Animal Prayer

Hear out humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any who are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to sleep. 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 be true friends to animals and so to share the blessing of the merciful.

--Albert Schweitzer--

Animal Poetry

My Dog, she lies across my feet,
Expression on her face, so sweet
To tell me, she loves only me
I pat her head and say I see.

Joyce Dobson and Phyllis Taylor

My other house mates are dogs, Will and Ladybug

This picture was taken 2005 in Occoquan, Virginia at the home of a very beloved friend, Mother Toliver. Her family was kind enough to let us live there. Ladybug pictured on my left and Will on my right. I got them as puppies. Will was born in '93 and Ladybug was born in '94. They had three sets of litters which I sold; and a couple of their off-springs went to friends. My family, close friends, and I have many fond memories of things that happen with my dogs. Will was the leader of the pack. He got into so much trouble. I really loved that dog. He developed cancer. So, I euthanized and had him cremated. I have his ashes in an urn. Ladybug is here getting old with me. She has her good and bad days. My husband doesn't like dogs because they constantly require attention and maintenance. And, his nickname for my house was "The Dog Pound", how apropo, and I know he felt he was in good company. In the end, me and my dogs won him over. Furthermore, he helps with Ladybug but reminds me that she is my responsibility. That's the way love is and it’s all good.

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Will was a true alfa-male animal. He didn't want to be confined or caged and would howl until I gave into letting him have roam of the house. At the drop of a hat he would run off and come back when he was tired of the streets. A ladies man he was, very jealous, and would bite anyone if the mood came over him. Ladies undergarments and mostly my favorite pairs of shoes would be nice treats when he got a chance to get either. He didn't like my husband and the feeling was mutual. My dog Will probably would have tried to tag along with Snoop Dog if it was possible. He did whatever he wanted inspite of the consequences. Sometime there was a penality he had to pay because I had to remind him that I was the real leader of our pack. With great sadness, I had to let him go free because he was sick and suffering.

Amahl running with his best of friends, Darren & Guy