I have managed to retain my independence and self-possession while still being a loving and playful companion to humans. I may be tamed, but I am never subservient. For many dog lovers it is precisely this contradiction that endears me to them.

I am dignified and yet mischievous. I am cautious and yet quite daring. I am equally affectionate and can be equally obstinate.

Let me come home to a quiet house. This is not a time for neighbors or children to make a fuss over me. Keep the household activity and noise to a minimum. Ordinary sounds like hairdryers and washing machines may easily frighten me.

Place all small, breakable objects out of my reach. Because I am quite adept at jumping, running, playing I am bound to make contact with your valuables sooner or later. To me these are merely obstacles in my path. It would be wise to ensure our collisions never occur.

You may have a bed set up for me, but do not be offended if I find my own sleeping quarters. Don't be surprised if I choose to sleep on your bed. I figure if it is good enough for you, it must be warm and comfy for me too.

(Or anything similar such as thread, fishing line, yarn, ribbon, dental floss, etc. ) These things are dangerous because they are so enticing to me. They are fun to play with and they are satisfying to chew. However, string and other linear objects can and do cause great harm to the delicate lining of my intestine. They can even cause perforation and death if not surgically removed.

There are many house and garden plants which are poisonous to me. Among the most common are azalea, calla lily, jasmine, periwinkle, hydrangea, oleander, poinsettia, diffenbachia and rhododendron. I may go a whole lifetime without showing any interest in tasting these greens, but because they pose a potential danger to me, it is best to place any poisonous plant out of my reach.

You should have me spayed (female) or neutered (male) around six months choice of age because it is a wise for my overall health. It reduces the risk of infection and cancers of the reproductive tract which may occur later in my life. Additionally, it will make me a more acceptable pet.

If I am female, spaying will eliminate the seasonal heats. If I am male, neutering will help eliminate my need to get into fights with other males. wounds will

The cost of spaying and neutering is usually less than the cost of raising a litter of puppies. Even if you think you have homes for my puppies, what

right now waiting for homes. Millions of others have already lost their lives because of one sad fact: there were simply too many of them. This massive overabundance of us is due to nothing more than human irresponsibility. I am glad that you wish to be responsible.

Dogs suffer no ill psychological effects as a result of neutering. When performed early, you merely eliminate any unwanted behavioral habits.

In the hands of a good veterinarian, the procedure is relatively simple. The benefit to me is a healthier life. The benefit to you is a happier, more affectionate dog.

There are a variety of signs and some are often very subtle. The most common ones you should look for are listlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, not grooming, sneezing or any discharge from my eyes or nose. Do not wait. My health can deteriorate rapidly. I should see my doctor right away.

Fortunately for me I live in an age when most of the truly .serious diseases of dogs are preventable if I am well immunized. The best thing you can do for me is to be conscientious about keeping to the vaccination schedule my doctor provides you.

Good medical care and good nutrition can help me reach a life span of well over 20 years. That is a very long friendship. I look forward to sharing our home together for such a long time.

It is very unlikely that I will overeat, so you have the luxury of leaving my food out all day. This has been made especially convenient for you by the introduction of dry foods. Canned food is especially tasty and you may offer me small amounts 3-4 times a day. Always have fresh water available. Do not give me milk, as this may cause diarrhea. A well balanced puppy food will provide me with all the calcium I need. Because I have a very small tummy, it is especially important to select a high quality puppy food that is nutrient dense to meet the needs of my growing body.

You will be selecting a person who not only gives me good preventative care, but who will also be able to provide proper diagnostic and therapeutic services should I become ill or injured. Here are a few things to consider:

This person should be a good communicator. He or she should be willing to answer questions thoroughly and in a manner which is easily understood. Any tests or procedures performed should be clearly explained.

The hospital should have 24-hour coverage for any emergencies-either by their own doctors or by referral to a quality emergency care facility.

The hospital should maintain a courteous and well-educated staff. It should be a place you feel comfortable visiting or calling whenever you have a question about my health.

It should have visiting hours for patients. I cannot talk or telephone. Your presence when I am hospitalized will go a long way in helping me recover. It will let me know that my home and my family are waiting for me.