Beware of Dog...

Upon entering a little country store, the stranger noticed a sign saying "DANGER! BEWARE OF DOG!" posted on the door glass. Inside, he noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor near the cash register. He asked the store's owner "Is that the dog folks are supposed to beware of?"
"Yep," the proprietor answered, "That's him."
The stranger couldn't help being amused. "That certainly doesn't look like a dangerous dog to me," he chuckled. "Why in the world did you decide to post that sign?"
"Because," the owner replied, "before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him."

A Dogs Prayer...

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 waiting 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 on a cold winter night. If you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home without you.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I get thirsty too and I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me healthy, nutritious food, that I may stay well to romp and play, 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 away from me. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the mercy of eternal rest and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was ever safest in your hands. Above all, know that I will always love you unconditionally.

My Dog's 10 Commandments...

My life is likely to last 10 - 15 years. Any separation from you is probably going to be painful for me.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to.
Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
On that ultimate difficult journey to the rainbow bridge, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be much duller and a less joyful experience without God's critters...

A Dog's Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,

The king-size bed is soft and deep.

I sleep right in the center groove,

The people here can hardly move!

I've trapped their legs;

They're tucked in tight...

And here is where I spend the night.

No one disturbs me or dares intrude

Til morning comes and I want food.

I sneak up slowly to begin,

And lick a nose or a bit of chin,

For morning's here, it's time to play

And I know the food is on its way.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me

These wonderful people that I see...

The ones who hug and hold me tight

And share the bed with me at night.

Why Is A Dog's Life Shorter Than Most Humans?

This story has been going around for a while, but I never get tired of it...

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

Why is a dog's life shorter than most humans? Here's the surprising answer of a 6 year old child:

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that dogs' lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said, ”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay for as long as we do.”

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
• When your loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be faithful.
• 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.

Those are the simple secrets of happiness that we can all learn from a good dog.