Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the
loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a
stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your
patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things
that you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your
voice is the world's sweetest music, as you know by the fierce
wagging of my tail when the sound of your footstep falls upon my
waiting ear.
Please take me inside when its
cold and wet, for I am a domestic animal, no longer accustomed to
bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than
the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh
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 very
old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not
make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I am not having any fun. Please see to it that my life is taken
gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my
fate was always safest in your loving hands.
-Author
Unknown
Doberman
Pinscher Club of America