"A Dog's Prayer" for Barbie & Hercules

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

This prayer always makes me cry when I read it but has given me strenght in difficult times.

 

A Dog's Prayer

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 footstep 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.

--Beth Norman Harris 

This prayer moves me to the core..... only a person who has loved and cared for a dog can write something so  beautiful.

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I cry every time I see this prayer.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thanks for posting.  I need to send to my secretary who suddenly lost her wheaten on Saturday. She is devastated.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

This makes me cry everytime. Such a great prayer.

[Lynn & Casey]

Such a beautiful poem. Thanks for posting.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

ah, i'm crying.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is just beautiful...thank you for sharing.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I'm copying this to a word document, thanks for sharing it.

[Denise & Sophie]

Thank you for sharing this. It's beautiful and made me cry.. God bless all pets and bless all who have lost a special pet. I have never felt such unconditional love as I have from the dogs that were a part of my life.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It just makes me cry!

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Thanks for sharing the poem.  It's such a nice reminder of how our Doodles feel about us!

[Megann Eichner]

Wow.