Adorable Email.. (Get a tissue)
 

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

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound 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 some thing 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 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! :):):):)

this is so sweet! thank you for sharing! :)

This is so true. My doggies always no how to cheer me up... thanks for sharing

Lovely story.

Thanks for sharing.

Being a vet and all
 

What a great story. In the past two years we've had to let two of our family friends go. Pepper was a 14 year old s**tzu and Dottie was a 15 year old Chow Collie Mix. It was hard to let them go, but Pepper was ready. I was standing in the kitchen when she looked back at me and gave me the look like, why are you making me do this? When we took her to the vet, she went and stood next to our other two to say goodbye. Her passing was quiet and gentle.

Dottie died about a year later. They both died of cancer. Pepper had brain cancer and Dottie's had gone through her whole body. My daughter wanted to be here when she passed and flew in from out of town to be there. Dottie was her dog. When she was given the medicine, everything went well until the end and suddenly she took huge breaths and gasped. It was startling to see. I guess my question is, have you ever seen this? Any ideas why?

It was difficult to let them go. We have another little s**tzu named Gabby. Gabby's liver is failing and we have her med's to keep her going. Then we'll be down to Benson our yorkie. We've been pet people for a long time and love them.

In spite of Gabby being sick, when she's not sleeping she wants to be walking and she is telling all of the other dogs out there that she's there and is the boss!:animal-pa

Children are sometimes far wiser than adults. What a wise little boy!

Beautiful story :)