Maybe most of you may have read this before, but I never had until Tuesday. I had taken the paper with me out on the gambling boat. We have to go 9.2 miles out before we can gamble and it takes about 45 minutes. So i will take the day's paper and read it and work crossword puzzle during that time. Well, I came upon a half page ad with pictures and a little about several dogs over at the Corpus Christi Humane Soceity that are up for adoption. Looking at that dozen or so dogs was bad enough, but then this prayer was printed. There I am sitting at my slot machine tears flowing. By the way, I always put Hunter's picture on the machine and there he was looking at me from his picture as I cried at the the words in this prayer.
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master for no heart in this world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for thoughI lick your hand between the blows,you 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 fall upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside for I am now a domesticated animal no longer use to the bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the priviledge of sitting at your feet besides the hearth. Though had you no home, i would rather follow you through the snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all than lands, for you are my god, and I am your devoted worshipper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproace 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 draw, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
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The last lines get me. We donate to a couple of golden retriever rescues (plus some all breed) and I can never forget the 15 year old golden that was turned in because they had been waiting for 3 years for him to die and he was to healthy to die. His vision was not good and he some arthritis, but outside of that he was healthy. They just didn't want an old dog. Can you imagine that pool soul having lived with a family for 15 years and when he needs them the most they dump him like a sack of garbage.