If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are to busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct them,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudices against creed, color, religion or politics,
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. If something is in your best interest: practice being obedient. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps and stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Eat with gusto and enthusiam. Be loyal... Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under shady trees. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends. Bond: with your pack. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you'll get what you want. Don't go out without ID. When you do something wrong, always take responsibility (as soon as you're dragged out from under the bed!) If it's not sloppy, it's not a real kiss. If at first you don't succeed, whine real loud. Don't settle for cheap food. Play nicely with others, but remind them that it's your toy. Rainy days are best spent indoors. When a loud thunderstorm comes at night, and the ones you need to impress with your bravery are asleep, it's okay to hide under the bed.
This is a prayer for little paws
All up and down the land,
Driven away, no friendly voice
Never an outstretched hand.
For weary paws of little beasts
Torn and stained with red,
And never a home and never a rest,
Till all little beasts are dead.
Oh God of homeless things look down
And try to ease the way
Of all the little weary paws
That walk the world today.
Anonymous
