A Dog, for anyone who has loved and been loved by one Options

[LoveThem]

I wanted to post this where so many dog owners would be sure to see it. This was sent to me by a friend who had to put her 2 dogs down not so long ago. I have had some beautiful ones be a part of my life for many years and I can so relate to what is written here. I thought many would enjoy this as much as I did reading it. I consider it a beautiful tribute to a special furbaby:

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old's perspective)

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 their six-year-old son Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though he 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:

1 - When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2 - Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
3 - Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
4 - Take naps.
5 - Stretch before rising.
6 - Run, romp, and play daily.
7 - Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
8 - Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
9 - On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
10 - On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
11 - When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
12 - Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
13 - Be loyal.
14 - Never pretend to be something you're not.
15 - If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
16 - When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

* ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

[goliath]

Thanks Judy for putting that lesson sheet out for all to learn from. As soon as I read it, I copied it and sent it to all of my co-workers..........These all the lessons in a nutshell that Goliath brought into my life. My goal from the very start of each new day is to work toward making a difference wherever I go. The next time I get all tongue tied in trying to express to another what dogs can teach us if we let them, I will pull the lesson list you posted from my pocket and hand it to them.

Thanks for bringing such a wondrous and profound list of lessons so full of wisdom.

Beth