A Dog's Prayer

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 use to bitter elements. 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 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 would 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 a merciful eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.....

-Annonymous

This was found on an animal control website for Lane County as I searched for statistics for my persuasive speech on animal control.

I think if dogs could speak to us this is very near what they would have to say. They are selfless creatures who feel pain, hunger, thirst, and love all in the same way we do and yet they are treated as things. In the 2008 fiscal year animal welfare officers that work for Lane County investigated over 200 dog bites and 592 cases of animal abuse and neglect. Dogs are devoted and loving creatures who deserve so much better than this. Educate yourself. And the next time our oh-so-caring city of Eugene decides that dogs don't deserve an animal shelter to reside in and wants to cut the program think of the current 56 dogs that will be homeless, the 692 dogs that won't be returned to their owner and the 540 dogs that will not be adopted. Fill your potholes with THAT Jim Torrey...