My dear friend and companion; to thee I pray:
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.
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 nap. 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
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.
by Emanuel M. Feldman and Virginia L. Feldman (1989)
