Ibn Musafi' al-Dili narrates from his father, who narrated from his grandfather (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Were it not for the servants of Allah who bow, children who plead tearfully, and animals that bellow, punishment would surely have come upon you, and then you would surely have been crushed thoroughly."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب صلاة الاستسقاء / 6391