''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life "

[DainBramaged]

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.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!



(This was sent to me by someone I love)

[tblue]

1. K&R! So sweet.

I'm keeping this one. I love doggies and that little boy, so wise! Out of the mouths of babes....right?

[malthaussen]

2. Like the man said...

... if dogs don't go to Heaven, I want to be sent wherever they go.

-- Mal

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. That is so perfect, my dear DainBramaged!

Made me tear up, it did...

Thank you.

:hug:

[DainBramaged]

11. Me too, made me remember all of my furbabies who had to go that way....

:hug:

[Owl]

4. Wonderful!

[hifiguy]

5. I am coming over all misty now.

That was beautiful, Dain.

[a la izquierda]

6. I think the only person I know...

who lives like this is my husband.
Who works every day with dogs.

I can't wait to see him- two more weeks :)

[KT2000]

7. Oh my,

what a sweet child.

[snappyturtle]

8. Love it!

[JuniperLea]

9. I really needed this today...

Thank you for posting.

[DainBramaged]

10. .....

:hug:


DU hugs, at your service.

[flying rabbit]

12. K&R

very nice.

[Raine]

13. Aw gee, that brought tears to my eyes

THANKS so much for sharing it.

[DainBramaged]

21. Got me too

My beloved ex is taking her old and great English Bull Terrier to the vet today. They think he has a brain tumor (nose bleeds, eye puffed out, antibiotics didn't help) And it may be his last day.


It always hurts.

[bvar22]

14. Beautiful!

Kicked

Recommended

and Forwarded to family & friends.


If I had a tail.
I would wag it for this post.

[SammyWinstonJack]

15. Reading this while laying on the bed with my three best(fur) friends

Sammy
Winston
and
Jack



Thank you for sharing this.

[Melissa G]

16. I particularly liked...

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do..



Thanks for posting!

[tammywammy]

17. Lovely. n/t

[targetpractice]

18. A dog on his master (a poem by Billy Collins)

As young as I look,
I am growing older faster than he,
seven to one
is the ratio they tend to say.

Whatever the number,
I will pass him one day
and take the lead
the way I do on our walks in the woods.

And if this ever happens
to cross his mind,
it would be the sweetest
shadow I have ever cast on snow or grass.


I wanted to contribute to this awesome thread by sharing that simple, sweet poem I discovered recently.

[Riftaxe]

19. Absolutely beautiful nt

[fasttense]

20. That boy and his family feel the loss of that dog.

The dog provided no financial support for anyone in that family but they loved him just the same.

They felt love for their pet. They feel love for each other.

And that is what is broken in our American cut-throat society. We don't feel.

We need to get back to feeling for each other.

[Grateful for Hope]

22. Thank you for posting this

:hug:

[DainBramaged]

23. Always

and it wasn't about my beloved kittehs........

:hug: