I pray to you, protect this dog.
See him through the park at night
with LEDs swinging on his collar –
microchipped, engravéd with a number.
See his legs are swift enough
to run and dodge all other dogs.
See he doesn’t lose his favourite ball
and always swims with otter stokes
‘cross gravel pits and swollen rivers.
He’s followed me through every door
and bumped against me while I wept.
And so I call on you, O hungry Saint,
come sit and share our rib-eye steaks
and care for he who cannot pray
but gives much more than he ever takes.