A priest in Western NC had this on his blog: Some how his blog disappeared from my feed. Hope he didn’t do something to irritate Pope Leo. After much searching and mumbling of obscenities I found it. Hope you enjoy.
God summoned a beast from the fields and He said:
“Behold! Man created in my image.
You shall protect him in the wilderness,
shepherd his flocks,
watch over his children,
accompany him wherever he may go, even into harm’s way.
You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave.
I endow you with instincts uncommon to other beasts:
faithfulness,
devotion and
understanding surpassing that of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.
Your eyes shall convey the truth of your heart.
Walk by his side.
Sleep in his doorway.
Forage for him.
Ward off his enemies.
Carry his burdens.
Share his afflictions.
Love him and comfort him.
And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants,
food, shelter and affection.
So be a friend to man.
Guide him along the way to this land that I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny.
So spoke the Lord.
And the dog heard and was content.
