The Dogmother Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 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. It has changed the way I try and live. 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. There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 What a lovely post although of course sad that the dog passed away. Ended up sitting at my desk with tears running down my face but all so true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 sniff... I'm off outside for a Dylan cuddle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 10, 2013 Author Share Posted January 10, 2013 sniff... I'm off outside for a Dylan cuddle Happy Boy would cheer anyone up. Reminded me of when our last lurcher was PTS......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Aw thanks for posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 That is just lovely, and so very true. Brought a tear to my eye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 I've had an awful day today but that has helped me re-focus...that and one of our Border Terriers belching loudly just now Thank you for posting it DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Ah that is very moving. Thank you for posting, off to find the tissues. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superkitty Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 That made me cry, and I haven't even got a dog! (Yet) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gem_xxx Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 That's lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 That's lovely . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 That really is lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 So true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 That is a wonderful post. Especially as I have my dog snuzzling up to me gently. We could learn a lot from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 *sob* emotionally wreck at moment, but so true. Sleep well all our little angels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Beautiful Clare.....little damp eyed here too..... My 2 were there when both of our old girls were PTS....DD was much younger than Shane, but I felt they'd seen the boos fade so should see the peaceful end, not just have them swept from their young lives with no chance to say goodbye....ok, now a lot damp eyed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clunie Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Just read this post and I know exactly where you are all coming from. I had tears in my eyes reading it. When my boy was 4 we had our first lurcher pts at home, she was very ill, had chronic kidney failure and was only 7. Jamie accepted it all really well and helped us bury her the next day. The next lurcher we had unfortunately escaped and managed to get himself killed on the road outside our house, luckily Jamie didn't witness this, but once again understood the concept of death (he was amost 7 by that time). Children just seem to understand beyond their years, especially when brought up with animals. I did love the thoughts that you wrote down. One problem I have when I do cry at eg postings etc is taht one of my deerhounds will come up and stick a great wet nose in my face - she gets very upset when I cry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...