A Dog`s Prayer
by Beth Norman Harris
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 footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside,
For I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to the bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow
than rest upon the safest pillow in the warmest home in all the land.
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 to do your bidding,
to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and, able
to protect you with my life
should your's 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 I drew,
my fate was ever safest in your hands.
As of Feb. 21, 2009
This coin is dedicated to one
of the most loyal friends of the rockymtn8ivs.
"Shadow"
Given to us by our Geobud
Yar56
We gave him the name Shadow because he loved
"Roo"
and followed him around like a shadow.
His companionship has been priceless.
We love Shadow dearly and the joy he has added to our lives.
If you discover me, there is a good chance that you may also discover
"rockymtn8iv", 
"Mrs. rockymtn8iv"
Wilbur
and/or
"rockymtn8iv's Ride"
Keep on cachin' in a free world! 
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