September 7, 2007

In response to all the recent news about dog fighting there is only one appropriate prayer which was written by Albert Schweitzer in 1949.

"Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering:
for animals that are over worked, under fed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in cativity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or frightened or hungry:
for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful." 

  September 14, 2007

The dogs who've shared our lives,

In subtle ways they let us know

Their spirit still survives.

Old habits make us think

we hear a barking at the door,

Or step back when we drop

a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place

the food dish used to be,

And sometimes coming home at night,

we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends

and a new food dish to fill,

That one place in our hearts

belongs to them...

and always will.

      September 21

So many Gods, so many creeds,

So many paths that wind and wind,

While just the art of being kind,

Is all this sad world needs.

I am the voice of the voiceless;

Through me the dumb shall speak;

Till the deaf world's ear be made to hear

The cry of the wordless weak.

From street, from cage and from kennel,

From jungle and stall the wail

Of my tortured kin proclaims the sin

Of the strong against the frail.

The same power formed the sparrow

That fashioned man...the King

The God of the whole gave a living soul

To the furred and feathered thing.

For I am my brother's keeper

And my will is to fight his fight

And speak the word for beast and bird

Till the world shall get things right.

  September 28

My best friend closed his eyes last night

as his head was in my hand.

The doctors said he was in pain

And was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head

As I cradled him in my arms,

Were of his younger puppy years,

And O his many charms.

Today there was no gentle nudge

With an intense "I love you" gaze,

Only a heart that's filled with tears

Remembering our joy filled days.

But an angel just appeared to me,

And said "You should cry no more,

God also loves our canine friends,

He's installed a doggie door!"