The Purpose of a Dog

Be sure to scroll all the way down & read the story

and thoughts at the end. They are the best part of

this email. Children are very wise!

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.''



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!'




Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for
companionship, to teach us, and to heal us. They
deserve our very best efforts in caring for them'

...Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM.

____________________

*contributed by an email sent to me from a friend at
Teaching Hands: Cindy Rosen. Thanks Cindy!