A Letter from Your Cattle Dog

Howdy.

I'm your new cattle dog puppy.

You probably picked me because you like my color

or my perky ears

or my inquisitive eyes

or the fact that I am so full of energy.



Like your other dependents I'll require food, water and shelter.

There will be vet bills and preventive care.

I'll need teeth cleaning,

pills for worms

and fleas

and heartworms

and ticks.



I'll need food

and vitamins

and supplements

and a comfortable bed

(and chew toys).

I'll need a comfortable place to stay out of the cold

and heat

and rain.



Like other pets I'll require a lot of care and training.

I need exercise.

I need to walk

and run

and to chase things.



Treat me right and I'll chase a Frisbee instead of your car or cat.

I might dig

or I might tear something up.

I might poop on your floor.



You can teach me to not do a lot of things, but don't forget--I still have instincts.

My instincts tell me to move things.

To herd

To bark

To use my mouth

To protect our space.



For all my faults I will give you a guarantee that I will obey, protect and serve.

I'll never talk behind your back

or serve the interests of another.

I will be loyal to you

I won't forsake you

Even if you treat me bad sometimes I will worship the ground you walk on.

I will wait at the door in anticipation of you getting home.

I live for time with you.

You will be my number one.



I will protect our home.

I'll let you know when danger is near. My ears will be our ears.

No matter how big the threat I will take the point.

My safety is not my concern.



And I'll provide you with unconditional love.

You can be in a wonderful or sour mood.

You can treat me good or bad.

We can be rich or poor.

We can live in a mansion or a tent.

Nothing matters except my unwavering commitment and desire to serve you.



So think first of all the responsibility there is to take care of me,

because I may not be there for you for the rest of your life.

But I will surely be there for you

for the rest of mine.

--by Christopher Greer