A Dog's Purpose

CasaDooley · 10-01-2010, 10:32 AM

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!

ucla695 · 10-01-2010, 10:43 AM

Good reminder!

pektel · 10-01-2010, 10:44 AM

Da Klugs · 10-01-2010, 10:53 AM

Thank You!

Bunker · 10-01-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pektel

+1

What he said.

kelmac07 · 10-01-2010, 11:46 AM

Blindjimme · 10-01-2010, 12:02 PM

I love this.

massphatness · 10-01-2010, 12:05 PM

I've seen this story many times before.

It makes my eyes well up every time.

Tenor CS · 10-01-2010, 12:07 PM

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

CigarNut · 10-01-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massphatness

I've seen this story many times before.

It makes my eyes well up every time.

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

G G · 10-01-2010, 12:50 PM

Very cool.

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.

taltos · 10-01-2010, 12:55 PM

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

jdakine · 10-01-2010, 01:01 PM

Nice read to start the day, Mahalo

Whee · 10-01-2010, 02:11 PM

They really need to change the air filters in here.

All of us with watery eyes now.

landhoney · 10-01-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

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

Texan in Mexico · 10-01-2010, 02:45 PM

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

LostAbbott · 10-01-2010, 03:23 PM

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.

Coach Deg · 10-01-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

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

Ditto the Ditto

icehog3 · 10-01-2010, 04:14 PM

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

Sailchaser · 10-01-2010, 04:16 PM

Kevin,
Thanks for posting a great story

10-01-2010, 10:32 AM	#1
CasaDooley Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: The birthplace of Fathers Day Posts: 2,465 Trading: (41)	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! __________________ *Founding member of the Lilac City Dedicated Herfers*

10-01-2010, 10:43 AM	#2
ucla695 Neither here, nor there Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Pool Posts: 3,696 Trading: (5)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Good reminder!

10-01-2010, 10:44 AM	#3
pektel I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Peter Location: Grand Rapids, MN Posts: 4,320 Trading: (28)	Re: A Dog's Purpose __________________ The problem is not the problem. The problem is your ATTITUDE about the problem.

10-01-2010, 10:53 AM	#4
Da Klugs Juan of 11 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Right here Posts: 4,222 Trading: (8)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Thank You! __________________ Communities Not Commodities. Punctuation challenged, but trying. Proud winner of phase 1 of the Weight loss contest

10-01-2010, 11:46 AM	#6
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: A Dog's Purpose __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

10-01-2010, 12:02 PM	#7
Blindjimme Judgement Impaired Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: JB Location: North OC, CA Posts: 790 Trading: (14)	Re: A Dog's Purpose I love this.

10-01-2010, 12:05 PM	#8
massphatness Where's my buffaloooo ... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Vin Location: MassHolia Posts: 12,690 Trading: (206)	Re: A Dog's Purpose I've seen this story many times before. It makes my eyes well up every time. __________________ *Help Support The Navy SEAL Foundation: HERE*

10-01-2010, 12:07 PM	#9
Tenor CS Feeling Better! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Christian Location: Davenport, FL (near Orlando) Posts: 717 Trading: (2)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Something's in my eye. Damn, it's dusty in here. __________________ When the world itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?

10-01-2010, 12:50 PM	#11
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,748 Trading: (10)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Very cool. 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.

10-01-2010, 12:55 PM	#12
taltos Really, really old Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Paul Location: Saugus, MA Posts: 2,486 Trading: (3)	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. __________________ Jimmy, some of its magic, some of its tragic, but I had a good life all the way. He Went to Paris, J. Buffett

10-01-2010, 01:01 PM	#13
jdakine Sawadee Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Jay Location: Republic of Maui Posts: 2,482 Trading: (34)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Nice read to start the day, Mahalo __________________ Live your life to the fullist and smoke your favorate cigars

10-01-2010, 02:11 PM	#14
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,593 Trading: (17)	Re: A Dog's Purpose They really need to change the air filters in here. All of us with watery eyes now. __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

10-01-2010, 02:45 PM	#16
Texan in Mexico Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Travis Location: Puerto Morelos, Mexico Posts: 958 Trading: (0)	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

10-01-2010, 03:23 PM	#17
LostAbbott Have My Own Room Join Date: Aug 2010 First Name: Mychal Location: Seattle Posts: 1,165 Trading: (23)	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. __________________ Damn I got a lot of smokes I need to try.

10-01-2010, 04:14 PM	#19
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,882 Trading: (60)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Put a lump in my throat....so true. Thanks, Kevin. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

10-01-2010, 04:16 PM	#20
Sailchaser Black Ops-SOB Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chris Location: SCS,MI(Somewere Cigar Smoking) Posts: 1,735 Trading: (7)	Re: A Dog's Purpose Kevin, Thanks for posting a great story __________________ "Sail Fast, Shoot Straight, Fish Hard and Save Time For The Important Things In Life"