I
am four-legged,
descended
from powerful prides and predatory packs,
rulers
of our own dominions.
I
have walked with you now for thousands of years
from
your campfires to your farms to your cities.
Once
fiercely independent, I have grown compliantly dependent.
Once
wary and aloof, I now rush to the sound of your voice.
When
you leave, my only thought is your return.
Nothing
is more important.
When
you are happy with me, I rejoice and frolic
Nothing
is more important.
When
you are frightened, sad or ill,
I
remain at your side, ready to protect, ready to comfort, ready to
heal.
If
you die or discard me, my world, in all that is important, comes to an
end.
I
then wait with fear for what may come next.
Will
someone else love me as you have?
I
am four-legged.
Look
into my eyes and see the long road I have traveled to be with you.
Look
into my eyes and see my ancient and regal past.
Look
into my eyes and see, always, my love.
I
am four-legged. I have had many names.
But
the name of which I am most proud, the one I prize most is
Friend,
your friend, your always friend.
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