A Pet's Prayer

Luey · #1 07-23-2001, 12:22 PM

I know many of you have already read or have copies of this amazing poem. I felt other Boxerworld members might enjoy it and find comfort in it as well. It was written by Beth Norman Harris.

A Pet's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more greatful 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, your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsep 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 filed with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you if it were 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 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

Luey · #2 07-23-2001, 02:01 PM

Thanks Jean! My Vet has several all over his office. He hands them out to everyone.

Jnifer · #3 07-27-2001, 03:09 PM

I have never read this before I love it. It's so sad....I'm going to go home and hug Ash.

Aimee · #4 07-27-2001, 04:55 PM

When we had to make the horrible decision to ease Garrett over the bridge last December we received a sympathy card from our vet and she included this poem as an insert. I find it very touching now but at the time I just didn't find comfort in it

budlitefan · #5 01-09-2002, 01:20 PM

Such a beautiful poem although it almost brought tears to my eyes....

Cody's Mom · #6 03-22-2002, 08:15 PM

Memories of our Chopper came flooding back after I read this. ** Tears** When he was put down, we were there holding him, talking to him. As hard as this was, we knew we had provided him with excellent care thru all his years of dealing with boxer colitis and it was only fitting that we transition him onward.

Winston's Mom · #7 07-26-2002, 06:29 PM

Thank you for sharing the prayer. It was one of the most beautiful prayer that i ever read.

BoxerMomof1 · #8 10-19-2002, 12:40 AM

I lost one of my furrybabys JJ just 3 weeks ago. I read this and cryed. JJ wasn't a boxer but my feline best friend for 18 years who was rescued at 4 mos by me from going to bridge. It made me cry and I will pass this on to others.

Thank You Deb W

Chuggy_dog · #9 01-28-2003, 05:14 PM

Yes i have read that one. It makes me cry. I have a boxer whom i love more than the whole world. and when we got him, adopted from a not so great situation-he had had 4 home before the age of 1-he was VERY thin andscared, but now he is happy healthy, and even if from an abusive home, he is kind and sweet and loving. actually i have a poem i wrote about him, *see poetry*

#10 05-22-2003, 11:40 AM

This is so beautiful. It really reminds one of how loyal and loving our dogs are. They are there for us when the world turns us a cold shoulder. They are redy with smooshy kisses when we are sad, happy, or just bored. I have never ever been so loved unconditionally than by my precious Duke!