Sorry for using this as a personal diary but I have to work through this JoJo thing today.
When you work in rescue you know from the door that you can't save all the animals. It is something that you tell yourself everyday with the Euth list comes out. You also try really hard to not get super attached and to work through the ones that are put to sleep. What you don't account for are the ones that you do grow attached to. JoJo was that one that I allowed myself to get attached to because the odds were against him. He was sick with heart worm and had kennel rage. I looked at him and saw a dog that wanted love and to be accepted. This is familiar to me. Growing up in a home where my mother was very sick and died when I was 13 and a father that was a heavy drinker with both physical and emotional abuse I related to JoJo. I know when I was being abused and feeling lonely all I wanted was someone to rescue me. That is how I looked at JoJo. I wanted so badly to rescue him and make sure he no longer felt alone and unaccepted. Things looked ok at first and I thought I found him a forever home to live out his years. Due to circumstances the adopter didn't have a place for him to go until he moved. This left JoJo alone still and sicker by the day.
Today the director called me and he is very sweet and kind and let him live longer because of me. When he called and told me that JoJo couldn't stay there any longer because he was sicker and the kennel rage had gotten out of control I knew what his next words were. He told me that it would be best to put him down. It was a dagger to the heart. I felt like all the promises I made for JoJo were lies and I failed him. He died lonely and sick two things I didn't want for him.
I only want to save the animals from abuse and neglect. I want to one day have shelters close because there are no longer needed. My goal I thought would be easy enough when I started the twitter 1 million follower goal against abuse and for tougher laws. I have been blessed with over 1200 followers since April and growing. I hope to one day reach that goal to show the world that there are at least a million people out there that care and want the abuse stopped.
So where does that leave me today? SAD and feeling like a failure. I know I have saved many animals before and will save many more and yes that is rewarding but I feel like should do more and save more. I will get through this.
This part is directed to JoJo from me........
The animals that you see running with no kennel are your new friends. They will love you and play with you. You will notice you are not feeling sick anymore and that is because you have crossed over the rainbow bridge. Love them back and show them that you are a good boy. Please know that one day I will come there and I will nuzzle you and hold you and kiss your pretty face. Love you from the bottom of my heart and I will continue to work to save your friends here. Run free, cruelty free...Play like the good boy you are... xoxoxoxo
Friday, June 17, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
JoJo
Hey guys sorry but 140 characters isn't cutting it for this one. Most of you have been following our quest to save JoJo a pit bull that was brought in a few months ago to the local ACC. He has been in a cage for at least two months. He does have kennel aggression and only wants to be near humans. Sadly at the ACC they treat him as though he is a vicious dog. Yes he did lunge at someone and tore her shirt because he was excited and wanted out. Once out JoJo is a good boy. Good enough that I have had him around my 4 and 15 year old.
Once we found an adopter for him it was time for neuter and heart worm treatment. The director of our ACC who is awesome and trying to work for the animals helped us find a great doctor to volunteer service for neuter and heart worm. Of course he is a pit and was warned prior to coming in for his procedure that he was unpredictable and so they muzzled him. When he came to he was in a smaller kennel and lunging and snipping at people. Again I say a kennel. The dog hates kennels and just wants to be with people. He did have some problems breathing on the table probably due to the heart worms. He will be treated for that in a few weeks.
Here is where the problem is and all I can do is feel deeply sad. Here is a dog that was just given the bare minimum because he is at the ACC and they do have a limited budget and few staff members to work with the animals. He longs for human touch and love. When they muzzled him today and then he woke up in a kennel it made him angry. The adopter home is suppose to be ready on Wed. with his kids. It amazes me that I see a few dogs at the adoption events that can't be around dogs or food aggressive but yet still adoptable. I along with someone else have fought tooth and nail for this dog. WHY? He has had all odds against him from the door. I can't get over breed profiling that happens not just here but everywhere. My God these are creatures that need the affection and love to learn to trust again.
I am hoping that he is healthy enough and allowed to go to his new home. I am sorry that I am so upset by this. It is a dog that really deserves a chance to live but has only a few people fighting for him. I will fight for him as long as they allow me to. Yes he is a Pit. Yes he has kennel rage. I doubt being in a muzzle and waking up in a smaller kennel helped. I just want this breed to not have so many strikes against them before they even have a chance.
I hope to report good things to you guys. I really do...
