Monday, our neighbors, Tim and Kelly, had to put their dog down. Ben was 12 1/2 years old and his kidneys had failed. I know that they felt the same way about Ben as we felt about Ashley. We went through something similar with Ashley in the fall of 2003 and it was the toughest thing I’ve had to deal with. This reminded me of a prayer that my mom had framed for me a couple of years ago.

Here it goes:

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.

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 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 in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

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.

- Beth Norman Harris

Here are a bunch of photos of Ashley that I had posted on our previous site.
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