> 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.''
>
> -----------------
>
>
> 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!