Treat us kindly, beloved friend, for no hearts in all the world are more
grateful for this kindness than our loving hearts.

Do not break our spirits with sticks, for though we may lick your hand
between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly
teach us the things you would have us learn.

Speak to us often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you
must know by the fierce wagging of our tails and our deep-throated
purrs when the sound of your footsteps falls upon our waiting ears.

Please take us inside when it is cold and wet, for we are domesticated
animals, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. We ask no greater
glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep our bowls filled with fresh water, for we cannot tell you when
we suffer thirst.

Feed us clean food that we may stay well, to romp and play, and do
your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able
to protect you with our lives should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when we are very old and we no longer enjoy good
health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep us going.
We are not having any fun. Please see to it that our lives are taken
gently. We shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath we
draw that our fate was always safest in your hands.