Once we found an adopter for him it was time for neuter and heart worm treatment. The director of our ACC who is awesome and trying to work for the animals helped us find a great doctor to volunteer service for neuter and heart worm. Of course he is a pit and was warned prior to coming in for his procedure that he was unpredictable and so they muzzled him. When he came to he was in a smaller kennel and lunging and snipping at people. Again I say a kennel. The dog hates kennels and just wants to be with people. He did have some problems breathing on the table probably due to the heart worms. He will be treated for that in a few weeks.
Here is where the problem is and all I can do is feel deeply sad. Here is a dog that was just given the bare minimum because he is at the ACC and they do have a limited budget and few staff members to work with the animals. He longs for human touch and love. When they muzzled him today and then he woke up in a kennel it made him angry. The adopter home is suppose to be ready on Wed. with his kids. It amazes me that I see a few dogs at the adoption events that can't be around dogs or food aggressive but yet still adoptable. I along with someone else have fought tooth and nail for this dog. WHY? He has had all odds against him from the door. I can't get over breed profiling that happens not just here but everywhere. My God these are creatures that need the affection and love to learn to trust again.
I am hoping that he is healthy enough and allowed to go to his new home. I am sorry that I am so upset by this. It is a dog that really deserves a chance to live but has only a few people fighting for him. I will fight for him as long as they allow me to. Yes he is a Pit. Yes he has kennel rage. I doubt being in a muzzle and waking up in a smaller kennel helped. I just want this breed to not have so many strikes against them before they even have a chance.
I hope to report good things to you guys. I really do...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
How can we stop so many urgent needs at shelters?
I have spent most of my day today trying to find a wonderful home for a great little pit bull. I was told he had kennel rage and had jumped up and torn one of the ladies shirt that works there. I reached out to many of the rescue's that I work with along with great friends that help me all the time. I figured the best way for me to describe the dog was to check him out myself. I have done behavioral testing in the past and figured I would bring both the kids ages 15 and 4. Once there I got to see JoJo myself out of the kennel. He had just returned from a long walk and still had that cute pittie smile and love in his eyes. I looked directly into those eyes and I saw a little dog that just wanted love. He looked at me with a plea of "please get me out of here" After making sure he wasn't aggressive I introduced him to my daughter who is 4. Under my watchful eye he approached her and licked her so hard I thought her skin was coming off. The more she laughed the more he licked. I knew then and there this is a dog that needs a home.
JoJo was not the only guy there of course. There were so many there all with similar stories. "Turned in" or "Stray" JoJo I would guestimate to be around 2 and not neutered and the female Rottie that he came in was not spayed either. I am far from a genius but SPAY AND NEUTER!!! Why do people not do that? Cost is usually always an issue. Some states now have a voucher program that will allow them to alter their pet for a fraction of the cost. We are still working on getting offices on board for our Spay and Neuter Program. I find it interesting that many offices still hesitate due to the economy. Everyone has been hit by the economic crisis that our country faces. The horrible cases of abuse that world cross my desk daily. It isn't just here in the US but we can focus on Spaying and Neutering here first.
"URGENT!"....."NEED HELP NOW!"...."WILL BE KILLED TOMORROW!" These are all messages I get daily. Many of them I send out myself. It takes a strong group of people to not just throw up their hands and give up. Some day's I have to just turn off the computer for a few hours and regroup. The abuse is bad enough to see but when you get an Urgent list from just one group of shelters with over 20 dogs and cats to be destroyed the next day it is hard to just accept that you can't save them all. We turn to our rescue's to help. They too are so overwhelmed with all the requests that they are unable to save them all as well.
What can we do? We can write to the state legislators to assist with the cost of Spay and Neuter. This is something that we have the power to control. We all want to help or to change how crowded the shelter's are. Well here is the way.
JoJo and his fur-sister were brought in as strays. JoJo is not neutered so who knows how many female dogs he came in contact with. This mean's there could be litter of puppies just waiting for the shelter. Please please help us control the pet population. Here is my plan http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/We-are-launching-our-National-Spay-and-Neuter-Affilate-Program-003411. If we can get more states to sign on for the voucher program that would be a huge huge victory for animals and humans alike.
JoJo was not the only guy there of course. There were so many there all with similar stories. "Turned in" or "Stray" JoJo I would guestimate to be around 2 and not neutered and the female Rottie that he came in was not spayed either. I am far from a genius but SPAY AND NEUTER!!! Why do people not do that? Cost is usually always an issue. Some states now have a voucher program that will allow them to alter their pet for a fraction of the cost. We are still working on getting offices on board for our Spay and Neuter Program. I find it interesting that many offices still hesitate due to the economy. Everyone has been hit by the economic crisis that our country faces. The horrible cases of abuse that world cross my desk daily. It isn't just here in the US but we can focus on Spaying and Neutering here first.
