Archive for May 11th, 2007
For a Friend
May 11th, 2007
J.
A few years ago when we lost our wonderful greyhound a friend sent this to me and I would like now to pass it on to you.
Prayer for the Animals
by Albert SchweitzerHear 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 death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them, we ask a
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.
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Today We Say Good-Bye To Muggsy
May 11th, 2007
Nearly 13 years ago our son asked us if we could keep his puppy until he got a place that would accept pets.
The puppy was so small he could walk under our cocker’s belly easily and those two and the other dog we had at the time would frolick in the backyard, having a wonderful time.
Several years ago he blew out one knee and we had to have surgery done on it. He was so strong he blew it out two more times before the doctor used the heavy-duty suturing thread on him.
As soon as that one healed he blew out the other knee, but by then the vet knew to use the heavy-duty thread. He was confined to the house and leash walks for the better part of the year.
He would always put his head on our knee for a head pet, and then a paw shake, and has been a wonderful member of our family while our son finds a place that will take animals.
Last night his knees gave in on him. We could see it coming but we were giving him pain medication and the vet was keeping a good eye on him.
Last night he couldn’t get up without a lot of coaxing. Throughout the night I could hear him panting and whining just a little bit.
Today at 10:30 he will visit our vet for his last time.
I write this with tears and a broken heart, but I know we are doing what’s best for him. He’s been loyal to us all these years and it’s the least we can do for him.
But life will never be the same around here without him.
I know you will understand why I won’t be around here writing today.
What’s Happening in Iraq From an Iraqi’s Point of View
May 11th, 2007
From Duty in the Desert is this post from an Iraqi:
Sunday, 06 May 2007
By Hoshyar Zebari
Foreign Minister of IraqLast weekend a traffic jam several miles long snaked out of the Mansour district in western Baghdad. The delay stemmed not from a car bomb closing the road but from a queue to enter the city’s central amusement park. The line became so long some families left their cars and walked to enjoy picnics, fairground rides and soccer, the Iraqi national obsession.
Across the city, restaurants are slowly filling and shops are reopening. The streets are busy. Iraqis are not cowering indoors. The appalling death tolls from suicide attacks are often high because of crowding at markets. These days you are as likely to hear complaints about traffic congestion as about the security situation. Across Baghdad there is a cacophony of sirens from ambulances, firefighters and police providing public services. You cannot even escape the curse of traffic wardens ticketing illegally parked cars.
These small but significant snippets of normality are overshadowed by acts of gross violence, which fuel the opinion of some that Iraq is in a downward spiral. The Iraqi people are indeed suffering tremendous hardships and making grave sacrifices — but daily life goes on for 7 million Baghdadis struggling to take back their capital and country.
These are only the opening paragraphs. Follow the above link and read the rest.
