Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose where you want to sit, and smile and won’t make you move.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and put your lead on and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to play fetch your way.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard in the sun.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you steal the roast chicken from the side.

Just for this afternoon, I won't second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me eat my cookies, and I won't moan about the crumbs.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to the pet shop and spend lots of money so you can have toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the lake and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay upstairs in my room and not moan when you snore.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my hand over your fur as you lay, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the people who are searching for their missing dogs,

the people who are looking at photographs instead of stroking them,

the people working in the rescue centres watching their dogs suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore

and the people at the vets praying that their dogs will be ok.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing except one more day..............