So spake the Lord

God summoned a beast from the field and said,
"Behold, man is created in my image.  Therefore adore him.
You shall protect in the wilderness,
shepherd his flocks, watch over his children,
accompany him wherever he may go ~even into civilization.
You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave.
To do these things, God said,
I endow you with instincts uncommon to other beasts:
Faithfulness, Devotion and
Understanding surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage,
you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty,
you shall be blind to the faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding,
you are denied the power of words.

Speak to your master only with your mind
and through your honest eyes.

Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway;
forage for him; ward off his enemies;
carry his burden; share his afflictions,
love and comfort him.
And in return for this,
man will fulfill your needs and wants ~
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.
So be silent and be a friend to man.

Guide him through the perils along the
way to this land I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality.
So spake the Lord.  And the dog heard, and was content.