Treat me kindly, my beloved friend for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I lick your hand between the 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 know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Feed and water me so that I may stay well to romp and play to amuse you with my antics. I will walk at your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. It is then that I shall curl up warmly at your feet and sound my contentment to the world.

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 that my trusting 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.

-Beth Norman Harris

Dear Mark & family,

You have my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loving and loyal Sprite. The words above comforted us when we lost our beloved “Sally”. She lived to the ripe age of 17.

It helps me to know that part of being a responsible pet owner is to do the right thing for them at the end of their lives, no matter how hard it is on the humans they leave behind.

With every round and furry head you reach down to pat, may you always feel Sprite’s warm love and affection returned.

Sue from IL