IN PRAISE OF THE DOG

God summoned a beast from the field and God said,
"Behold man, created in my image; therefore adore him.
You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks
watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go—
even unto civilization.
You shall be his ally, his slave and his companion.

To do these things,” God said,
“I endow you with these instincts uncommon to other beasts:
faithfulness, devotion and understanding surpassing those of man himself.

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.
Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with any other
beast or even man with man.
Speak to your master only with your mind and through honest eyes.

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, which shall be only
food, shelter and affection.

So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils along the way
to the land that I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality."
So spake the LORD.  And the dog heard.
and was content.