GEN1069 Sympathy and tenderness are by the saint not confined to the human species.   They extend also to dumb creation. Thus we read in the Little Book of Saints, “Refrain of my kindness and my mercy from nothing which the Holy One, blessed be He, created in this world. Never beat or inflict pain on any animal, beast, bird or insect; nor throw stones at a dog or a cat; nor kill flies or wasps.” Indeed, men will be punished who will make his animal carry larger burdens that it is able to bear. In connection with this, we read the story of a man who was cruel to his dog. The dog, however, sought refuge under the robes of the sage. When the man approached the dog with the purpose of beating him, the sage protested with the words, “Since this dog sought my protection, you shall not touch it,” and applied to him [this verse].  AGUS 290