A Dog’s Purpose? From a
6-year-old... Author unknown – submitted by Barbara
Rolfe, Boise, Idaho
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.
ENJOY
EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
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