A Dog's purpose...

[sunspotbaby]

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane , were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane , who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl w ill do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

[sbr]

so true

[Lynnie]

Love this SSB!

[Minnie]

Thanks for sharing.

[middlesister]

I wish you were my veterinarian. You sound like a wonderful person. What a sweet story. I always say if you are someone who loves animals, you will most likely survive them. That is part of loving an animal. I would never want to live my life without them. Don't you think that if you want to make an animal part of your life you will probably have to support them as they leave this place? Shane is so full of wisdom. Thanks for sharing this story.

[sunspotbaby]

I wish you were my veterinarian. You sound like a wonderful person. What a sweet story. I always say if you are someone who loves animals, you will most likely survive them. That is part of loving an animal. I would never want to live my life without them. Don't you think that if you want to make an animal part of your life you will probably have to support them as they leave this place? Shane is so full of wisdom. Thanks for sharing this story.

Sorry for the confusion...I'm not the vet. I just posted an email i got forwarded. I thought the message was important, though..

[middlesister]

No worries, I still appreciate the message. We have much in common. Thanks for sharing.