A Dog's Prayer

A DOG'S PRAYER

By Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more

grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand

between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly

teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,

as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your

footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a

domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements.

And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your

feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and

snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all

the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach

you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do

your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able

to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of

my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.

Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the

merciful boon of eternal rest -- and I will leave you knowing with the

last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

ALMOST AS GOOD AS YOUR DOG

IF..

you can start the day without caffeine,

you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches & pains,

you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles.

you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,

you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, no fault of

yours, something goes wrong,

you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

you can ignore a friends limited education and never correct him,

you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,

you can face the world without lies and deceit,

you can conquer your tension without medical help

you can relax without liquor,

you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice

against creed, color, religion or sexual orientation,

Then my friend, you are almost as good as your DOG !!!

REQUEST FROM THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Weep not for me though I am gone

Into that gentle night.

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest

There is no need for tears.

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,

The fear now all is gone.

Put now these things out of your thoughts,

In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death,

But celebrate my life.

by Constance Jenkins