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.
Thanks tabbylyn - I have a friend who has a dog that’s been recently diagnosed with cancer. Her dog now gets to ride in the front seat of her truck instead of in the back under a canopy topper.
I held my 18 year old cat while she went to “sleep” - cried so much I took the next day off - my supervisor understood, no questions asked…
margueritem about 15 years ago
As well we all know!
ladywolf17 about 15 years ago
Yep Sophie saving the world one diaper change at a time.
alondra about 15 years ago
That’s right. It’s at the point when the smell hits your nose.
GROG Premium Member about 15 years ago
Leaving Sophie free and clear to raid the kitchen.
blackman2732 about 15 years ago
True indeed, Sophie.
cleokaya about 15 years ago
Fortunately, not a task that I have had to do.
sjoujke about 15 years ago
Man - I HOPE that’s a cookie!
tabbylynn about 15 years ago
it could be the smell or Doug could just pee on him. lol
SallyLin about 15 years ago
Brilliant, Sophie!
D-i-c-e-R about 15 years ago
Legennn-…….…. (wait for it)…………..darryyyyyy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndwaw8q6MiY
tabbylynn about 15 years ago
Also to anyone who has ever lost a dog.
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
D-i-c-e-R about 15 years ago
@tabbylynn that was a Legennn-…….…. (wait for it)…………..darryyyyyy post.
tabbylynn about 15 years ago
D-i-c-e-R lol thanks.
GJ_Jehosaphat about 15 years ago
Thanks tabbylyn - I have a friend who has a dog that’s been recently diagnosed with cancer. Her dog now gets to ride in the front seat of her truck instead of in the back under a canopy topper.
I held my 18 year old cat while she went to “sleep” - cried so much I took the next day off - my supervisor understood, no questions asked…