A while back, my husband clipped something special out of a Dear Abby column..that brought tears to his eyes as he thought of the last 2 very special dogs we had. I typed it from that paper and give the author her credit. It is called "A Dog's Prayer". I put it here for my 2 special girls, as well as a tribute also to every dog past and present that enriched our lives more than words can say.


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 mine. 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 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 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.

This is one of my favorite prayers. I have it on my dogs tribute page. I read it everyday and makes me feel so much better. Your 2 special girls are beautiful. I had a German Shepard named Gypsey too. She has passed to Rainbow Bridge from cancer in 2003. She was not in our lives very long. She dug under our fence starved and shivering.She was such a wonderful friend and I was so glad she came into my life. We tried to find her owners, but no one came forward, so she became our angel. Thank you for posting this,I'm sure it will bring all who read it compfort. Ava

Thank you, Ava, for your words. My GS, Gypsy, beat cancer at age 5 and lost to it at age 10. I had her from a puppy and she was truly a best friend. Thanks for telling me about your Gypsy...looks like someone guided her to your home and under your fence. We just can never forget them. Even though our last one, Lady, was taken in 1991 (and so we had 3 feral kittens born in our yard..the last one being my avatar, Little Guy)....when my husband read this prayer, it was just a few years ago but he immediately thought of our girls and our tears flowed as if it was yesterday. I hope it gives the comfort you mentioned and that an old, yellowed piece of newspaper's words grabs the hearts of others as it did ours.

Great Poem!!!!!!!!!!!!

It brings tears to my eyes!!!!!

I am so tired of crying, but that poem was well worth it. Thanks for sharing.. Ann

My Gypsey died from cancer too. When she came to us she had heart worms, and we had her treated for those and she was cured. She was about a year old then. We could tell she had recently had pups and she search for them in our shed . It was heart breaking to see her. My granddaughter was born shortly after and Gypsey thought she was her baby. They were so sweet together. Then Gypsey was diagnosed with cancer and we fought it for about a year but the quality of her life was just to bad to continue with the surgerys and we decided to release her from a life of pain. I still miss her and wish she could have been with us longer. I do think she was led to us. She taught us alot while she was here. Your Little guy is such a pretty boy. Hugs, Ava

SissyCat and Ann: I cried too while I was typing that poem. But it also feels good to be able to honor these babies and the same feelings we have for all our special ones...no matter what type of friend shared our lives.

Ava: I am sorry about your Gypsy...I, too, wish she had been allowed to be with you much much longer. It is heartbreaking to read about her looking for her pups. I am glad she did come into your lives....at least for that time she was in the best of care and love.
And you and your family received that special unconditional love these sweethearts give so freely. Thanks for your words about my Little Guy....he survived pneumonia as a kitten and lived the longest...over 16 1/2 years. I am thankful for that but like you said...we wish they would have stayed longer.

Hugs to all who stopped by and special hugs sent to all the special ones who became a part of our lives that can never be forgotten.

Judy

For those who recently lost one of these beautiful best friends...I hope reading this gives comfort.

Judy