A friend of mine shared this story...please read!
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.”
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. It has
changed the way I try and live.
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.” If we could all live more like dogs:
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.
By: Karen McNeill
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