MDO0505
Well-known member
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old child)
>
> 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 wondere d 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 t hem.
> 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.
> Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
> 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.
> Be always grateful for each new day
> Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles: May joy dance in your
> soul, may love fill your heart and may peace reign in your home.
>
> 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 wondere d 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 t hem.
> 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.
> Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
> 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.
> Be always grateful for each new day
> Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles: May joy dance in your
> soul, may love fill your heart and may peace reign in your home.
