by Patricia Czubak
Treat me kindly my beloved friend for no
heart in all the world is more grateful for
your kindness than the loving heart of me.
Speak softly to me often, for your voice is
music to my ears, as you can tell by the
fierce wagging of my tail, whenever you call my name.
Please don't leave me out in the cold and damp.
For you have domesticated me and I am no longer
use to the bitter elements.
I ask no greater privilege than to sit by your
side. If you had no home, I would rather follow
you through sleet and snow than rest my head upon
the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land.
You are my beloved friend and I am devoted to you eternally.
Please fill my bowls with fresh water to drink and food to eat,
for although I would not reproach you if they were empty, I
can not tell you when I hunger and thirst. Do these things so
that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, or
so that I may stand ready to warn and protect you should you
ever be in danger.
When the time draws near my beloved friend, and I am weak,
deprived of sight and health. Do not turn me out, rather
hold me gently in your arms while skilled hands grant me merciful and eternal rest...
And I will leave you, knowing that with the last breath I drew my love for you knew no boundaries and my fate was forever safer and
happier in your loving care.