reprinted form a heart-warming email sent to Dr Marc A DiCarlo
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.
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 t
o greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to
go for a joy-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.
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!
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