Puppy Raiser’s Prayer

Lord, let me lead the way for this tiny new life.

Keep it healthy now and always.

Watch over us and guide our direction.

Help me to introduce difficult situations with clear

confidence, which spills over to the pup.

Let me praise responsibly, timely and lavishly.

Give me extra patience for the times ahead.

Teach me to navigate on sleep shortages.

Remind me to give a chew toy as a substitute

for randomly retrieved objects.

Keep me aware of the working drive,

least I inhibit that desire and ruin the future.

Help me to shape the pup’s behavior using commands-

not anger-for nothing is gained through anger.

Help me to be persistent and consistent with all aspects

of training, because I know nothing is learned with mixed messages.

Let me be creative for one concept can be taught many ways.

Help me so the pup will reach full potential.

Lord, give me peace when I return this pup.

Guide my thoughts away from emptiness

to the future partner and the joy that will result.

Help me to focus on their future when it’s time to let go.

Mend my heart quickly as you mold them into one.

Let them grow and flourish as a team.

Give them the same loving guidance that you gave me.

And Lord... give me strength to do it again.

                                                            Melanie S. Meenen