A Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God,
for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for any that are hunted or lost
or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put to sleep.
We entreat for them all
Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them
we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make use be true friends to animals
and so to share
the blessings of the merciful.

Albert Schweitzer

The Cat's Prayer

Although I am too proud to beg, and may appear to be a very independent creature, I ask for your loving care and attention. I rely on you for my well being much more than you may realize.

This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you nor will I demand more of you than you care to give.

I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon; a soft soothing body to caress, and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your weary ears.

Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations, I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily.

You know dear friend, how I love to go. Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure.

If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease, please tend me gently, and see that I am treated by loving and competent hands.

Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts.

In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become to great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing.

Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.

Author Unknown

Cat's Prayer

I hope I'm not asking too much, Lord, All I want is a home of my own, And to know when my next meal is coming Instead of the scraps I get thrown.

I've been out in the cold for so long now, Coping as best as I can, But it's not so long I've forgotten The touch of a soft caring hand.

I look in house windows at Christmas, As cats doze by the fire, quite replete - How I'd welcome a box in the kitchen, And tasty food for me to eat.

For me there was tinsel and giftwrap, But the fun didn't last very long - They put me out with the rubbish; I don't know what I did wrong.

I really don't want to be greedy, At the moment I'm all skin and bone, So would it be too much to hope for, That someone will give me a home?

Author Unknown

Farewell

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamonds gilt on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry:
I am not there.
I did not die.

Author Unknown

Request From Rainbow Bridge

Weep not for me though I am gone Into that gentle night Grieve if you will, but not for long Upon my soul's sweet flight. I am at peace, my soul's at rest There is no need for tears. For with your love I was so blessed For all those many years. There is no pain, I suffer not, The fear now all is gone. Put now these things out of your thoughts, In your memory I live on. Remember not my fight for breath Remember not the strife Please do not dwell upon my death, But celebrate my life.

Author Unknown