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 as they felt
that 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."
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;
There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and
people who create it.
You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad,
and focus on the good, so, love the people who treat you right.
Think good thoughts for the ones who don't ~ life is too short to be
anything but happy.
Falling down is part of LIFE...
Getting back up is LIVING...
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