Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals. Especially for animals who are suffering; for many that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all the mercy and pity; and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to the animals and to share the blessings of the merciful. ~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer