Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart is more grateful for you kindness than mine.  Do not break my spirit, your understanding and patience will teach me the things you would have me learn.  Speak to me often, for your voice is the sweetest music to me, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footstep falls upon my ears.  Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements.  I ask no greater glory than to sit at your feet.  Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I thirst.  Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to walk by your side and stand ready and able to protect you with my life should yours be in danger.  And my friend, when I am old and deprived of my health and sight, do not turn me away from you, rather see that my life leaves me gently, and I will leave knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.