I was napping in my “Comfy Chair” as I began the journey from REM to wide awake; I felt some hot breath on my face. One of my dogs told me it was time to go for a walk. I began petting him, thinking about how pets enrich our lives. Most pets take much work and expense, and their owners become the caregivers. Dogs require food daily; we feed them two times a day, with as many snacks as they can get out of you.
They practice a mental game that I coined: “Canine Hypno-Control.” This technique can control you to do their bidding. Go for a walk, feed them, pet them, whatever your fur buddy wants from you. There are veterinarian bills, flea and tick control methods, new collars, leashes, bowls, and toys that may have been shredded accidentally. The owner spends time in the yard, picking up the presents via normal biological functions. They may be called “Dog logs,” “Land Mines,” or Puppy Presents.” Whatever they are called, they need to be picked up regularly to keep the area walkable.
Pets enhance our lives by giving companionship and a sounding board; they listen and give love. They help make a house a home. Pets don’t care if you are rich, beautiful, live in a large home, or have no home; they will return your love just for who you are. Training dogs is a test and commitment as they go through various growing pain issues: Teething, chewing, running off, waking you up at all hours, making noise, or wanting to go out. Nothing wakes up a human faster than the sound of a dog getting ready to vomit.
The main challenge is that their life span is less than ours. A beautiful, well-trained dog lives, depending on the breed, 10 – 15 years, maybe 18 years with luck. In my life, I have been blessed with many dogs that have enhanced and shared my life.
At some point, they move on to the Rainbow Bridge and wait for your life to end and for you to join up with them. When one of my dogs had to be helped to pass, I came home, quite emotional, and wrote “Our Dogs Prayer.” I have shared this over the years with people who have a decision to help their dogs pass. Please keep a copy for that time or share it with friends if you feel it is helpful.
Our Dogs Prayer
I know you love me. I know because through all the years we have lived together, you have treated me with gentleness, kindness and you have taken care of all of my needs. I remember when I first came to you as a puppy, you were house training me, and when I made a mistake, you did not hit me, you simply took me outside and praised me when I did well.
I have never felt the harshness of being hit, only the loving touch from your hand. I Have always greeted you with excitement and love when you would come home, for I knew that you would take the time to play with me, to pet me and to take me for the walks that I love. You always made sure that I would have good food to eat and plenty of fresh water to drink.
Our years together have been wonderful. My life has been full of happiness and joy! I know that I have truly earned my rightful place as a member of our pack, our family. I’m proud to have shared my life with you.
I know that you understand that I’m hurting, that the ravages of disease and time, have taken away my joy of living. I know that you will do the right thing, at the right time, so that I will not suffer. I do not understand why I cannot do the things I love to do anymore.
Thank you for your kindness, once again, I place my life, my trust and my love to you, my owner, my friend and my reason for living. I know it is time for you to help me with one more act of kindness. I’m ready to go, so I will suffer no more. Remember me and remember that you have all my love forever!