"URGENT!"....."NEED HELP NOW!"...."WILL BE KILLED TOMORROW!" These are all messages I get daily. Many of them I send out myself. It takes a strong group of people to not just throw up their hands and give up. Some day's I have to just turn off the computer for a few hours and regroup. The abuse is bad enough to see but when you get an Urgent list from just one group of shelters with over 20 dogs and cats to be destroyed the next day it is hard to just accept that you can't save them all. We turn to our rescue's to help. They too are so overwhelmed with all the requests that they are unable to save them all as well.
What can we do? We can write to the state legislators to assist with the cost of Spay and Neuter. This is something that we have the power to control. We all want to help or to change how crowded the shelter's are. Well here is the way.
JoJo and his fur-sister were brought in as strays. JoJo is not neutered so who knows how many female dogs he came in contact with. This mean's there could be litter of puppies just waiting for the shelter. Please please help us control the pet population. Here is my plan http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/We-are-launching-our-National-Spay-and-Neuter-Affilate-Program-003411. If we can get more states to sign on for the voucher program that would be a huge huge victory for animals and humans alike.
Monday, May 23, 2011
What a week already!
Wow what a week and it's only Monday. There was a devastating Tornado that hit Joplin Missouri killing at least 89 people and leaving hundreds more stranded. This also means lost animals and for many animals no home. We ask all of you if you can help in anyway please do so.
Donations: Joplin Humane Society - Welcome
Volunteering: Linda Chapman: lchapman@hsmo.org
Fostering: director@winterpaws.org. List your name, address, phone, email, what kinds of animals you can foster, size, how many, gender, and if you can pick up or transport.
Our Stop Abusing Coffee petition and FB site is growing daily If you haven't already signed please do so today http://www.thepetitionsite.com/15/stop-abusing-coffee-the-dog-meant-to-sit-with-a-pipe/
There is an autograph signing with Michael Vick coming up in June in New Jersey. I am sure many like myself have more then a few choice words that we would like to share with him. I would kindly ask to refrain from going if you can. Animal advocates are often looked at by the general public and crazy insane people. We would like to change that opinion and the way to do that is to continue to do positive things to help our animal friends.
We have our press release finished and published! Please help us attain the goal of gathering resources in each state. We need Vet offices and other locations that perform spay and neuter to be on board before we can offer this wonderful program to the public. http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/We-are-launching-our-National-Spay-and-Neuter-Affilate-Program-003411
Patrick continues to gain weight and look and act like a loving healthy dog. When we have additional photo's and updates from AHS we will post them right away. Sadly there are still many Patrick's that are coming in daily across the globe. We have to continue to work together with out legislators to change the laws so animal abusers know that their actions will come with a heavy price to pay.
Thanks for your continued support with our twitter page @patricksmovment This sharing of our page has led to many animals getting adopted. We are all one giant team and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart....xoxo Lori
Donations: Joplin Humane Society - Welcome
Volunteering: Linda Chapman: lchapman@hsmo.org
Fostering: director@winterpaws.org. List your name, address, phone, email, what kinds of animals you can foster, size, how many, gender, and if you can pick up or transport.
Our Stop Abusing Coffee petition and FB site is growing daily If you haven't already signed please do so today http://www.thepetitionsite.com/15/stop-abusing-coffee-the-dog-meant-to-sit-with-a-pipe/
There is an autograph signing with Michael Vick coming up in June in New Jersey. I am sure many like myself have more then a few choice words that we would like to share with him. I would kindly ask to refrain from going if you can. Animal advocates are often looked at by the general public and crazy insane people. We would like to change that opinion and the way to do that is to continue to do positive things to help our animal friends.
We have our press release finished and published! Please help us attain the goal of gathering resources in each state. We need Vet offices and other locations that perform spay and neuter to be on board before we can offer this wonderful program to the public. http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/We-are-launching-our-National-Spay-and-Neuter-Affilate-Program-003411
Patrick continues to gain weight and look and act like a loving healthy dog. When we have additional photo's and updates from AHS we will post them right away. Sadly there are still many Patrick's that are coming in daily across the globe. We have to continue to work together with out legislators to change the laws so animal abusers know that their actions will come with a heavy price to pay.
Thanks for your continued support with our twitter page @patricksmovment This sharing of our page has led to many animals getting adopted. We are all one giant team and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart....xoxo Lori
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
We are launching our National Spay and Neuter Fund!!
Hello my animal friends. After many days of working on this project I am going to Pre-Launch so we can work out any bugs prior to a large launch later this week. I have added a tab to this blog so you can read a bit more about what we would like to see happen.
