Wednesday, October 29, 2008

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

Mommy and i got an email from my Aunti Alyssa annd wanted to share these photos as well as the story that came with them. The story is very touching and mommy and i thought that everyone would be moved by it.

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.

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 on 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.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply & Speak kindly,

Coco - The Princess

7 comments:

Sunny,Scooter, (sometimes Jamie) said...

So true. Chokes Mom up!
Hugs
Sunny

Pedro said...

Coco,

That is nice. I especially like the picture of the great dane with the little kitten. What a great picture of gentleness!

Pedro

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

That is such a lovely story, Coco! Thanks for sharing it....=) Mom is very touched by it. Hope you have a great day!

Scottie

Thor and Jack said...

Hi there!
What a lovely story! Great pictures! Thanks for sharing with us!
Nice to meet you, Coco! You are a very cute puppie!

Love and licks
Thor

Girl Girl Hamster said...

That's so true.. we furkids sure can teach alot to the hoomans. I love that picture of the doggies with the showercap in the bath


~ Girl girl

Lorenza said...

Hi, Coco!
All those pictures are great!
And the story is pawesome too! Thanks for sharing it!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Stanislaw said...

Very touching! And those photos were so funny!