prayers for Ralphie

It is with a very heavy heart this morning that I bring this sad news.  My friend, Nicole, will have to lay her always faithful best friend of 12 years, Ralph, down to rest today.  They found spleen cancer at the vet yesterday and they believe it has spread to his heart.  To make sure Ralph is comfortable and without pain, Nicole had to make this very difficult decision.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

~ Anatole France

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Please pray for Nicole to have peace and comfort.  And please say a special prayer for Ralphie...

The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's.

~ Mark Twain

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Words by Gene Hill:

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I
always have. He is just my dog.

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Though this image above is not Ralph, it sure does look a heck of a lot like him...I'll miss ya buddy!