After three and a half years as the National Marketing Manager for the RSPCA and an animal lover who has read/watched videos and seen way too much animal cruelty in the world to bare, this lovely prayer made me cry! Someone emsiled me today in bewilderment that his beautiful dog was breaths away from death and still her happy self. A few years ago when I was in the process of moving back from NZ I had to leave Kish in a boarding kennel. After 2 days she became paralysed with a mystery illness. All the nurses fell in love with her because she couldn't move, I was in NZ but she was still wagging her tail! (And I was on the next plane back)

This is why we love them..

 

Mandy

 

 

"Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than my loving heart. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for I would lick your hand between 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 the sound of your footstep falls upon my 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. If you had no home, I would prefer to follow you through ice and snow, rather than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land.

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 fresh 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.

And master, when I am very old, if the Great Master sees fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold my trusting body gently. I shall leave you knowing, with the last breath I draw, my fate was always safest in your hands. "

 

Bronwin