The earth trembled and a great rift appeared, separating
the first man and woman from the rest of the animal kingdom.
As the chasm grew deeper and wider, all the other creatures,
afraid for their lives, returned to the forest -- except for the dog,
who after much consideration leapt the perilous rift to stay
with
the humans on the other side.
His love for humanity was greater than his bond to other creatures, he
explained, and
he willingly forfeited his place in paradise to prove
it.
--Native American folktale...an Ojibway
tale.
Legend has it that soon after Creation,
the earth was torn in two.
Man was on one side of the chasm,
all the animals on the other.
Only the dog tried to find a way across to join the man.
He tried to jump the huge abyss
but only his forepaws reached
the far edge.
Man reached down and pulled him to safety, saying,
"You shall be
my companion forever."
So spake the Lord
God summoned a beast from the field and said,
"Behold, man is created in my image. Therefore adore him.
You shall
protect in the wilderness,
shepherd his flocks, watch over
his children,
accompany him wherever he may go ~even
into civilization.
You shall be his companion, his ally,
his slave.
To do these things, God said,
I endow you with instincts uncommon to other beasts:
Faithfulness, Devotion and Understanding
surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.
Speak to your master only
with your mind and through your honest eyes.
Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway;forage
for him; ward off his enemies;
carry his burden;
share his afflictions, love and comfort him.
And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants ~
which shall be only food, shelter and
affection.
So be silent
and be a friend to man.
Guide him through the perils along the way to this land I have
promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality.
So spake the Lord. And the dog heard, and was content.
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