A Dog's Purpose
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...
HAVE A BARKIN GOOD LIFE !
You Know You Love Dogs When...You have a kiddie wading pool in the yard, but no small children.You have baby gates permanently installed at strategic places around the house, but no babies.The trash basket is more or less permanently installed in the kitchen sink, to keep the dog out of it while you're at work.You can't see out the passenger side of the windshield because there are nose-prints all over the inside.Poop has become a source of conversation for you and your significant other.You refer to yourselves as Mommy and Daddy.Your dog sleeps with you.You have 32 different names for your dog. Most make no sense, but she understands.Your dog eats cat poop, but you still let her kiss you (but not immediately afterward, of course).You like people who like your dog. You despise people who don't.You carry dog biscuits in your purse or pocket at all times.You talk about your dog the way other people talk about their kid.You sign and send birthday/anniversary/Christmas cards from your dog.You put an extra blanket on the bed so your dog can be comfortable.You'd rather stay home on Saturday night and cuddle your dog than go to the movies with your sweetie.You go to the pet supply store every Saturday because it's one of the very few places that lets you bring your dog inside, and your dog loves to go with you.You open your purse, and that big bunch of baggies you use for pick-ups pops out.You get an extra-long hose on your shower-massage just so you can use it to wash your dog in the tub, without making the dog sit hip-deep in water.You don't think it's the least bit strange to stand in the back yard yelling, "Emily, pee!" over and over again, while Emily tends to play and forget what she's out there for (but what your neighbors think of your behavior is yet another story).You and the dog come down with something like flu on the same day. Your dog sees the vet while you settle for an over-the-counter remedy from the drugstore.Your dog is getting old and arthritic, so you go buy lumber and build her a small staircase so she can climb onto the bed by herself.Your license plate or license plate frame mentions your dog.
You Know You Love Dogs When...You have a kiddie wading pool in the yard, but no small children.You have baby gates permanently installed at strategic places around the house, but no babies.The trash basket is more or less permanently installed in the kitchen sink, to keep the dog out of it while you're at work.You can't see out the passenger side of the windshield because there are nose-prints all over the inside.Poop has become a source of conversation for you and your significant other.You refer to yourselves as Mommy and Daddy.Your dog sleeps with you.You have 32 different names for your dog. Most make no sense, but she understands.Your dog eats cat poop, but you still let her kiss you (but not immediately afterward, of course).You like people who like your dog. You despise people who don't.You carry dog biscuits in your purse or pocket at all times.You talk about your dog the way other people talk about their kid.You sign and send birthday/anniversary/Christmas cards from your dog.You put an extra blanket on the bed so your dog can be comfortable.You'd rather stay home on Saturday night and cuddle your dog than go to the movies with your sweetie.You go to the pet supply store every Saturday because it's one of the very few places that lets you bring your dog inside, and your dog loves to go with you.You open your purse, and that big bunch of baggies you use for pick-ups pops out.You get an extra-long hose on your shower-massage just so you can use it to wash your dog in the tub, without making the dog sit hip-deep in water.You don't think it's the least bit strange to stand in the back yard yelling, "Emily, pee!" over and over again, while Emily tends to play and forget what she's out there for (but what your neighbors think of your behavior is yet another story).You and the dog come down with something like flu on the same day. Your dog sees the vet while you settle for an over-the-counter remedy from the drugstore.Your dog is getting old and arthritic, so you go buy lumber and build her a small staircase so she can climb onto the bed by herself.Your license plate or license plate frame mentions your dog.
A six-year-old knew more than we do. Perhaps we should listen to children more often.
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