I have a Dear Abby article from long ago that has "A Dog's Prayer", by Beth Norman Harris. I love this prayer so much, and thought it would be nice to share here, since there are so many pet owners.



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 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 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.


So, my cat, Callie, is "my" pet, where our dog, Izzy, is the family pet, and while I love them both, I'm especially attached to Callie. I wanted to find a cat's prayer, and here is the one I liked best...

Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep...
I sleep right in the center groove
My human can hardly move!


I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and "I want food!"


I sneak up slowly to begin
My nibbles on my human's chin.
She wakes up quickly, I have sharp teeth -
And my claws I will unsheath


For the morning's here and it's time to play
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.


The one who hugs me and holds me tight
And sacrifices her bed at night.


~Author Unknown


Bea, you have such beautiful poetry, and if I remember correctly, you have a beloved cat... do you have any cat prayers? All of the ones I found were humorous like the one above, but none were really sweet like the dog's prayer above.

By Northcountrymom on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 12:45 am:

Hi Crystal,
I recently joined the board and just got to your pet share tonight. Love the Dog Prayer. We have a soon to be 14 year old 110 lb. dark yellow field lab named Mokie. Mokie actually shares a birthday with my father. As Mokie ages and his mortality is more apparent my mind really does turn to spiritual things related to my dog. His presence in our life is a direct answer to my oldest son's prayer (now 23 years old).

Hope you share more pet thoughts.

(By the way we also share a high regard for Maya Angelou - you mention her in your profile.)

Linda