Anyone need a "Feel Good"
Posted: September 30, 2008 9:06 pm
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.
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 excitement.
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.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
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.
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 excitement.
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.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
