A dog's purpose

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

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. It has changed the way I try to 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.''
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. There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and  people who create it.
You surround yourself with people who make you  laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.
So, love the people who  treat you right.
Think good thoughts for the ones who don't.
Life  is too short to be anything but happy
Falling down is part of  LIFE...
Getting back up is  LIVING...

[Vicki and Harli]

Thanks Laurie ! Time marches on and since this happened in Jan 2006 we had another boy and have Harli now so we have had some joy in our lives too . I really liked this posting. I loved the little boy's wisdom.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Vicki, I am so sorry for your loss.

[Vicki and Harli]

I had to stop and and read this again! This really touched my heart....We lost a child to cancer. Four years old,,,neuroblastoma. Our golden doodle has brought a lot of joy after a devastating experience. These are words to live by!!!!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

This is so very true....

[Dori & Rua]

Beautiful words...we all need to incorporate those things in our lives.

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

That is a beautiful thought from such a young person! I don't think I could have been as calm and at peace as him..

[Joan Shepherd]

Wonderful thoughts - and all so true!

 

[Pat and Traveler]

Beautiful!  Good things to remember.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is truly wonderful....thanks.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Love it! Thanks!