God summoned the beast from the field and He said
"Behold, man is created in my image. Therefore adore him.
You shall protect him 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 the
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;
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 spoke the Lord.
And the dog heard, and was content.

-author unknown

Standing on the stairs
keeping you in view.
Who can beat the other
to the bottom is quite
the tadoo.

Standing in the Kitchen.
Two hind ends planted
on the floor.  Wondering
which door I will open.
Will it be the refigerator
or the back door?

Standing in the hallway,
knowing you are not far.
Keeping me safe from harm
and intertaining me with
your charm.

Standing on my feet, standing
on my knees.  Ow what would
life be with out my two rotties.

Standing in the doorway.
Wondering where you are?
Can't think of life without
you.

-Mary Hernandez

 An exciting thought popped into my head today,
 While I sat watching two young puppies at play.
 How much we could learn if we only would look
 At these creatures who have never read a book.

 Jealousy, hatred, gossip and greed
 Are rarely found in dogs, no matter the breed.
 What do they know that we do not?
 Obviously, though they're not telling, quite a lot.

 Of course, two pups may squabble over a bone.
 But soon you will find it left all alone,
 While the former combatants snuggle close, sound asleep.
 Secure in the knowledge that their treasure will keep.

 Warmth and closeness mean so much more to them,
 Even though the battle will probably begin again.
 It is more playful than serious, this game of tug
 And will end again with them both asleep, close on the rug

 When two humans decide they want the same thing,
 Whatever the object, they both will cling
 Grimly determined that each is right,
 No matter how long, they continue to fight.

 Let's look at those puppies, alseep at our feet.
 Has either lost that treasure he tried so hard to keep?
 Not really, as it lays just a few feet away
 Not a treasure trove, just an object of play.

 And the two little creatures? Are they content?
 Completely and totally because their little souls are bent
 Upon keeping this friend who plays this game with them,
 And is still willing to snuggle again and again.

 If only we could learn the great lesson here
 Things are not precious, friendships are dear.
 What good will this thing do us, this precious bone,
 If we find ourselves left completely alone?

 The next time I find myself wanting to fight,
 I'll remember those puppies and, with all of my might,
 I will try to give it up with a shrug
 And hope to end up sound asleep, close on the rug.

 Bev 1994