A Dog's Prayer
by Beth Norman Harris
by Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful 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 to 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 you had 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 worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you whn I 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 your life 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.
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 to 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 you had 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 worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you whn I 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 your life 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.
10 comments:
*sniff* that's beautiful, really truely beautiful. I'm glad you decided to share that.
forgot to ask, who wrote it do you know?
That, I didn't need.
Always chokes me up. :-) Also makes me cuddle my critters a little closer...
So...maybe I did need it. :-D
Orion
Okay, can't do this right now. I have read this before and it always bears repeating.
Thanks.
Hey, I cry every time I read it, too.
Oh hell. I"m crying now. That was just so true, oh hell I can't type right now.
*buffs nails contentedly* Then I'm doing my job well. ;)
Yes you are dear Kate. *sniffling*
Ye're evil, Kate. Just plain evil. Yanking at heartstrings like this.
I dinna' think I've ever seen this before. Seriously, thank you for sharing it. As with everyone else here, it brought a tear to me eye -as well as poignant memories of Sam, Star, Lakota, and Toby. Maybe I'll write their tales sometime.
Would ye mind sending me this in an email? I'd like to share it with a few folk, if ye dinna' mind.
The Auld Scot
Of course I'll send it along to you. And, I hope you will write the tales of your beloved creatures as well.
I was thinking about this today - you and I have been together through many losses of our fur children. After you and I first met, I spent a lot of time on the phone with you when you lost Star; you and I were in Ames when Orphan had to be put down; when I lost Patches, you were with me on the phone; same with Via. And I was on the phone with you when Lakota made his choice.
Heartbreak and grief, Warrior. Thanks for being with me during those times.
Love,
Kate
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