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Dog's Purpose from a Six 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.
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Words to ponder for sure. I've often wished that we were more like dogs.
I would add a few. Like: Pee and poop wherever you want. Just don't get caught and blame it on your fellow dog. Bark hysterically at things like waving blades of grass. Always and without fail, show your desire loudly to be on whatever side of the door you are not. Whatever food you can find you should eat. If it is not the right kind of food, don't worry. You can just barf it up and someone will clean it up for you. Make sure that all creatures know where your territory is. You know how to do this- raise your leg and piss on every vertical surface.
ReplyDeleteShould I go on?
haha...like moons additions as well...i think there are quite a few things we can learn from pets...unconditional love bein the biggest
ReplyDeleteI'm on my way over to check out the new blogger.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post..and so much truth in it.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful and relaxing weekend. :)
I learned from my dog that sometimes you just have to let people help you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Syd! And thank you everyone for visiting, I'm excited about this new blogging journey.
ReplyDeleteWell, I didn't expect my eyes to be swimming with tears over breakfast. Thank you for introducing us to such a moving and sensitive post by a new blogger with great potential.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day and hope there will be many wags along the way.
So glad I popped in today. That was a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI will check out the new blogger right after posting this.
ReplyDeleteAs a dog lover this simply makes me smile because it is so true. =)
Syd, I know the little boy in you was thinking of Timmy. Good dogs leave good...deep memories don't they?
ReplyDeleteWonderful Syd and I went right on over to welcome her. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteFantastic. I'm going to take the dogs for a long walk now.
ReplyDeleteso true Syd... simplicity, why don't we work for more simplicity?
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for sharing that, Syd! My Lily is approaching 11 years old (ancient for a Bulldog) and is starting to have these nodules in a couple of places. I know that in the not-too-distant future, I'll be facing that same decision. As she was Stephanie's 17th birthday present, the pain will be particularly keen. One more living link gone. I don't want that day to come, but it will. A big part of me hopes that when it's her time, she'll just go to sleep and keep on sleeping. I don't want to be the one to nod and say, "Go ahead." I already had to do that with one dog. I don't want to do it with Lily.
ReplyDeleteSad but poignant post.
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