A Dog's Purpose: from a 4-year old

**TDH** · 03-29-2007, 10:43 AM

I got this in an email and thought it was HT-worthy:

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 ittle 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 the four-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 four-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.

Leave the rest to God.

**gbarmranch** · 03-29-2007, 11:05 AM

What a great story - now I have to explain to my co-workers why I am crying

Thank you so much for sharing that - a good reminder as to why we are here also...

Justwannago · 03-29-2007, 12:16 PM

omg that is soo sad/cute

wildcat180 · 03-29-2007, 01:07 PM

Great story!

While it's most likely very true, it doesn't make losing them any easier...

version1955 · 03-29-2007, 01:22 PM

TDH, that is the God's Honest Truth!

Jadesmygirl · 03-29-2007, 01:31 PM

He summed that up perfectly!

Not only does that speak highly of dogs, but to the parents of that amazing little boy!

Thanks for sharing that wonderful story!

A J · 03-29-2007, 02:27 PM

Great story!

farmergal · 04-01-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

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 four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

That is so true. And to some it takes a lifetime to learn. now I'm all choked up. Sometimes we need to listen to our children. They are very wise.

Thanks for sharing.

paso_lover · 04-01-2007, 09:07 PM

Yep so true as i sit here trying to not shed a tear as im pretty sure this will be the last summer with my 10 year old GSD

morganb145501 · 04-05-2007, 08:09 PM

ever true!!!!! ever true!

03-29-2007, 10:43 AM
TDH Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,400	A Dog's Purpose: from a 4-year old I got this in an email and thought it was HT-worthy: 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 ittle 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 the four-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 four-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. Leave the rest to God. __________________ "Nature, when she made the Arab, made no mistake." -Homer Davenport-

03-29-2007, 11:05 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,584	What a great story - now I have to explain to my co-workers why I am crying Thank you so much for sharing that - a good reminder as to why we are here also... __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

03-29-2007, 12:16 PM
Justwannago Weanling Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 295	omg that is soo sad/cute

03-29-2007, 01:07 PM
wildcat180 Seasoned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,130	Great story! While it's most likely very true, it doesn't make losing them any easier... __________________ My manner of thinking, so you say, cannot be approved. Do you suppose I care? A poor fool indeed is he who adopts a manner of thinking for others!-Marquis de Sade

03-29-2007, 01:22 PM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,937	TDH, that is the God's Honest Truth! __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

03-29-2007, 01:31 PM
Jadesmygirl Started Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,543	He summed that up perfectly! Not only does that speak highly of dogs, but to the parents of that amazing little boy! Thanks for sharing that wonderful story!

03-29-2007, 02:27 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,479	Great story! __________________ Try not, do. Do or do not. There is no try.

04-01-2007, 09:07 PM
paso_lover Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sudbury Ontario Canada Posts: 4,848	Yep so true as i sit here trying to not shed a tear as im pretty sure this will be the last summer with my 10 year old GSD __________________ "I wish I was half the rider she thinks she is" \"Some people feel compelled to cut off the heads of others in order to make themselves appear taller\" ---Paramahansa Yoginanda

04-05-2007, 08:09 PM
morganb145501 Newborn Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 43	ever true!!!!! ever true!