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"...I ask my Mistress to remember me, always, but not to grieve for me
too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to her in time of
sorrow and an added joy in her life's happiness. It is painful for me to
think that even in death I shall cause her pain. Let her remember that,
while no dog ever had a happier life, I have now grown ill and pained. I
should not want my pride to sink to bewildered humiliation. It is time
for me to say 'Good-bye.' It will be a sorrow to leave her, but not a
sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death, as men do. We accept it as a part
of life, not as something alien and terrible that destroys life. What
will become of me after death? I would like to believe I will be in a
place where one is always young. Where I will someday be joined by
companions I've known in life. Where I will romp in lovely fields with
those who have gone before me. Where every hour is mealtime. Where in
long evenings there are fireplaces with logs forever burning and one
curls oneself up and remembers the brave old days on earth and the love
of one's Mistress. This is much to expect, but peace, at least, is
certain...and a long rest for these weakened limbs...and eternal sleep
which is, perhaps, the best.....
'....no matter how deep my sleep, I shall hear you, and not all the
power of death can keep me from wagging a grateful tail.'
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