Topic
:
A Dogs Blessings
Lessons from Dogs
Dogs have become a part of our family and a part of our personal history.
They live in the house with us; they sit and sleep together with us.
They have brought something unique and satisfying to our lives.
They have loved us unconditionally
and have taught us important lessons for better living —
how to embrace life, how to enjoy the moment,
how to let go when it’s time to let go, even when it seems way too soon.
While we struggle to figure out why we were put here on Earth,
all a dog wants is to love and be loved — a powerful lesson for us all.
— Bernard S. Siegel, MD
The Greeting
I open the door.
You are already
bounding to the door
with a wagging tail,
flashing teeth,
and four prancing paws.
Your healing power dissolves
the most difficult day
from memory.
A cold nose
and warm kisses
trigger a child’s laughter
from my heart.
I am a better human
for having you
in my life.
— Joan Noëldechen
Puppy Days
Bless this frisky puppy
Who’s into everything
His playful fresh behavior
Is like a day in spring
Remind me to be patient
When he’s chewed another book
Or races through the livin room
With a newly laundered sock
He loves without condition
Gives me kisses every day
And greets me with a wagging tail
After I have been away
Like any other baby
He needs a lot of rest
When he falls asleep curled next to me
I know that I am blessed
— Louise Webster
Dog Owner's Prayer
Lord, thank you for this ornery mutt
who thinks I’m royalty and more.
Bless wag of tail, each woof and bark,
each mark of slobber on the door.
Once house and rugs were fragrance free.
Keep me mindful of those days:
No welcome whiff of doggy breath,
no Eau du After Rain to praise.
Restore my grateful, patient heart
for this, the dearest of ankle-nippers,
and keep me ever watchful, Lord —
at least until I find my slippers.
— Sandra Soli
Prayer for My Best Friend
Bless his nose, so wet and cold Bless his fur, so soft to hold.
Bless his tail, it wags so strong
When I tell him he may come along.
Bless those ears that stand so stout
Except when one’s turned inside out.
Bless those eyes so filled with love
That surely comes from God above.
For up in Heaven the Angels sing,
They fly with harps on silver wings.
But here on Earth there can be no doubt,
The Angels bark as they run about.
— Brennan Boyle
Lessons
If I greeted everyone happily
Instead of eyeing with distrust
If I didn’t pass judgment
But accepted all
If I listened intently
With understanding in my eyes
If I brought comfort
All the time, no matter what
If I loved unconditionally
Without reservation
If I lived life more simply
Instead of worrying so much
If I played tirelessly
And didn’t work so hard
If I made people smile
Just by my presence in the room
If I experienced true joy
At the little things in life
Then I’d be the perfect friend
Just like my dog.
— Joanne Hirase-Stacey
Ever Faithful, Ever Friends
Our canine friends remain.
They never waver from their chosen path.
In poverty and prosperity, in health and in sickness,
their loyalty stands firm and immovable.
They will fight all the elements to protect us from harm.
While we sleep soundly in the comfort of our homes
they guard us without question; providing a safe haven
within the circle of their devotion.
And when the fierce winds of the world
brush against our battered souls
they offer comfort to ease our fears.
They will follow us through all seasons.
They remain as strong and steady advocates.
Their simple thoughts are always turned
toward us, our happiness; our well-being.
They will never close the door to their hearts.
They remain always, without end.
Ever faithful. Ever friends.
— Leslie A. Neilson
Furry Shrink
I’d double his life if I could —
we share a history.
When friends turn false, my dog stays true,
his head upon my knee.
He can erase my loneliness —
my pain melts in his eyes.
My dog lies close — he understands
what I cannot disguise.
— Janet Lombard
Higher Power
You let the transformative power
of unconditional love enter
your life: you bought a Dog.
So thou shalt not ignore
the one who adores you!
Pet, pamper, play
And laugh with your loyal fan, grateful
for the comfort and companionship
only they can provide.
After all, everyone knows
Dog is just another way
to spell God.
— Arlene Gay Levine
