Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

I received the following forwarded email and it really touched me. I don't usually forward emails, but I thought our Tripawd community would appreciate it. I hope it brings a smile to your face like it did for me!

A  Dog's  Purpose    (from  a 6-year-old  boy).

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.''

Love  generously.

Care deeply.
Speak  kindly.
Live simply.

Remember, if a dog was the  teacher you would learn things like:

When  loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Always be loyal.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

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.

Avoid biting when a simple  growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lay on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lays 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!