A few days ago I got quite a scare-- the dog door was stuck. This is the door that lets the dogs out into their run, or back into their corner from their run. A piece of plywood it abuts (in their dog porch) had gone sproing, bowed out, and made a new, outside door jamb. Hardi and I were able to determine why it was stuck, and with his pry bar I got it unstuck, but what scared me was thinking about-- what if it had happened while we were on vacay? Which of the pet-sitters we've employed in the last several years would have known what to do, or have been able to do it safely? (The farmer/landlord's resourceful son now does the job, so no worries. They have tools AND they know a hot wire when they see one!) I know, they could feed and water the dogs thru the fence, but picturing poor F trying and trying to get that door open till his paws were bloody.....


Anyway, that had just happened, so I especially appreciated the item below when a friend sent it in email. (Her own beloved dog Lizzie BTW is terminal with cancer, and the number of "good days" left to them is short but unknown.) I thought I'd stash it here in this thread for those who might like it but have never seen it.

~Susan

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LANGUAGE ALERT-- CHRISTIAN PRAYER FOLLOWS

God our Creator, you have made all things good.
In love look now on us and on our pets
and on all the creatures you have made.

As you once sent your angel Raphael
to guide your servant Tobias and his faithful dog,
send your angel to watch over our pets.

Keep them in health and safety,
secure in our care and guardianship
to be our comfort and joy.

Remember all pets who have no home,
and especially those neglected and abused.

Bestow on them a special blessing,
and give them comfort and release from evil.

And when their days in this life are complete,
take them to yourself, where they, with all creation,
wait in hope for the fulfillment of your kingdom,
that blessed day, when the lamb and the wolf,
and the young child and the adder,
will joyfully play, side by side.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*** The Rev. James Flager