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.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how
to live a good life — like loving everybody all the
time and being courteous, 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.
Leave the rest to God!
Remember, if a dog were 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.
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.
Be always grateful for each new day!
/original can be found here.
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