The Ten Promises

1. 私と気長につきあってください。
Give me time to understand what you want of me.

2. 私を信じてください。それだけで私は幸せです。
Please believe in me. Your trust in me will give me happiness.

3. 私にも心がある事を忘れないでください。
Please do not forget that I too have feelings.

4. 言う事を聞かない時、理由があります。
There is always a reason when I disobey.

5. 私にたくさん話かげてください。人の言葉は話せないけど、分かっています。
Please talk to me often. Even if I am not able to speak the human language, I can understand.

6. 私をたたかないで。本気になったら私のほうが強い事を忘れないでください。
Please do not hit me. Please do not forget I am stronger than you.

7. 私が年を取っても、仲良くしてください。
Please be my good friend even when I get old.

8. あなたには学校もあるし友達もいます。でも、私にあなたしかいません。
You have school and friends, etc. BUT to me, I have only you.

9. 私は10年くらいしか生きられません。だから、できるだけ私と一緒にいてください。
I can live for about 10 years. Therefore, please cherish every moment we spent together.

10. 私が死ぬ時、お願いです。そばにいてください。そして、どうか覚えていてください。私がずっとあなたを愛していた事を。
My request when I am about to die. Please stay by my side. And please remember I have always love you.

These are the ten promises that Akira-san made to her dog, Socks in the Japanese movie "犬と私の10の約束". At a glance, it doesn't seem too difficult but in actual fact, it's very difficult to constantly keep to these 10 promises. As I pondered through each promise closely and thought through if I have kept these 10 promises or any for Woof boy and Furry Boy. Sadly I dun.... It's not only a reflection between a dog and a man but also a reflection of relationship between parents and children. A child is fully and totally dependent on a kid when he or she is young BUT when they grew up they become independent and they, too, will need to live a life that is independent from their parents. How often, do we take our loved ones for granted and not cherish every moment with them till too late. And how we neglect and hurt each other by failing to fulfill the "insignificant" but important promises to stay by each other side and putting ourself before the other. It's easy say that done. A lovely movie that will send you all tear-jerking. Grab a box of tissue!!

Source : 犬と私の10の約束