A Dog's Purpose
 

My MIL sent this to me this morning, thought I'd pass it along.

A Dog's Purpose?

(from a 6-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 to 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.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Good reminder! :tu

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

:tu

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Thank You!

:tu

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

+1

What he said.

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

:tu :tu

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

I love this.

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

I've seen this story many times before.

It makes my eyes well up every time.

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Something's in my eye. Damn, it's dusty in here.

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Ditto (sometimes the "I'm With Stupid" icon feels inappropriate)

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Very cool.:tu I have thought of the one about the wind in your face lots of times when I watch my dog just stand on the porch or in the yard and just sniff the air.

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Thank you for posting this, I am sure that it makes those of us who have recently lost pets feel better.:tu

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Nice read to start the day, Mahalo :tu

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

They really need to change the air filters in here.

All of us with watery eyes now.

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:tpd:

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Great story, this should be part of the Welcome Gift given to everyone arriving to the UN...
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Yup Dogs are bad ass. mine is chilling here in my office right now. To many people these days just don't realize their value even when they have one in their family.

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Ditto the Ditto

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Put a lump in my throat....so true. Thanks, Kevin. :)

Re: A Dog's Purpose
 

Kevin,
Thanks for posting a great story