A Dog's Prayer

[Basia]

This was given to me when my beloved first boxer died and I still can't read it without crying. I have no idea where it originates from and I expect some of you have seen it before. My friend, who works for a vet, gave it to me.

A Dog's Prayer

If it should be that I grow weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me until the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve, it must be you,
Who had this painful thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let you heart hold back its tears.

 

[Deano]

I have not seen or heard that reading before,its as if my Pep' was reading it to me..... Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Kbryant]

I have never seen this before. It brought back my vivid memory of holding my little 6 month old Tyson as he was put to sleep in my arms. What a beautiful poem. thank you so much for sharing.
Karen

 

[AZ Boxer Boys]

Thank you for sharing - such a beautiful poem.
Cindy

 

[Basia]

Thanks for your kind replies.
It was hard to type, I haven't read it for nearly 6 years when we had to have Basia put to sleep after a long illness. I didn't think I could ever own another boxer but my family persuaded me 18 months later. I insisted if we were going to have another it had to be a male and a different colour - I didn't want to be constantly reminded of Basia. Fate intervened and our new family member was another brindle bitch and in some ways she does remind me of Basia, but in a good way. She is herself - lovable, clownish - and the family feels complete again.
Best wishes
Gill