Looking for a letter Dear Abby wrote about taking care and loving an animal growing older. How much they love?

Question

and need you now. It was beautifully written about the loyalty, etc., from your pet and now that it is older you need to take care of him and goes into the love your animal has always shown you!

I would love to find this advice column letter of hers, seems she printed it about 1x yearly. I've searched all over the web. Help? Thanks.

Answer 1

This is a poem she reprints often...I happened to have a copy in my desk. Not sure if it's the one you want, but I thought i'd pass it on because it's so great.

A Dogs 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 l**k 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 footsteps 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.

Author Unknown