I jump for joy when you come through the door.

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

3. Give me your trust.

4. Don’t be angry with me for too long.

5. Take me inside when the weather gets bad.

6. Talk to me.

7. Comfort me when I’m scared.

8. Remember that I’ll never forget how you treat me.

9. Come outside with me.

10. Let me make new friends.

11. Give me a treat ever once in a while.

12. Please don’t hit me.

13. Understand when I need my alone time.

14. Show me your world.

15. Teach me new things.

16. Let me get dirty once in a while.

17. Touch me.

18. Pay attention if I don’t seem like myself.

19. Love me when I’m old just as much as you did when I was young.