A DOGS PLEA

Treat me with kindness my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your love, than the loving heart of me.

Do not beat me with a stick, for I may lick your hand between beatings, your love and understanding will teach me quicker, the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, as your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail, as I hear the sounds of your footsteps upon my waiting ears.

Bring me inside when I am cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal now and no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. All I ask for is no greater glory than the privilege of sitting by your feet by the hearth.

Keep my bowl full with water, for I can not tell you when I suffer thirst, feed me clean food so that I can stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to stand by your side ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should yours be in danger.

So my friend, when I get too old or too sick to enjoy life any more, PLEASE don't make
heroic efforts to keep me going, for I am not having much fun. Just see to it that my life
is taken peacefully and I shall leave this world knowing, that with the last breath I draw, My life was always safest in your hands.

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