Post by faith65 on Aug 16, 2007 22:53:06 GMT -6
We can all learn something from this simple analogy.
A Dog's Purpose, from a 4-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 four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt
> > 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.
> >
> > 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 four-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 stuff 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.
> >
> > Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had
> > enough.
> >
> > 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.
Dogs really are the best!!!!
A Dog's Purpose, from a 4-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 four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt
> > 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.
> >
> > 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 four-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 stuff 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.
> >
> > Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had
> > enough.
> >
> > 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.
Dogs really are the best!!!!