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 and 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.
I have such a love for animals, especially dogs. I treat mine like they are my kids, so they are pretty spoiled. Here are some pics of my girls. They are both rescue dogs and we've had them since they were puppies! They are 5 now. These are old pics...from 2005. All of my recent pics are on my home computer and I am at work right now being a slacker! HA!
Here is my other Furry Baby, Mikela. We're not sure what breed she is. We're thinking a Puggle, maybe? She's our mystery boo boo!!
Aw thanks for posting this, it's beautiful. and made me cry :) My dogs are the best part of my life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching and sweet post.:D
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!:D
***** Marie *****
allthingsmarie.com
that was beautiful!
ReplyDeletebeautiful and sometimes it still amazes me what a child can say. I find sometime they say things that are more meaningful than what a grown adult can say.
ReplyDeleteMy family owns a little dog and i know how you feels. She's my little sister, best friend and the source that puts a smile on my face at the end of a tough day. Dogs are so smart and they know exactly what to do when their companion is not feeling well or just feeling a bit down. I always end up smiling even if i'm so sick i can't get out of bed. She walks in and snuggle beside me on the bed and keep me company :)
I'm so glad you guys liked this and glad that you were touched as well!
ReplyDelete@Mandy - I completely agree with you. My Terrier-Dixie is very protective of me and when I was pregnant with my 3rd child, I was told that I needed to take it easy toward the end of my pregnancy. My blood pressure was starting to go up. Anyway, of course, I only half listened and was still doing stuff around the house. Dixie would just bark and bark at me and would not stop until I would sit down. She did that everyday until Christian was born! She drove me nuts but I realize now that she was just looking out for me.
Aw that was so true! I have always had multiple dogs at a time growing up & they all have their own personalities but they have all been true to us. We take them for granted. Thanks for sharing this with all of us & you have a beautiful doggy :) <3
ReplyDelete