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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 footstep
falls upon my 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 that I draw, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
- Anonymous 
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