> A Dog's Purpose
>
> Because I am a vet, 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 that 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 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 l ittle 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
> 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 car ride.
>
> 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.
>
> Always be grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you.
>
> ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! Pretty good advice, huh?
> (Author Unknown)
>
>
>
> "Thanks for reading and remember how very much you are loved."
JODY
"WE MUST BE THE CHANGE WE WISH
TO SEE IN THE WORLD" ~ Gandhi
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