I've loved you since the day you found me
cleaned me up and held me tight
gave me food and drink and warmth
and clearly made me see the light.

The humans that I chose before you
didn't love me this I know
and how I came to be this mess
is a horror that I'll show.

They found me much the same as you did
but I was young and couldn't see
that man could be so cruel and mean
to one that loved as much as me.

I gladly loved them and I trusted
never knowing this would come
the ride I took may be my last
and never knowing what I'd done.

The box was warm and blanket soft
I felt safe and never saw
that they'd throw me from the window
ruptured spleen and shattered paw.

The horror that they served to me
I have not let destroy my mind
they broke my trust and slightly more
I know I have a lucky find.

You picked me up from where I landed
and softly cooed away my fears
I'll love you now forever more
You showed your love with cleansing tears.

I'll live for you and no one else
for the bridge got closer, clearer
and then you came and picked me up
and cried your tears and drew me nearer.

Your tears outpouring told the tale
and sobs and trembles gave away
the fact you are someone special
and for this fact in life I'll stay.

Mark A. Dye
Reprinted with permission

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 your 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 inhumane humans who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious enough to avoid such malicious acts.

In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become too 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

Although you once were all alone,
Abused or abandoned, without a home,
You're safe and warm now till we find,
A family that is gentle and kind,
People who will love you so much more,
Than you ever thought humans could before.

So hold on please, and don't despair,
It's people like us who really care,
We'll find you a home someday,too,
But until then, here's my wish for you,
A prayer that one day you will find,
Your faith again in humankind.

Liz Lemire

I am the voice of the voiceless
Through the dumb shall speak
Till the deaf world's ear be made to hear
The wrongs of the wordless weak
From street, from cage, from kennel,
From stable and zoo, the wail
of my tortured kin proclaims the sin
Of the mighty against the frail
Oh, shame on the mothers of mortals
who have not stooped to teach
of the sorrows that lies in dear, dumb eyes
The sorrow that has no speech
And I am my brother's keeper,
and I shall fight his fight
and speak the word for beast and bird
till the world shall set things right

Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1850 - 1919

A Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer,
O God,
for our friends the animals,
especially for those who are suffering
for any that are lost or deserted
or frightened or hungry.
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 us, ourselves,
to be true friends to animals
and so to share
the blessings
of the merciful.