This was sent to me years ago when I lost one of the amazing animals that I have been bl seed to have in my life. I hope it provides peace.
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.
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 thing s 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.
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.
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.
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 thing s 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.
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.
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