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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 timeand
being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued,
'Well, dogs already know how to d o 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.
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 timeand
being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued,
'Well, dogs already know how to d o 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.
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.
Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing
you have.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
That's what dogs teach us...
4 comments:
This is true. I lost my dog Teddy a couple of months ago, and I will never get over that.
That is so true. Put my Cherokee down not too long ago. I have had a dog almost all of my life. Hugs, Janie
Our animals are our family too, for the amount of love we give to them i swear they give it back 100 times over.
They know when we are sad, feeling low and somehow they express their feelings to us by licking us, snuggling up to us and generally just being there when no-one else is
hugs Jayne
do you still have them?
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