Guest guest Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irishwolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and theirlittle boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they werehopingfor a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family wecouldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasiaprocedure for the old dog in their home.As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would begoodfor six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as thoughShanemight learn something from the experience.The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's familysurrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the lasttime, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a fewminutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without anydifficultyor confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death,wonderingaloud 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 stunnedme.I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People arebornso that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybodyallthe time and being nice, right?"The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, sothey 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. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. 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 will 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. - Author unknown. http://pets.Fortheanimals7/join Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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