Yesterday we got terrible news. My uncle's sweet bear chow Chelsea was put to sleep. She had full blown cancer that was so far spread that there was nothing left to do. She was 7 years old. My uncle and his daughters are devastated, as expected. Chelsea was a very sweet, and lovable dog who would come to the door and greet the company whenever someone came over. It will be hard not to expect her at the door when we go over to visit. My uncle also has a maltese named Casey and I know she will miss her big sister. In honor of Chelsea and all those other poor animals that are sick and dying I would like to post this special prayer from St. Francis of Assisi:
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To all of our beloved pets:
Heavenly Father, the bond we have with our friends of other species is a wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. They trust in us as we trust in You. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. Our souls and theirs are on this earth together to share friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and bless these ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have. Your goodness is turned upon every living thing; Your grace flows to all Your creatures; Your Light touches each of us with the reflection of Your love. Grant long and healthy lives to our special animal companions. Bless their relationships with us, and if You see fit to take them from us, help us to understand that they are not gone from us but only drawing closer to You. Grant our prayer through the intercession of good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all Your creatures. Empower him to watch over our animal friends until they are safely with You in eternity, where we someday hope to join them in honoring You forever. Amen
Rest in peace, Chelsea
