Marriage Vows For Dogs
There was no ceremony when I got my dogs. No presents, no congratulations, no party. No one wore any fancy clothes, or shoved cake in my face. We didn’t even take many pictures. But, I believe that I, subconsciously, applied marriage vows to my dogs. No, I don’t mean that I secretly wanted to marry my dogs. What I mean is that after awhile I figured out that when you get a pet, you are making promises to them. So, here is my take on what vows I have made to my dogs:
I, (person who turns to mush when animals are present) take you, (sweet tiny furball with sad eyes) to be the result of many disastrous and embarrassing situations in my immediate future.
For better (meaning you listen when I tell you not to eat the dead bird in the yard) or for worse (meaning you don’t listen and run away with the dead bird from the yard).
For richer (meaning I can buy your food and afford groceries for myself) and poorer (meaning I can buy your food and not be able to afford groceries for myself).
In sickness (meaning when I am sick I will still drag my ass outside and play with you) and in health (meaning that when I am healthy you will inevitably be sick and I will train myself to wake from even the deepest of sleeps when you start to make the “I’m going to explode all over the floor” panting sounds).
To love (meaning I will adore you and you will learn to manipulate me) and to cherish (meaning I will keep you safe and warm and loved and you will thank me by trying to escape the yard).
From this day forward (meaning I won’t get rid of you no matter how bad you are), until death do us part (meaning someday I will have to learn to live without you and it will break me).
Mylo, 2 weeks old
- Toady, 2.5 months
fostrickson 
So true!!
These 2 months with my beast have changed my life completely.
Loved the post.
They definitely alter your priorities! Thanks for the comment!
Totally TRUE on ALL of it.
And honestly, divorce isn’t even thought of. 🙂
Well, maybe when they do really horrible things, but the thoughts are never taken to fruition! Hahaha.
We love those vows. Little Mylo is adorable! Hugs and nose kisses
Thank you kindly! 🙂 That was the day we picked him (Mylo) out and I had a hard time letting them take him back for another few weeks!
Nicely said would love to repost on my blog if you don’t mind.
Of course, if you wouldn’t mind linking it back to me! 🙂
Oh my word…your puppy pics are adorable! And I love your post, because it rings true in our household, especially the “manipulate” part! 😉 I can’t help but think of that inevitable moment down the line as well, but I am slowly learning that if I spend those moments thinking about such sad thoughts, I miss the happy moments that are occuring right in front of me.
Thank you! I miss when they were tiny. 🙂 I have learned that as well, but when that thought does creep to the surface it’s painful. But, I am lucky to have them now and I am grateful for it.
Love it! 🙂
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh lovely 😉 They should come as a prerequisite when getting a dog.
They sort of do when you adopt from the SPCA, but I think we should get a cake at least!
Even as teeny-tiny fluff balls you can tell they’re destined for trouble! How adorable.
Oh yes, they have that gleam of mischief in their eyes from the very beginning! Haha.
Hi! Thanks for visiting One Spoiled Cat…..my Mom says that those marriage vows were perfect for cats too so even though I’ve been part of this household for twelve years already, she and I have put our paws/hands to the paper and intend to honor these vows too !
Kitty Hugs, Sammy
Yes, they apply to our cat too! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
We loved the “potato incident” blog…..LOL
Sam (and Pam)
Hahaha, glad to hear it! 🙂
Great idea for a post… sometimes I don’t think people realize the commitment they’re making when they get a pet. It’s for life, their life.
I know, eh?! Not enough people take it seriously, but those that do deserve a pat on the back.
Well here is a pat on the back from one dog owner to another… go check out my latest blog post!
Aawe, so true!
Thanks for taking a look!
Mason arrived after being alone for 20 years, I loved your vows…and as in a marriage when one thought goes flying by; “What was I thinking” I will think of your post. Of course, I was not thinking, I fell in love with my four-legged furball. ajm (aka) Teddynator.
How sweet of you! I think, as dog owners, we all need to remember that there are people just like us out there with the same crazy pets, all with the same ups and downs. 🙂
Beautiful pet vows! I wish all prospective pet owners were required to commit like this. I’m sure you know people, as do I, who will get rid of a pet the moment it becomes troublesome to them. Shame on them.
Yes, I have come across people like that many times before. I like to think that for every one of them, there are five of us who love our pets dearly.