We all know the horror that goes on at the shelter daily. We see animal's like Patrick starved and abused. Hundreds of animals are homeless and living on the street. The obvious start to helping control these issues is to spay and neuter. The procedure can be a costly one. One that would make a person with little or no finances avoid. Our goal is to work with offices across the country to lower these rates with our affiliate program. Once registered with our program the office will work with the owner on a discounted rate. That discounted rate would be covered by our fund. It would not matter what state you live in we would cover these fee's as long as the office was registered as one of our affiliates.
We will rely on donations from the caring people that can contribute for this program to those that are less fortunate. If we do not have donations we will not be able to help control the pet population that is ever growing. We will do fundraisers and try to provide as much to our contributors as possible.
I am an army of one but hope that I can recruit people around the country to please help me any way you can.
Big Picture....We have funds....Jane Smith lost her job but needs to get her animal spayed. Her vet wants to charge her $100. They are an affiliate with us and has agreed to do the procedure for $40. We will then cover that $40 and Jane Smith is now able to get her pet spayed. I realize this is a HUGE undertaking. Our twitter movement is growing @patricksmovment and now it is time for me to show our followers that following us means something more then being a number and getting updates. I owe it to the animals, followers and myself to be able to make a difference. I can not do this without your help. I ask that you please send me feedback and if you can help spread the word of our mission. We can't help without the donations. We will start taking donations ASAP. I will have a donation button on the website as well.
I have a family that is supportive of our mission. Please read more on our tab and share share share. You can send me idea's that you have I am open to saving as many animals as we can. I know I can't do it alone so please help me help the animals that need us so badly.
We all know the horror that goes on at the shelter daily. We see animal's like Patrick starved and abused. Hundreds of animals are homeless and living on the street. The obvious start to helping control these issues is to spay and neuter. The procedure can be a costly one. One that would make a person with little or no finances avoid. Our goal is to work with offices across the country to lower these rates with our affiliate program. Once registered with our program the office will work with the owner on a discounted rate. That discounted rate would be covered by our fund. It would not matter what state you live in we would cover these fee's as long as the office was registered as one of our affiliates.
We will rely on donations from the caring people that can contribute for this program to those that are less fortunate. If we do not have donations we will not be able to help control the pet population that is ever growing. We will do fundraisers and try to provide as much to our contributors as possible.
I am an army of one but hope that I can recruit people around the country to please help me any way you can.
Big Picture....We have funds....Jane Smith lost her job but needs to get her animal spayed. Her vet wants to charge her $100. They are an affiliate with us and has agreed to do the procedure for $40. We will then cover that $40 and Jane Smith is now able to get her pet spayed. I realize this is a HUGE undertaking. Our twitter movement is growing @patricksmovment and now it is time for me to show our followers that following us means something more then being a number and getting updates. I owe it to the animals, followers and myself to be able to make a difference. I can not do this without your help. I ask that you please send me feedback and if you can help spread the word of our mission. We can't help without the donations. We will start taking donations ASAP. I will have a donation button on the website as well.
I have a family that is supportive of our mission. Please read more on our tab and share share share. You can send me idea's that you have I am open to saving as many animals as we can. I know I can't do it alone so please help me help the animals that need us so badly.
Monday, May 16, 2011
On a Mission!
Hello my caring friends!
I am a little late on my weekly update blog but I think we are working on a few really cool things.
I am very lucky to have support from so many people that all have the same goal..."Save animals and insist on tougher animal abuse laws". One huge issue that seems to have come to our attention due to the warmer weather is tethering. Here in MD and in many other states there isn't much of a law against tethering. We need to change that. I will be tethered for a day outside in the elements to raise awareness to the public about the importance of having this law. As we all know not one person alone can make a difference so I hope to be able to bring your more details as we get the plan in motion.
The temperature is rising so another reminder to please leave your pet at home if you think you will need to leave the car for anything at all. If it is 80 degree's outside, a car can be as high as 120 inside. Your pet cannot survive this. Cracking a window is not enough air to keep the car at a controlled temperature for your pet.
Many people will be on the water soon for the summer season. Please be mindful of not throwing litter into our ocean's. We are in support of ALL animals and many of our bays and ocean's are badly polluted already. Keep the beaches and free and clear of litter if you can. All of your ocean friends will greatly appreciate that.
So many people are coming together to prevent animal abuse. There is still so much work to be done on animal abuse awareness. The obvious abuse isn't the only problem. Tethering, lack of vet care, lack of love and affection is still animal abuse. We have to make sure to keep moving forward in educating the public on abuse that is not as obvious as well. Spay and Neuter is still one area that we are lacking in. The economic crisis has made many people turn away from vet care. We have to work on funding programs that allow all animals the ability to have this care. This is a huge huge goal of mine for our domestic animals.
