In memory of Goliath
February 22nd, 2012 Posted in UncategorizedWe received the following e-mail earlier this week:
In January 1990, we had our dog Sam euthanized at your clinic. As a thank you for the compassionate service we received we presented the doctors with a framed loss of pet poem. We just suffered the loss of our dog Goliath and thought of that poem and were wondering if you still had it and could forward the words to the poem to us by e-mail. It would mean a lot to us to be able to read that poem at this time.
Here’s the poem they asked for. If you’ve ever had to euthanize a dog or cat, I think you too will find the message comforting. We’ve read it to many a pet owner, and have made it into a handout we sometimes tuck into our sympathy cards.
A DOG’S PLEA
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
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 might lick your hand
between blows, your patience and understanding
will more quickly teach me the things
you would have me learn.
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 the sound
of your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet,
for I am a domesticated animal, no longer
accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than the privilege
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your
bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you
with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old and I no
longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight,
do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I am not having any fun. Please see to it that
my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth
knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate
was always safest in your hands.
