Tribute To A Best Friend

Sunlight streams through window panes on to a
spot on the floor....

then I remember it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.

My feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted
echoes sound....

then I remember it's where your paws would
joyously abound.

A voice is heard along the road, and up
beyond the hill,

then I remember it can't be yours.... your
golden voice is still.

But I'll take that vacant spot of floor and
empty muted hall

and lay them with the absent voice and unused
dish along the wall.

I'll wrap these treasured memorials in a
blanket of my love

and keep them for my best friend until we
meet above



Author Unknown

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