Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A Dogs Purpose

A Dogs Purpose: (from a 6-year-old point of view)
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 6 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 hm. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time. 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. He said, "People are born so that they can learn h ow to live a good life--like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The 6 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, drinks lots of water and lie under a shady tree
*When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body
*Delight in the simple joys of a long walk
*Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough
*Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you are 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 a new day.


And always remember:
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.

9 comments:

A social worker in the making. said...

Okay Caroline your physic or something Pepper has been up to her evilness today and has me scratching my head on why do I love her to death your post had the answer thank you very much. She will probably live to see another day LOL.

Lynilu said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lynilu said...

Well, I made a correction and wiped out part of my text.....

I just walked up to a neighbor's with Max and Joey, and while there learned that they had to put down their Maizy last Thursday. It was not unexpected as she has been sick and going downhill, but still sad. And they lost their other dog just a few weeks back. They are really grieving. We talked a little bit about what they mean in our lives and we in theirs. It is beautiful and sad all at once. But regardless, they are significant.

Nice post. :)

MJ said...

Cowboy's son will soon have to put thier boxer to sleep--cancer. It's is very sad but the passage from the boy is so true.

Renaissance Woman said...

Love the last quote! I'm going to say that to myself every day.

Julie said...

Got a little teary reading this. I like the quote too.

Anonymous said...

Loved the post and the little boy's explanation.
For the second time today, I got teary while reading a blog. I already called MJ to let her know that she made me cry today.
Kim

Minnesota Nice said...

This is beautiful. If only we could be as good as our dogs. I needed that tip on digging until I find what's buried -- thank you for posting this!!

Monogram Queen said...

You know, dogs are pretty damn smart when you think about it.
Dogs and kids.......