Dog's Purpose, from a 4-year-old

[ElsewheresDaughter]

thank you Pharoh's Father for sending me this



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 four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt 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 four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."




Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff 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.

LOVE TO ALL!!! Have an awesome week!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

1. That is my favorite story.

What an insightful look at a dog's purpose. Out of the mouthes of babes comes true wisdom.
Duckie

[femmocrat]

2. That is such good advice...

I wish I could come back as a corgi....

[rurallib]

3. tears on my keyboard.

thanks.

[Turn CO Blue]

4. GD could use some dog wisdom lately

"like loving everybody all the time and being nice"

I came to the lounge and found this - thanks!

tcb

[Kajsa]

5. This is the most beautiful story

I've heard in a long time.

Tears are on my keyboard, too.

What a wonderful, bright young man he is.

Belker and his family were very fortunate to have each other.

Thank you so much.

:hug:

and thanks,Pharoh's Father, for all you do for our animal buddies.

[SeattleGirl]

6. Wow, I love this story.

It gave me chills (in a good way), especially reading what Shane said about why animals don't live as long as we do.

Thank you.

[Stinky The Clown]

7. This belongs on The Greatest page, not in the Lounge.

Thanks you thank you thank you for that wonderful story.

Dogs.

[Greylyn58]

8. Love the story and the dog picture

I live with a 11 1/2 yr old Golden who is the love of my life. My beautiful boy is loved by everyone who mets him. My folks even refer to him as their fur-grandchild.

Thanks for the story.