Stuffed Toy

(A pet’s plea to a kid’s parent)

Because he does not yet understand…

Please understand that…

Like him…
I’m a living being.

Like him…
I can feel hunger and thirst;
I can feel pain if I’m hurt or sick;
I can feel lonely;
I can feel cold and hot;
I can feel tired or full of energy;
I can feel fear;
I can feel sadness.

Like him…
I depend on you to provide me with:
Food and water…
Treatment for my ailments…
Company…
Shelter…
A time and a place for my rest and for my activities…
Reassurance…
Comfort...
… and everything else I can’t obtain by my own means.

Like him…
I need your attention, your patience, your tolerance, your compassion, and your love…

Because, like him…
I don’t understand many of the things you understand;
I need you to help me learn many things I don’t know.

So, like him…
I’m not a stuffed toy.

Therefore, please understand that…
I cannot be put away like one.

And, because he does not yet understand…
Please don’t let him treat me like one.

- © 2009 Alexandra Oliveira (OneLight*®) – Especially created for the “Parque da Terra Nova” Dog Rescue website

(Photo from “Diamonds in the Ruff”)