Treat Me Kindly
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend
for no heart in all this 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
blows, your patience and understanding
will more quickly teach me the things
you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for the voice
is the world’s sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging
of my tail, when your footsteps
fall upon my waiting ear.
Please Take me inside when it is cold
and wet for I am a domestic animal,
no longer accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than to have the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water for
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 my friend, when I am old and no longer
enjoy good health and sight,
do not make heroic efforts to keep me going,
I am not having fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing that
with the last breath I draw that my
fate
was always safest in your hands.
Author Unknown
