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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.
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
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