A DOGS PRAYER
By BETH NORMAN HARRIS

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world ismoregrateful for kindness than the Loving heart of me.Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your handbetween the blows, your patience and understanding will more quicklyteachme the things you would have me do.Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, asyou mustknow by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon mywaiting ear.When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now adomesticatedanimal, no longer used to the bitter elements. And I ask no greaterglorythan the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.  Thoughyouhad no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than restuponthe softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are mygodand I am your devoted worshiper.Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should notreproach youwere 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 byyourside, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my lifeshouldyour life be in danger.And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me ofmyhealth or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gentlyin yourarms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest----and Iwill leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was eversafestin your hands.IN MEMORY of PAGE