Conference misery::feline_v1

2371.0. "A Pet's Prayer" by SHALOT::FAILE (What are your thoughts, Hobson?) Tue Apr 11 1989 21:45

    I know this is a Feline notes conference and I am owned by a wondeful
    feline named Brandy; however, I found the following in the paper
    today and thought I would enter it here.  I know it's entitled 
    "A Dog's Prayer" but so much of it can be applied to cats as well.
     It really tears me up sometimes when I read some of the horror
    stories in this conference about how some of our furry friends are
    made to suffer.  So if you want to change the name to "A Cat's Prayer"
    feel free, it certainly applies to them as well and the next time
    you loose one of those furry friends...remember.
    
    Cody
    ===================================================================
    
A Dog's Prayer
   by Beth Norman Harris
    
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 sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce waggin of my tail when your footstep falls upon my
waiting ear. 

When its 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
you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest 
upon the softest pillow of the warmest house 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.
    

    teary,
    
    gailann

    sniffle,sniff,sniff
    
    Mary-Michael

    There IS a cats prayer.  I've been meaning to put in into the file.
    Here it is:
    
    The Cat's Prayer
    
    My dear friend and companion; to thee I pray.  Although I am too
    proud to beg and may appear to be a very independent creature, I
    ask for your loving care and attention.  I rely on you for my well
    being much more than you may realize.
    
    This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on
    you nor will I demand more of you than you care to give.
    
    I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon;
    a soft soothing body to cares, and I shall purr with pleasure to
    rest your weary ears.
    
    Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations,
    I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh
    water daily.
    
    You know dear friend, how I love to nap.  Allow me, I pray, a warm
    sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure.
    
    If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease, please tend
    me gently, I pray, and see that I am treated by loving and competent
    hands.
    
    Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture
    me for their own amusement.  I am accustomed to your gentle touch
    and am not always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious
    acts.
    
    In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become
    too great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire
    for my closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing.
    
    Hear this prayer, my dear friend.  My fate depends on you.
    
    By Manny & Ginny Feldman.  copyright 1973

    Nancy,
    
    That was lovely.  Thank you for entering it.
    
    Jill

re .0
Thank you.
I just lost my dog of 13 years in November. This prayer brought back
all the good memories and helped me think of the end in a different,
much better light(she had to be put to sleep).
Becky
P.S.  I thought I was done crying...