Whee love this. Our Mummy is rolling her eyes and muttering about it all being “So true!”. Though it isn’t quite accurate for guinea pigs whee may get Mummy to write one for us and link the idea back to you in a future post, if you don’t mind that is?
Piggy Kisses
Nibbles, Nutty, Bingo & Buddy
xxxx
Of course, that would be fine with me! Glad you all enjoyed the post! 🙂
spot on no matter what a peep takes in to create an anifamily…and thanks bunches for stopping around to visit me…hope to see you in my comment queue often..paw pats Savannah
I love that—anifamily! Great word and happy that you liked the post. Hope to see you around too! 🙂
oh thank you! I decided that term fit how my Dad and Mom think of their cats and dogs…family!
It’s perfect, wish I would have thought of it! Hahah
That’s fantastic, and so true. When my pay got cut I struggled, but it was not on my mind to give these guys up.
Thanks, and same here!
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Too bad there is no love button, but I did not like it, but loved it. Great post and beautiful dog:) I wish more people would think the way you do.
Thank you so much! 🙂 Like others have suggested in reply to this post, perhaps this should be part of what you have to read before you get a pet!
Totally agree with you.
Yes, and they should read it at least twice before getting a pet.
I think so too. I sent it to our local shelter, but they haven’t shared it yet.
Aww, love it!
Thank you!
Love it!!!
You’ve been nominated!!! Please see my blog post “Awards – Thank You” at http://thelanther.com/2012/06/09/awards-post-thank-you/
Thank you! Both for enjoying the post and for nominating me! 🙂
Reblogged this on GentlePawsPetCare.
Thank you! 🙂
Reblogged this on Stan the dog and commented:
Perhaps some of the words here should be used when rescue dogs are handed over to their new families – some bits made me smile, while other bits are serious really… I particulary like this bit “For richer (meaning I can buy your food and afford groceries for myself) and poorer (meaning I can buy your food and not be able to afford groceries for myself).” Made me think of the many dogs in rescue who are there because the owners say they can no longer afford to keep them. Stan is family and I will always afford to keep him even if I had to starve to do so!
Made me laugh and cry…(Willow’s owner or “keeper”)…Willow: “Hey, how’d you know I’d run from the yard any chance I get….love to check out neighbor’s cats and the stuff they leave on the ground!”
I’m glad that you enjoyed it. And Willow, mine do the same! 🙂
Awesome! This is very inspiring, and is exactly how I feel about my girls — all my girls (two dogs, one cat). I have never had the “vows” either, but those silent promises are meant for life.
What a lovely blog! I will follow you. (Uh oh, I feel a song coming on…)
Thank you! It’s nice to have such positive feedback! 🙂
As someone who owns a slew of animals, this was very touching; in fact, you made my wife cry. GOOD STUFF!!!
Thank you! 🙂 Every time I read it I experience a roller coaster of emotions. I’m both sorry and glad to have made your wife cry, if that makes any sense!
Seeming how she laughed and cried, I applaud you. 🙂
I love this post!! My son MYLO loved it too, since there is someone out there who knows how to spell Mylo. lol
Thank you! 🙂 I’m also glad to see someone out there who doesn’t spell it as Milo!
You have gotten that right – major commitment – until death do you part! Well done.
I have just discovered your blog and love it! I have signed up to follow 🙂 I have shared this on my blog Facebook page with a direct link back for readers to find more of your superb writing. Cheers from Toronto Becky
Thanks, Becky! 🙂 I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
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Forgive me for taking so long to stop by and say HI and to thank you for following our blog.
This has to be one of the best descriptions I have ever seen about what it means to have animals and the way you put it all together as vows is absolutely wonderful 🙂
Looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you. I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the post, and hope that you find others of mine as enjoyable! 🙂 Thanks for taking a look!
Beautiful and perfect.
Thank you. 🙂
Great, great post – thanks for stopping by and reading about our squatters. 🙂 Our little Yorkie/Schnauzer (I called him a Yowzer when he was being bad) disappeared from our yard several years ago, and we never found him. We now have a blue dapple doxie named Spencer that we love, but he’s prone to wander too, so we got wise and put an electronic fence in. I wish we’d thought of that with Diogi!
I’m glad to hear that you liked it. I’m sorry to hear that you lost your little guy.
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This is wonderful! I wish every single person that ever adopted a dog could not only read this-but live it too! Beautiful.
Thanks! I wish for that too.