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 should ignore your cruelty, your
patience and understaning will more quickly teach me
the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often,
for your voice is the worlds sweetest music as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail when
your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

Feed and water me so that I may stay well to romp and play
and to amuse you with my antics. It is then that I shall curl
up warmly on your lap and sound my contentment to the world.

And my friend, when I am very old and 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.