Feed me, water me, and care for me. And when my days work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed, and a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort. Talk to me. Your voice often means as much as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you mean, but give me a chance to understand. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is wrong with my harness or feet. Examine my teeth when I do not eat. I may have an ulcerated tooth, that is very painfull. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defence against flies by cutting off my tail. Don't smoke in my barn or leave me tied up overnight and perhaps burn me to death while you are sleeping in your comfortable bed. And at last, my master; when my strength is gone, do not run me out in pasture with no shelter and let me freeze to death, or sell me to some cruel owner, to be slowely starved or worked to death, but take my life in the kindest way and your God will reward you, hereafter.
anonymous |
