I don’t have a pet at the moment, so I haven’t spent much time thinking about this. But if I did have one, I would want it to understand how deeply it is loved and cared for. Beyond that, I’d hope it could learn to behave gently with neighbors and friends when they visit, and to respect the home even when we’re not around.

More than rules or commands, I think I’d want my pet to understand that it is part of the family that kindness, trust, and affection go both ways.