A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

scrapchick · 08-21-2008, 07:18 PM

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.

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 sim ple 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.

Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it.

Pee on it and walk away.

and finally...

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Great. I love it!

Carri · 08-21-2008, 07:20 PM

I love it!

Saelym · 08-21-2008, 07:29 PM

Touching, and so true! Thank you for sharing.

PaintedHeaven07 · 08-21-2008, 07:34 PM

Thanks so much for sharing. That is so very true.

BabyMay · 08-21-2008, 08:53 PM

After losing a great dog recently, that was very comforting to me. Thanks. The little boy knew exactly what he was talking about didn't he. And what you wrote is so true.

Tango · 08-21-2008, 09:06 PM

Out of the mouth of babies there is so much truth. Thinks for sharing I really enjoyed reading your post.

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08-21-2008, 07:18 PM
scrapchick Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 4,828	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. 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 sim ple 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. Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it. Pee on it and walk away. and finally... ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! Great. I love it! __________________ Better living through chemistry.

08-21-2008, 07:20 PM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	I love it! __________________

08-21-2008, 07:29 PM
Saelym Started Join Date: May 2007 Location: Courtenay, B.C. Posts: 2,206	Touching, and so true! Thank you for sharing. __________________ Forever in my heart. Miss Achievement-- May 10th, 1993 - November 7th, 2008.

08-21-2008, 07:34 PM
PaintedHeaven07 Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 180	Thanks so much for sharing. That is so very true.

08-21-2008, 08:53 PM
BabyMay Coming two Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,890	After losing a great dog recently, that was very comforting to me. Thanks. The little boy knew exactly what he was talking about didn't he. And what you wrote is so true.

08-21-2008, 09:06 PM
Tango Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gordon Ga. Posts: 801	Out of the mouth of babies there is so much truth. Thinks for sharing I really enjoyed reading your post. __________________ Tango might be short but at least I don't have to duck.