Please continue to spread the word of our mission. 1 million followers on twitter against animal abuse and for tougher laws. @patricksmovment Please visit us on Facebook @ Patricks Movement Maryland AND www.patricksmovementmd.com
I am a little late on my weekly update blog but I think we are working on a few really cool things.
I am very lucky to have support from so many people that all have the same goal..."Save animals and insist on tougher animal abuse laws". One huge issue that seems to have come to our attention due to the warmer weather is tethering. Here in MD and in many other states there isn't much of a law against tethering. We need to change that. I will be tethered for a day outside in the elements to raise awareness to the public about the importance of having this law. As we all know not one person alone can make a difference so I hope to be able to bring your more details as we get the plan in motion.
The temperature is rising so another reminder to please leave your pet at home if you think you will need to leave the car for anything at all. If it is 80 degree's outside, a car can be as high as 120 inside. Your pet cannot survive this. Cracking a window is not enough air to keep the car at a controlled temperature for your pet.
Many people will be on the water soon for the summer season. Please be mindful of not throwing litter into our ocean's. We are in support of ALL animals and many of our bays and ocean's are badly polluted already. Keep the beaches and free and clear of litter if you can. All of your ocean friends will greatly appreciate that.
So many people are coming together to prevent animal abuse. There is still so much work to be done on animal abuse awareness. The obvious abuse isn't the only problem. Tethering, lack of vet care, lack of love and affection is still animal abuse. We have to make sure to keep moving forward in educating the public on abuse that is not as obvious as well. Spay and Neuter is still one area that we are lacking in. The economic crisis has made many people turn away from vet care. We have to work on funding programs that allow all animals the ability to have this care. This is a huge huge goal of mine for our domestic animals.
Please continue to spread the word of our mission. 1 million followers on twitter against animal abuse and for tougher laws. @patricksmovment Please visit us on Facebook @ Patricks Movement Maryland AND www.patricksmovementmd.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
Our lost Pets and a Dogs Prayer
Today was a long and stressful day. Dealing with the ASPCA on an issue that isn't obvious abuse has been less then rewarding. This is only a simply diversion. It's nothing that will keep up from helping Coffee the dog...
Today like any other day seven days a week several things crossed my desk on abused animals. Dogs, Cats, Farm animals and our wonderful Tony the Tiger. I also get a listing of dogs set to be destroyed the next day from New York and a few other states. While I know that not all will be saved, I know they will cross the Rainbow Bridge. The author is unknown. I have to read this from time to time as I often weep at the computer. I am sharing two important things in this blog that help me continue to help those that cannot speak. While the Rainbow Bridge Poem speaks of pets I know there are the animals that never had a chance at the hand of their abusers that have also crossed this bridge.
A dog's prayer will make you tear and cry but please don't listen to this just a the dogs prayer but as a pets prayer. It pretty much covers how I am sure most animals feel. When I read the Dog's prayer on days when I wonder where the rest of the followers are that support animal abuse, I know that as I wait for them to join us we must continue to help our furry friends. Please enjoy both prayer and Poem xoxoxo Lori @PATRICKSMOVMENT
RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !
The nose twitches !
The ears are up !
The eyes are staring !
And this one suddenly runs from the group !
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated
A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful 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, 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 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 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.
--Beth Norman Harris
Today like any other day seven days a week several things crossed my desk on abused animals. Dogs, Cats, Farm animals and our wonderful Tony the Tiger. I also get a listing of dogs set to be destroyed the next day from New York and a few other states. While I know that not all will be saved, I know they will cross the Rainbow Bridge. The author is unknown. I have to read this from time to time as I often weep at the computer. I am sharing two important things in this blog that help me continue to help those that cannot speak. While the Rainbow Bridge Poem speaks of pets I know there are the animals that never had a chance at the hand of their abusers that have also crossed this bridge.
A dog's prayer will make you tear and cry but please don't listen to this just a the dogs prayer but as a pets prayer. It pretty much covers how I am sure most animals feel. When I read the Dog's prayer on days when I wonder where the rest of the followers are that support animal abuse, I know that as I wait for them to join us we must continue to help our furry friends. Please enjoy both prayer and Poem xoxoxo Lori @PATRICKSMOVMENT
RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !
The nose twitches !
The ears are up !
The eyes are staring !
And this one suddenly runs from the group !
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated
A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful 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, 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 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 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.
--Beth Norman Harris
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