Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Purpose of a Dog from a 6 year old.

Hello all, now usually I don't do a lot with emails but our daughter sent this one and it is soooooooo   good and true.  Please enjoy reading it and don't tear up like I did.   



A Dog's Purpose from a 6 year old



Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a 10 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 6 year ole 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 peacefullyaway.

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, piper up, "I know why."

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 6 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 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.


Enjoy every moment of the day!!!!!




3 comments:

  1. This is fabulous and yes words to live by and our furry angels teach us so much , love this

    hugz bev

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh your story gave me goosey bumps. Precious 6-year-old wisdom -- doesn't get much better at any age!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a poet, my dear Annette! As you know my English is not so perfect but I like to tell you that you are such a nice artist and a good friend too!
    I love this blog and shall follow it!
    A big hug, Gio

    ReplyDelete

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