The Purpose of Dogs

“Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten year old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. They were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found that he was dying of cancer. I told the family that I could do nothing for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog at 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. The felt Shane might learn something form 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 away peacefully.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s dying without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death wondering about the sad fact that animals’ lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening, piped up,”I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him,. What came out of his mouth stunned me. I’ve never heard a more comforting explanation. It as changed the way I try to live.

Shane 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 long.”

Live Simply, Love Generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly.”

Remember if a dog was a teacher you would learn things like;

• When loved ones come home, always run to meet them.

• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

• All the experience of fresh air and wind in your face take to be pure ecstasy.

• Take Naps.

• Stretch before rising.

• Run , Romp and play daily.

• Thrive on attentions and let people touch you

* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do

* On warm days, stop and lie in 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 whole 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!”